Stud Finders (nothing to do with horses...)

[Chubber]

Moving in January to SW Scotland to a new house I will have a need for the first time for a 'stud finder' to secure work to the walls. My previous homes have all been brick/block walled.

Any recommendations please?

I have looked at this model by DeWalt...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/DEWALT-Dew...&hvtargid=pla-582974125094&psc=1&gad_source=1

 

[Bingy man]

It looks ok tbh but like cable detectors They are at best a guide . Buy it and set up a few 2x2,s and place a bit of plasterboard over them and see how well and how accurate it is . If it performs well sorted if not send it back ,

 

[Katomi woodsmith]

Have a look at Bosch
Mine is outside and having a chest infection I am NOT going outside to find the model number
But I have used mine for years and it’s been very good

 

[Doug71]

If it's just for finding the studs you can use a magnet to locate the plasterboard nails/screws which are where the studs will be.

 

[SammyQ]

If it's just for finding the studs you can use a magnet to locate the plasterboard nails/screws which are where the studs will be.

Yup. Big Momma neodymium. Works like a champ.

 

[XTiffy]

I have had the Bosch PDO Multi detector for quite a few years and I find that it gives quite a lot of false positives (ie warning when there is nothing there). One adverse thing is foil backed plaster or insulation which renders them useless!

 

[Stuart Moffat]

If it's just for finding the studs you can use a magnet to locate the plasterboard nails/screws which are where the studs will be.

I was given 4 little ring neodymium magnets a few years ago, but only recently heard of this use for them. I needed to find where all the rafters were in a ceiling with no access to the roof space. The magnets find every single nail, and on some the magnets would actually hang to the ceiling. Easy to join the dots.

 

[Beau]

Not exactly what you asked but I recently bought an IR camera that happens to help you locate fixings pretty well. Also very handy for seeing where all the drafts are

Edit. I should add the IR camera only works where you have or can create temperature differentials.

Never had much luck with stud finders but then I only have tried couple of cheapos in the past

 

[Chubber]

Thanks for your inputs, I have read loads of reviews none of which were encouraging so
have decided to go with the magnet idea....eight for a fiver, drawing pin size and with a convenient handle over which I can spring a thin rubber band etc.
Free 24hr delivery from Amazon .

Sorry about the size, don't know what went wrong!

 

[benitod]

The magnets don't use batteries, which can be a problem when the stud finder has not been used for a long time.

I was given 4 little ring neodymium magnets a few years ago, but only recently heard of this use for them. I needed to find where all the rafters were in a ceiling with no access to the roof space. The magnets find every single nail, and on some the magnets would actually hang to the ceiling. Easy to join the dots.

 

[Dauph]

I have a Bosch GMS 120 Pro. It's not bad, I've always managed to find a stud but, it does give false readings as well.
I did read a review of one that was £250 that said " It turns out there's electric wiring in my cornflakes packet"
Seems they are all potentially fallible.
I have read/seen good reviews of the Wallbot but, it's a bit pricey

 

[Fitzroy]

If it’s an old property then it may be lathe and plaster over studs, in my Aberdeen home of the same construction I’ve not had much luck with the two stud finders I bought. They seems to create false positives due to the ears on the back of the lathe and plaster. I find knocking to identify the least hollow spot more reliable.