Stud finders - do you use them?
#1
01-28-15, 10:34 AM
Stud finders - do you use them?
I'm looking to buy a stud finder. Are these things any good? What kind do you use, if any?
#3
01-28-15, 11:42 AM
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This question comes up a lot. I do not use stud finders and my job depends on finding studs accurately. I install high-end cabinets and must drill only once, no guessing. I use a powerful magnet.
The magnet allows you to establish vertical nailing patterns and nailing patterns in ceiling joists, such as 16" or 24" on center. It also makes determining the direction of ceiling joists easier.
There are other tricks, such as expecting a stud at the left side of an outlet box, and verifying, then look for a pattern.
A lot has to do with being familiar with framing techniques.
Stud finders have their place, but there are better ways.
The magnet allows you to establish vertical nailing patterns and nailing patterns in ceiling joists, such as 16" or 24" on center. It also makes determining the direction of ceiling joists easier.
There are other tricks, such as expecting a stud at the left side of an outlet box, and verifying, then look for a pattern.
A lot has to do with being familiar with framing techniques.
Stud finders have their place, but there are better ways.
#4
01-28-15, 01:25 PM
I have a Craftsman stud finder [came with a new drill] and I use it sometimes but I went so long without one that I still often resort to tapping on the wall .... but I couldn't imagine doing carpentry work professionally with out one 
#5
01-28-15, 02:17 PM
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As the others have said they have have their place, but do not relay on them as an end all. Use them as a guide then use other methods to verify. The electronic ones use density soundings to find a stud, but that can be deceiving if additional drywall or repair has been done previously or if cross braces have been used. The magnetic ones work unless other iron metal might be in the way or non-magnetic nails were used. If deep driven staples are used then the magnetic ones won't pick-up anything. Using a small finishing nail is perhaps the most true and tried method to establish a stud. Usually the test hole can be covered with paint or Spackle or the test hole will be covered anyway.
#7
01-28-15, 03:11 PM
Ditto on the need to verify above. Plus, once you have found the stud, can you attach to it. General rule is no screws or nails deeper than 1.5" into the wood. But, if that is subtracted from both sides you are left with just 1/2" in the middle for the electrician and plumbers to use, not going to happen. When they get closer to the surface with pipes or wires they are supposed to cover the stud with a nail plate, so don't dig out the drill and punch right through.
As stated above, be sure you understand all you can about where you are attaching something.
Bud
As stated above, be sure you understand all you can about where you are attaching something.
Bud
#8
01-28-15, 04:47 PM
Group Moderator
I'm like Bud with a ten year old Zircon. Like anything else.... practice makes perfect. I use my stud finder all the time. I install a lot of recessed fixtures and customers don't like exploratory holes. That being said.... the stud finder only helps to find the studs. It does nothing for what may be between the studs or joists. It's an aid. It's still very important to understand framing.
When I use it in a customers home they always say "those things don't work".
I tell them... practice makes perfect.
When I use it in a customers home they always say "those things don't work".
I tell them... practice makes perfect.
#9
01-28-15, 05:33 PM
Mine is something like this one, I think. It finds the center and edges of studs, and also detects electrical current and metal studs, as well as deep scan. They do work. It's just sonar technology.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Zircon-Co...3923/202184891
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Zircon-Co...3923/202184891
Last edited by chandler; 01-29-15 at 02:38 AM. Reason: added link
#11
01-28-15, 07:16 PM
Larry, you didn't post the "this one". Curious as I remember zeroing in on a stud I wanted for a shelf, but double checked and it didn't seem right. Happens I had photos of the building in progress and when I checked it was a bundle of electrical wires and not a stud. My old stud finder could barely find the studs. The newer one can find more than studs. I need to always be careful.
Bud
Bud
