Replies

1. 
   DonCanDo | Sep 30, 2009 09:37pm | #1

   Did you try the search function?  As I recall, every time this question comes up, the consensus is that none of them work particularly well on plaster walls.

   I've had an electronic stud finder in my van for years.  It's a Craftsman that's supposed to be able to sense extra deep.  Sometimes it works, but usually not.  I've gotten accustomed to using other techniques for finding studs (drill, awl, knuckle-rap, measuring, etc.) and I haven't even used the stud finder in a long time.

1. 
   kbd | Sep 30, 2009 09:51pm | #3

   I did the search function. Most were a few years old. I was hoping for a new stud finder.  Kevin

2. 
   MikeHennessy | Sep 30, 2009 09:41pm | #2

   "My old Zircon stud finder does not seem to be working. Indicates studs everywhere. "

   Hmm. Sounds like it's working normally. ;-(

   Good luck on finding an electronic stud finder that's accurate. A rare earth magnet to locate the nails is the best way I know of, short of using a nail in some unobtrusive spot.

   That said, some folks recommend the Bosch. It'll set ya back about a hundred clams, tho'. (Personally, I never felt it was worth the investment to find out.)

   Mike Hennessy
   Pittsburgh, PA
   Everything fits, until you put glue on it.

3. 
   brucet9 | Sep 30, 2009 09:57pm | #4

   FWIW, Bosch's expensive stud, metal, electrical finder looked great on their test board at the Ganahl Lumber Co tool fair but when I tried it out on a mockup wall (2'x 3' with 2x3's 12"oc and 1/2" drywall) at a nearby booth for a magnetic finder, it couldn't find the studs. The embarrassed Bosch guy couldn't make it work either.

   Maybe something was wrong with that particular one, maybe not. I bought the $6 magnetic gizmo instead.

   BruceT
1. 
   xMike | Oct 01, 2009 12:05am | #5

   Three or 4 of the quarter sized super magnets that Lee Valley sells does an amazing job of finding the nails or screws that hold drywall, or in the case of plaster, nails for the battens (or sheetrock in our house), in place. A string of three absolutely identifies the stud. The forth is simply a replacement for the one that you lose. :)Mike

1. 
   brucet9 | Oct 01, 2009 01:04am | #6

   Yeah, but this one has a little spirit level in it too; woohoo!Actually, when my daughter called from NYC to ask how to find the studs in her apartment wall I told her to use a refrigerator magnet. Worked just fine.I like your idea of a string of magnets. Probably could help with hart-to-find nails deep in a plaster wall if you stack 3 or 4 magnets for more power.BruceT

1. 
   xMike | Oct 01, 2009 02:24am | #7

   If you buy a stack of the quarter sized ones from LV, watch out for their amazing strength. I was careless in handling a stack of 6 and got a blood blister when three snapped together with the other 3 whilst playing with them. That was a surprise!
   Mike