Replies

1. 
   DanH | Mar 31, 2013 05:25pm | #1

   I've found that a hollow-wall anchor is the most reliable stud finder.

2. 
   jimjimjim | Mar 31, 2013 09:55pm | #2

   Paul,

   I've also got a couple of stud finders that I never use.

   What works for me is rapping with the big knuckle of my right index finger.  I also sometimes check layout by removing an electrical trim plate (if possible) and probing outside the box right and left for the stud.  If I really need to confirm I use a nail at the prospective point of penetration or at some other inconspicuous location.

   I try to be careful because my policy is never to leave holes, however small, even if they are covered by other stuff (e.g. cabinets or shelf brackets).  And I don't enjoy patching and painting (if I don't have to).

   Regards,

   Jim

3. 
   rdesigns | Apr 02, 2013 10:50am | #3

   A 1/2" rare earth magnet is a

   A 1/2" rare earth magnet is a cheap and accurate stud finder.

   Knock on the wall to listen for the approximate stud location, then slide the magnet up and down that line till the magnet sticks to a nail or screw head.

   Leave it there as a temporary marker and guide.

4. 
   gloriasmith | Apr 03, 2013 09:02am | #4

   I use bosch stud finder and actully like it. You can check the features online about it.

1. 
   calvin | Apr 03, 2013 10:30pm | #5

   Gloria

   What model?

   How many times did you use it?

5. 
   user-2129773 | Apr 04, 2013 08:23pm | #6

   I have one of the pretty "high end" stud finders and I seldom use it. Was never real happy with the accuracy. I use the magnet idea also. I have one that is a "key" for the magnetic operated child safety locks. Its a very powerful magnet encased in plastic. It is easy to hold and does not mar the wall. Its nice to ba able to just let it stick there on the wall for reference. 

1. 
   Mike_Mahan | Apr 05, 2013 03:09pm | #7

   electro magnetic drill press

   This sounds like a great use for my electromagnetic drill press. (I got it with the contents of a shop I bought. I've never used it.) It only weighs about 150 lbs, so lifting it would be no problem. If there are any nails or screws this mother will pull them right out of the studs.

6. 
   JoshuaM | Apr 11, 2013 04:51am | #8

   Magnets

   I used to have a Zircon Stud Finder that I could never get to work properly. I got so frustrated with it I won't even consider looking into getting a better one.

   I've been using a magnet for the last couple of years and have found it a lot better. Two things I don't like about them are the fact that they are not very good on Lathe and Plaster walls (wall covering is thicker and nail head are smaller) or anything thicker then 5/8". Second thing is they are really easy to leave behind on a wall after done using it.

1. 
   calvin | Apr 11, 2013 06:00am | #9

   Joshua

   A poster here introduced us to something he came up with that might help you.  It takes your idea of a rare earth magnet but puts it in a golf ball sized plastic housing.  As you pass it over a nail it makes a significant click to alert you that you have metal buried there.

   Search for Studthud for more info and see if it's available.

   I have used a prototype and found it could find screws/nails behind tile, the small lath nails (most) in plaster, and other usual hard spots.

   On an exterior wall, an infrared camera will fill the bill quite nicely (depending on insulation tactics and climate).  Downside, the 3000 dollar price tag.

7. 
   DanH | Apr 11, 2013 06:16am | #10

   I'll have to toss in here the fact that when we resided our house about 20 years back I used a stud finder to find the studs prior to hanging the new siding.  We had a conventional 2x4 frame covered with brownboard sheathing and Tyvek.  Had little trouble finding the studs with the finder.  Didn't drive a single "air nail" on the entire house.

   Of course, also made use of the 16" stud spacing, et al, to locate the studs, but the builder changed the stud pitch several times and without the finder we would have been lost.  The sheathing was installed with staples, which would have been difficult to find with a magnet.

1. 
   DonCanDo | Apr 11, 2013 07:35am | #11

   So, which stud finder did you use that worked so well?

1. 
   DanH | Apr 11, 2013 06:14pm | #12

   How would I know -- I haven't seen it in 10 years, at least.

   It was yellow.

1. 
   DonCanDo | Apr 11, 2013 06:22pm | #13

   Thanks.

   I'll make sure my next stud finder is, um... yellow

   (actually, Zircon's are yellow so it might have been that)

1. 
   DanH | Apr 11, 2013 06:34pm | #14

   (Actually, I'm thinking that the old one was getting long in the tooth so I bought a new one that was nowhere near as good.  But don't have much use for a stud finder, so don't know where any of them are right now.)

2. 
   DonCanDo | Apr 12, 2013 08:11am | #15

   Sounds like you need a stud finder finder

3. 
   DanH | Apr 12, 2013 06:54pm | #16

   Nah, it'd just get lost in the garage.

4. 
   marv | May 07, 2013 05:36pm | #17

   stud finder

   I got this one for xmas and it works way cool.  Well I guess you still cant copy and paste on this forum.  go to franklinsensors.com for a look.

5. 
   calvin | May 07, 2013 06:50pm | #18

   Marv.

   You can post pictures/drawings that you've saved to your computer first. 

   Links are no problem usually.