Need help with a good home owner Stud Finder


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Old 03-19-18, 07:19 AM
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Lightbulb Need help with a good home owner Stud Finder

I have a cheap $20 Zircon stud finder, it is so finicky when trying to detect electrical I don't even dare to hang anything. I'd like something more advanced that can pick up other items as well.

I was looking at the Bosch GMS120 and the Zircon MultiScanner X85 OneStep. Any advice on what works best? I don't want to hit a metal (copper) pipe or electrical when hanging items.
 
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Old 03-19-18, 07:24 AM
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I question why you would be using any fastener that is long enough to hit any of those things.
 
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Old 03-19-18, 07:27 AM
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Can you guarantee that the person installing the items in need of detection placed them at the right depth?
 
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Old 03-19-18, 07:41 AM
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I bought this one, which is a bit pricey, but it actually worked, unlike any other stud finder I've ever used. NAYY.
 
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Old 03-19-18, 07:53 AM
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No more than you can guarantee that you won't hit something anyway. Sorry, I have never used an expensive stud finder. In 27 years of carpentry, a cheap Zircon is all I have ever needed and I have never had a problem using it.
 
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Old 03-19-18, 08:02 AM
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Thanks, very helpful XSleeper.. glad that I came here to as a question. :
 
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Old 03-19-18, 09:53 AM
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You are a bit snarky, aren't you? I'm one of thousands of members, so feel free to wait for others to chime in. Answering questions is usually a group effort. We each contribute from our own experiences.
 
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Old 03-19-18, 10:05 AM
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I use an old Zircon too. It's great locating wood and metal studs. It has deep scan so it will work somewhat thru old plaster and lath. It has the electrical proximity sensor it. It's not something I would rely on. If an item is not fairly close to the wall.... you won't see it. It's not good at finding all pipes.

If you're serious about seeing in the wall.... try one of theses.... Walabot
 
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Old 03-19-18, 02:05 PM
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If you don't want to spend the money on the WALABOT then you need to learn how to use the Zircon stud finder. Practice. There are few trick you can also use to confirm the Zircon. Try knocking on the wall. If it sound hollow then it is. If it sounds and feels solid then a stud is behind the wall board. Then use a very small finish nail to confirm it.
 
 

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