There will be many occasions when you may need to hang something on a wall in your home. If this is a standard picture then you shouldn’t need to worry too much about getting it right, but for anything heavier like a flat-screen TV, shelves, cabinets or large mirrors you are going to need to be careful! So if you are going to be hanging something heavier then you are definitely going to need a stud finder to help you get the job done!
Table could not be displayed.A stud finder is basically going to do what the name suggests – find wall studs that you aren’t going to be able to see otherwise. Basically, if you are trying to secure a heavier object to a hollow wall then it is always recommended that you pick a spot where there is a wall stud behind the wall as this will offer you more strength and stability. The problem is finding this spot….this used to involve taking a guess and just starting drilling, resulting in a number of holes that you then had to fill afterwards seeing as most wall studs are only around 2″ wide! With a stud finder, this is made so much easier as it will find the location for you through the surface of the wall.
The only issue is that you need a stud finder that you can rely on! Failing to find a decent quality product could result in you still drilling holes in the wrong place, or even worse you hanging your television on the wall just for it to fall off again a few days later! Don’t panic though – we have done the hard part for you so you can get to work!
Best Pick Stud Finder – Bosch Professional Stud Finder GMS 120
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Before you decide which type of stud finder you’re going for, make sure you’re clear on what you intend on using your stud finder for:
| Stud Material | Stud Location |
| Most domestic dwellings have wooden studs, but in some cases, metal or plastic studs may have been used. Depending on the model of stud finder you go for, certain stud finders are only calibrated to locate one type of stud material, so consider what type of studs you’ll be working to locate and choose a model accordingly. | Where are the studs you’re trying to find? Are they in a wall, ceiling, or in some cases, the floor? Basic stud finder models are unlikely to be strong enough to penetrate a thick surface. You’ll also need to consider if you’re going for a hand-controlled model, how much grip you’re going to need so you’re able to hold and control the stud finder comfortably. |
Once you’re clear on what you’ll be using your stud finder for, you can start to think about the type that is best suited to your needs and your budget.
- Magnetic stud finders
Old-school magnetic stud finders keep things simple. They locate the stud area by displaying magnetic attraction when they source the nails that hold the studs and the plasterboard fixings. When you feel the pull, there’s a good chance your stud finder has struck gold (well, a wall stud nail!!!) They’re long-lasting and portable as they don’t rely on an electric power source and will fit easily into a toolbox or tool belt.
Basic magnetic stud finder models consist of just a fixed magnet, which you manually slide across the wall until you feel the magnetic force take hold. The next step-up is a magnet encased, usually in plastic, which makes a noise or has a visual indicator when the magnet moves inside the casing. A useful design feature to look out for on a magnetic stud finder is a central groove or V indentation on the magnet or casing, which you can use to position a screw or make a pencil mark. Some models also have a spirit level incorporated to help with straightness.
The disadvantage when it comes to magnetic stud finders is that they actually locate the plasterboard fixing, not the stud. This is fine if the stud’s where it should be, but if it’s off-centre, even slightly, you could be a few centimetres away when it comes to drilling, which can make all the difference in terms of safety and accuracy! The magnets are also attracted to any ferrous metals (metals which contain iron) so if there’s anything hiding behind that wall that falls into this category, such as piping or an old electric box, you’ll feel the attraction from the magnet.
- Electronic stud finders
Electronic stud finders are battery-powered and use sensors to detect changes in wall density. As the sensors are moved along the surface of the wall, they indicate changes in density. Unlike magnetic stud finders, which will only source ferrous metals, an electronic stud finder can find also find wooden studs. Results are clearly displayed on a digital screen, which gives a quick and clear indication of what the sensors have detected.
There are two types of electronic stud finders:
| Edge finders | Centre finders |
| An edge finder works with a single sensor that reacts instantaneously when it detects a change in density – this will be the edge of a stud. It isn’t able to tell you the actual size of the stud so, once it’s reacted, you’re best marking the point, then bringing the stud finder from the opposite direction until it reacts again – that should indicate the edge of the stud parallel to the one you located initially. You’ll then know the size and be able to mark the centre point. | Center finders are seriously clever. They cut out the calculating and the changing sides as they have multiple sensors, which will pick up location; stud size, and calculate the central point by obtaining two matching readings – displaying all the information clearly on an LED display. |
A disadvantage of an electronic stud finder is that the sensors can struggle if the wall thickness is inconsistent, particularly with lath and plaster walls. If your electronic stud finder has a “Deep scanning” mode this can be used to try and overcome this problem but even so, with an electronic stud finder, be prepared that on older uneven walls, in particular, it’s likely you’ll need to take several readings in order to pinpoint exactly where the studs are.
Best Budget Stud Finder – ULTRATOOL LCD Stud Wood Metal Wire Detector
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Multi-sensor or instant stud finder
The latest addition to the stud finder family is the multi-sensor stud finder. The clue is in the name – these stud finders have a multitude of sensors, which have the capability to read a whole wall, detecting multiple stud locations almost instantly. They effectively eliminate any guesswork that inevitably goes into stud finding! They’re clearly more high-tech than the magnetic and electronic alternatives, using a complicated algorithm to process data received from its numerous sensors, so inevitably this type of stud finder is going to be expensive! However, if you’re after a stud finder that has the ability to take multiple readings; combat irregularities better than an electronic stud finder, and produce much more accurate results, then an instant stud finder is the tool for you.
Useful additional features of electronic & multi-sensor stud finders
| Feature | Use |
| AC Wire detection | Some electronic stud finders can detect live electronic (AC) cables. A very useful safety feature. |
| Metal identification | Some models can detect metals and identify whether they’re ferrous or non-ferrous. Without this feature, your stud finder might be a little too keen to flash its indicator light – screwing into a copper water pipe can be a costly mistake! |
| Battery included | Most electronic stud finders require at least a 9V battery or 3 AAA batteries; as with most battery-operated products, you’ll probably have to buy these separately. |
| Automatic shut down | For electronic stud finders, it’s all about preserving the battery life; models with this energy-saving feature will make sure that when the stud finder isn’t in use, it’ll automatically shut down and so avoid any unnecessary draining of the battery. |
| Deep Scanning | A feature on electronic stud finders which helps combat the problem of walls of varying thickness, or those constructed from plaster and lath. |
| Auto Depth Scan | Provides the stud finder with the exact thickness of drywall so you’re able to plan your approach much more safely and effectively. |
Cost
You can pick up a basic magnetic stud finder for under around £10. These basic, budget models will do what the name suggests – find studs, but they’ll also detect any other ferrous metal that’s lurking in your walls. If it’s accuracy you’re after (which if you’re hanging anything of any value that needs to be straight and secure than the answer’s yes!), you’re probably better considering an electronic stud finder.
Edge-finding electronic stud finders cost around £20-£30 but they’re worth increasing your budget for – for the top end of the price range you should be able to pick up a model with deep scan mode and AC wire detection.
For around £40 you can step up your edge-finding electronic stud finder to a center finder model. Again, it’s likely that you’ll get depth modes, plus live AC detection. You’re likely to also get the added feature of metal identification, which is handy if you’re working on old walls, which may contain piping.
Multi-sensing models are the newest, most high-tech addition to the stud finder family. You’re looking at between £40-£60 for one of these but if you’re a pro, or likely to be using your stud finder regularly, one of these is certainly worth considering due to its impressive level of accuracy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is AC Detection?
AC detection is a function available on some stud finder electronic and multi-sensor models which indicates the presence of any live cabling running below a surface. The parameters of AC detection will vary between models – generally, more than a couple of inches and they’re likely to struggle – so as a precaution, you should always ensure the mains power is switched off before you start drilling.
Will an electronic stud finder work on lath and plaster walls?
Electronic stud finders are likely to struggle with lath and plaster walls as the density is inconsistent and they’re often reinforced with steel mesh. Electronic stud finders with a ‘deep scanning’ mode have been designed to try and overcome the problem but it’s likely you’ll still need to take several readings in order to pinpoint the stud’s exact location. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, multi-sensor stud finders are designed specifically to combat irregularities in density.
Are stud finders easy to use?
Yes! Stud finders are designed to be incredibly easy to you so you can’t really go wrong! Simply make sure that you have calibrated your stud finder and then place it on the wall that you are wanting to check. Once you have done that, simply press the locator button whilst you move the machine around the wall and it will beep or light up when a stud is found.
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