Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.
If you choose links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Ensure picture frames and shelves stay secure with our favorites.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Choosing the right stud finder comes down to the pop in of project you have in mind.
For more information on how we tested stud finders, check outour testing processbelow.
Those with smaller hands may not find it as comfortable to hold.
Credit: Amazon
If youre in the market for an electronic stud finder, this model is an excellent choice.
It didnt need to be calibrated, so it was ready to use immediately.
Though its electronic, it didnt require us to toggle between different modes for detecting different objects.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Three lights alerted us to the center of the stud, while the edges were indicated with two lights.
The LED lights indicating a stud werent quite as consistently lit during the shorter 5 second passes.
Product Details:bang out:Electronic |Maximum Detection Depth:1 in.
This option wont detect wires or pipes and may require a couple of passes to detect wood studs.
Sometimes, having a basic stud finder in the house for quick projects likehanging a pictureis all you need.
Thats especially true if you dont plan to use it that often.
We like the value of this magnetic stud finder and the fact that its easy to operate.
But it excels at findingmetal studsas well as metal nails or screws withinwood studs.
Product Details:punch in:Magnetic |Maximum Detection Depth:1.5 in.
Though its electronic, it will only detect studsnot wires or pipes.
Product Details:throw in:Electronic |Maximum Detection Depth:0.75 in.
Youll need to calibrate the stud finder before each pass over a wall.
Product Details:bang out:Electronic |Maximum Detection Depth:1.5 in.
It also locates metal, PVC pipe, and copper pipe.
Each wall contained electrical wiring, PVC pipe, and copper pipe.
One wall had metal studs while the second wall had wood studs.
If a stud finder needed to be calibrated before use, we did so.
We then adjusted parameters to match the punch in of scanning when applicable.
On the other hand, electronic stud finders tend to have more sensors which also means higher accuracy.
Those extra sensors will typically allow you to find wires and pipes as well.
Other Stud Finders We Tested
Dewalt 1-1/2 in.
Stud Finder at Home Depot
While theDewalt 1-1/2 in.
It also didnt differentiate between pipe, wire, or a stud when locating an object.
Your Questions, Answered
How do stud finders work?
Credit: Amazon
Electronic stud findersdetect differencesin the density or electrical properties within the wall.
Drywall has a level of resistance to electricity that a stud finder can measure, Siegel says.
Are edge finders or center finders better?
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
However, this doesnt mean you need a center finder.
How much does a good stud finder cost?
Siegel advises that stud finders might cost as low as $10 or as much as $100or more.
It all depends on the additional features that are included with the stud finder.
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval.
In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Better Homes and Gardens
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
