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.

 

[Chubber]

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.

Thanks Fitz, but it's a new build bungalow, interior all stud and plaster board, bunged full of insulation with a 4m x 5m sunroom on the south side. 40mm of loft insulation, and 150mm of celotex under the floor . There are wide roof overhangs to keep high summer sun out, and an almost flat garden. A 10 x 6 shiplap pressure treated shed is on order with DPMD (?) roofing. I have had a slab laid.

 

[macetownhouse]

Hello all

I use the Magnusson 3 on 1 detector from Screwfix, over ninety percentage accuracy on finding studs. It is in a old house and not sure what spacing the studs are, but no two are the same distance apart. It is reasonably inexpensive.
Would not trust on electricity which could result in my prematurely meeting my ancestors. Use Fluke pen for this.

Rob.

 

[trvlr]

I've got one of these (as so often the case bought from the big river company):

CH Hanson 03040 Stud 4 Sure Magnetic Stud Finder​

Works fine on plasterbaord srrufaces, and even through some tiles too...; and I think I've used it on lathe 'n plaster surfaces.

 

[Inspector]

I have a version of one of the Franklin Sensor types that was on sale at Costco but they are sold all over. They only locate studs under drywall and are as simple as you can get. If mine ever kacked I'd get another.

https://franklinsensors.com/products/

Pete

 

[pe2dave]

I agree with @macetownhouse re keeping stud and electric cables separate. The small pens work well for buried cables.

 

[trvlr]

I found (via a trawl on the web) that there are numerous apps to the same end - designed for iPhone and android phones.

I tested one, and found it really quite accurate. BUT... it takes a little getting used to it. The app I have is free (but has ads) and there is an add-free version too.

I tested it on a tiled wall too (tiles over wall/plaster board) and it did find studs.

One must of course remember that you're actually searching for the nails/screws that hold board to the studs...

I already knew approximately were the studs were, but proceeded as if I didin't and carried out a slow, meticulous scan.

The is the one I have from Examobile S.A - Metal Detector EMF

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/metal-detector-emf/id1073102084

Certainly worth investigating?