Electronic Stud Finder

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Oldmoparguy1

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I'm looking to buy an Electronic Stud Finder for installing a TV wall mount. Please advise what you are using and how effective is it? After reading many reviews, I think the Zircon StudSensor e50 Electronic Stud Finder is what I want, but I'm open to any and all suggestions.

TIA

Wayne
 
A couple of days ago a bought an zircon e55hd, the specs look quite similar.

It seems to work fine I have not nailed or screwed into air or a wire yet. It says there is wire where I would guess there is wire, and studs basically where they should be.

The only complaint I have is that you have to hold the power button down, I would prefer it to stay on until turned off...
 
I just tap on the wall and listen for the stud. Then I can measure 16" off that for the neighboring studs.

Originally Posted By: Donald
Most of the stud finders I have seen just point to me.


That's what you get when you buy the Harbor Freight garbage. They're never very accurate and very poor quality.
 
I've had one for many years; got it from FIL as a gift. It works just fine; very reliable. Don't recall the brand right now.

Often a good idea to run it across several successive studs and then check for the expected OC (16" on center, or such) view. Also helps to be aware that anything with high density will affect it such as studs doubled up at a window, or near each other at a corner, etc.
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
I just tap on the wall and listen for the stud. Then I can measure 16" off that for the neighboring studs.

Originally Posted By: Donald
Most of the stud finders I have seen just point to me.


That's what you get when you buy the Harbor Freight garbage. They're never very accurate and very poor quality.


It was a joke. They point to me because I am such a stud!
 
I have a small Zircon, it just lights a small LED when it senses the edge of a stud.
It works OK on smooth Drywall up to 3/4"

I have tested more expensive models, but they do not seem to work much better than my basic model.
 
I just use an ancient magnet type that finds the drywall screws. Most of the time I'm not using screws long enough worry about wiring but I guess it would be nice to know if there is a wire nearby.
 
It depends on what you want to use it for. Did you want a tool to only find studs, or to also find wires behind the walls?

Zircon has a good feature to detect wiring. I don't like the way it works on Studs. It shows you the edge and then you need to go back and forth or ensure that your studs are correct.

I prefer this one. Shows the entire width of the stud and will indicate if you have multiple studs nailed together.

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/3424445/Fancy_Stud_Finder_from_Costco

Regards, JC.
 
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I have a Master Mechanic one. 25 years old. It has problems on rough surfaces and when there are electric wires or pipes underneath. Over all a good invention.
 
Originally Posted By: Donald
Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
I just tap on the wall and listen for the stud. Then I can measure 16" off that for the neighboring studs.

Originally Posted By: Donald
Most of the stud finders I have seen just point to me.


That's what you get when you buy the Harbor Freight garbage. They're never very accurate and very poor quality.


It was a joke. They point to me because I am such a stud!


I think that's the joke
smile.gif
 
Originally Posted By: Donald


It was a joke. They point to me because I am such a stud!


Please carefully re-read and think about what I wrote in response. Get it now?
 
I have a Zircon unit and it's OK at finding studs. The electrical wire detection is haphazard IMO.

I've found the best way to locate the stud is with a strong magnet. One of the magnetic (telescopic) pickup tools works really well (not extended). You just lightly rub it across the wall and when it goes over a screw, you can feel it. Then move up/down and find another on the same vertical stud. Since the magnet is about the same diameter as a screw head, you can pretty accurately locate the stud. Once you've located one, you know about where horizontally to look for the next, depending on the inches between center.
 
Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
Originally Posted By: Donald


It was a joke. They point to me because I am such a stud!


Please carefully re-read and think about what I wrote in response. Get it now?


Ouch!
 
The trouble with finding a nails or screws with a magnet is, the fastener may not be in the centre of the stud. Or even close to it!

Since the invention of the Dry wall screw gun, boarders can zip the screws in in a second and often ply Hit and Miss with the studs.
 
If you are a Costco member, you really should take a look at the stud finder they offer. It has a row of LED's. As you move the stud finder across the wall, all the LED's are on. As you approach a stud, the lights at the stud turn off. Thus, you can see exactly where the stud, or studs, begin and end. No need for repeated runs to find each end of the stud.

If you aren't a Costco member, the same device can be ordered on Amazon, as the Franklin ProSensor. But it is more expensive on Amazon.

I have an older Zircon. It works, but it's not in the same class as the Costco offering.
 
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