Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - Stud Finders

Have old stud finder that is basically just a pivoting magnet. Was wondering how the new electronic type stud finders work and which one performs the best. Thanks.

I have one from Zircon. I use it to some degree, but I still rely on the old knuckle tap to be sure.

rkc:

I have two but honestly can't remember what make.

They both work the same but as weebee said they have limitations.
If the drywall isn't making good contact with the stud no finder will give good results.

I highly recomend them though.

In combination with the knuckle rap, screwhead search and measuring from a known stud you will find 'em every time.

I use a "Zircon" stud finder that usually can show me both edges of a stud. Since all stud finders can be fooled by stuff inside the wall, I always verify stud location by driving a small finishing nail at the mark. If it hits wood, I'm good to go.

Originally posted by Dave_D1945
I use a "Zircon" stud finder that usually can show me both edges of a stud. Since all stud finders can be fooled by stuff inside the wall, I always verify stud location by driving a small finishing nail at the mark. If it hits wood, I'm good to go.

is that the one with the light beam up the edge of the stud?

Both of mine will locate the edge of the stud with a series of led's that light up as you approach the stud.
When the last one lights you are right on the edge, and as you pass the stud when one goes out you change direction and when the last one lights again you're there.

It usually is right on.

That's the one, millertime. Costs about $10 at Home Depot. It also seems to get messed up if you slide it too fast. Take your time and it works great.

Originally posted by GregH
Both of mine will locate the edge of the stud with a series of led's that light up as you approach the stud.
When the last one lights you are right on the edge, and as you pass the stud when one goes out you change direction and when the last one lights again you're there.

It usually is right on.

I have one like that. I want the light beam one though:D

I have a small high power magnet about the size of a dime I slide it over the wall and it latches on to nails that is were my studs are.Kinda a cheap primitive way but it works.

It may work, Michael, but if it doesn't have blinking lights and digital readouts it can't be much fun. :D :D

My old Zircon LED gave up and I bought the light-beam one. It does a lot of extra things--special blinkies to indicate electrical wires and I don't know what else because the 6 paragraphs or so of dense instructions are in microscopic font that I can't read.

I have to hold the button in a couple of times before it "takes" and finds the stud. The light is nice but the old "dumb" one was easier and faster to use.

Ya, If it looks good on TV then it probably is no good.

I guess it is not much fun as one with a zillion LEDS and buzzers but I am from the old school were you have to do with what you have.

rkc...you have the best stud finder.

This site is quite humorous. Fun! I recently bought the black&decker bullseye I think they call it. It has a top-knotch stud-finder and an automatic leveling laser line that is very handy. comes with anchoring pins that will hold it on even a hard stucco wall. I forget what I paid but I really like it.

This is no joke guys. I whipped out my beeping, flashing studfinder the other day while my unmarried neice stood nearby and watched. Honestly, when I told her what it was, she said, "I need one of those".

Just a thought...

Most college age kids have discovered that putting nails for pictureframs into sheetrock doesn't work so well (they haven't discovered anchor's).

She maybe trying to hang some pictures -- be prepared to get a call :)

Morning all,
- i have 3 studfinders including the 'original' Zircon i've had for about 15 years ! I couldn't do without them. There is NO way a magnet can compete, as it will not find most wallboard screws and NEVER find a stud's edge.
The zircon style studfinders rely on measuring 'capacitance' in the electrical sense, and this is why they must be firmly pressed and moved fairly slowly. When theyre on wallboard, capacitance depth is estabished and as soon as it increases the LED's light up. VIVA ZIRCON :cool:

Lug did you say UNMARRIED....AND into tools?????? :eek: ...where do you live again? :D

Wait...how old is she?

BTW I see now, kansas city, not too far...not too close either :p

Down boy
She may be more interested in the "stud" than the finder
lol

LOL...well... :( ..thats not me.. :p

There is NO way a magnet can compete, as it will not find most wallboard screws...
I guess he's using a rare-earth magnet (http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=40077&cat=1,42363). I've toyed with one of these chrome-plated devils, and it definitely can find any drywall screw and actually resists losing it. A number of them could be handy for leaving stuck to the wall during work. Then pluck them off and no marks left.

A cute variation: "Spherical magnets (http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=45088&cat=1,42363,42348&ap=1)... can also be rolled along the crack in a hardwood floor where it will stop and quiver like a Labrador on point whenever it rolls over a nail, so that you can map the nails and then cut into the floor without fear of tool damage. "

Hey Kobuchi, - I can tell you've been spending time in 'Lee Valley Tools'. Should we tell our southern cousins about 'Lee Valley' ?
Nah, they'll just be unhappy or jealous they don't have one down there... they don't do they ?
it's still a canuck secret , right ? ;)

Do it Right - Do it once.

Morning all,
- i have 3 studfinders including the 'original' Zircon i've had for about 15 years ! I couldn't do without them. There is NO way a magnet can compete, as it will not find most wallboard screws and NEVER find a stud's edge.
The zircon style studfinders rely on measuring 'capacitance' in the electrical sense, and this is why they must be firmly pressed and moved fairly slowly. When theyre on wallboard, capacitance depth is estabished and as soon as it increases the LED's light up. VIVA ZIRCON :cool:
i agree they are the best.