What Is The Best and "ECONOMICAL" Stud Finder out There? - Recommendations Required

Taro Milk Tea on 12/08/2019 - 16:13

Looking for quick suggestion about the best, in terms of performance and value, stud finder out there from the DIY experts here.

I've read in many places that pretty much Stanley's ones can be forgotten? So it's out of my considerations.

Many people seem to recommend getting Franklin ProSensor T13
but dang, its too expensive!

Anyone can recommend decent stud finder (anything except Stanley's)? Basically I just need to use it to mount my TV or maybe install some drawers on the wall in the future.

TIA!

Home & Garden Stud Finder

Comments

  • nubzy on 12/08/2019 - 16:19

    This one is good, sells for $165 at Bunnings and much cheaper through Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-GMS-120-Digital-Multi-Scanner/d…

    • kmish on 12/08/2019 - 16:21
      +11

      points machine at self

      This one works perfectly.

    • Taro Milk Tea on 12/08/2019 - 16:41

      Reviews looks great..but eugh, it costs total of $112.7 AUD after converting.

  • boomramada on 12/08/2019 - 16:30

    I have used both Franklin ProSensor and Stanley Stud finder 100, they both works well but Franklin ProSensor simple and easier to use and it don't detect electrical cables so its simply to find the studs inc the width.
    Sometimes cross metal plates within studs can trick you.

  • geek001 on 12/08/2019 - 16:31
    +1

    I use this. It works perfectly for me. https://www.bunnings.com.au/stanley-stud-sensor-100_p5663710

    Not sure why people want to spend heaps more for a stud finder.

    • Taro Milk Tea on 12/08/2019 - 16:42

      Interesting, so in your experience, it (so far) always accurately detects the stud?

      • geek001 on 12/08/2019 - 17:00

        I feel the trick was to do a reading on a part of the wall where you know there isn't a stud, so if it did detect something behind the wall, it is more likely to be a stud. When I did find a stud, I would do a reading from the other side of the stud to make sure that both directions pick up the same location as a stud.

        FYI, my walls are pine studs frames with plasterboard in front, no insulation.

        • HighAndDry on 12/08/2019 - 18:21

          the trick was to do a reading on a part of the wall where you know there isn't a stud

          …

          so if it did detect something behind the wall, it is more likely to be a stud.

          I feel like there's supposed to be some kind of logic to this (not sarcasm, I honestly think there is) but to me that's just… whaaaa?

          • geek001 on 12/08/2019 - 18:27
            +1

            @HighAndDry: Yea, I do agree my explanation there is a bit lacking. I would expect to find a stud every 600mm or so, if I pull the stud finder along a distance more than 600mm and not find a stud, then probably I hit a stud in the first spot where I started the reading. So I would restart a reading in a different spot. Not sure if that makes sense. I am guessing this elcheapo stud finder finds studs by detecting differences in solid depths behind the wall from the first reading.

            • HighAndDry on 12/08/2019 - 18:32

              @geek001: Ah right gotcha - start a place you know there isn't a stud so you'll know it's not picking up false positives, and then run it along until it finds one (because after you know it doesn't give false positives, it should give true positives). And obviously if it's not finding anything then… well possibly false negative but better than putting a hole through plaster.

              • geek001 on 12/08/2019 - 18:42
                +2

                @HighAndDry: Kinda, I don't know how other stud finder works, but this elcheapo one works by detecting differences in solid depths behind the wall, so if you put it directly at a spot where you want to know if there is a stud, it will always return a reading of "no stud". To get it to work properly, you have to start at a spot where you know there is no stud and pull it along the wall, if there is a difference in solid depth compared to the first reading, then it will start to beep, that's how you find a stud.

                I get that it is a bit confusing how you can initially know that the first reading lands on a spot without a stud before you start using the stud finder. I usually do a few reading starting from different spots and pull it along, if all of them come back to say stud in the same place, then the stud is there for sure.

            • blwnhr on 13/08/2019 - 07:33
              +1

              @geek001: FYI timber studs are at 450mm centres in post-1966 houses, 18" (457mm) in pre-1966 houses.

      • geek001 on 12/08/2019 - 17:05

        To answer your question, yes. I did quite well picking up studs. I installed all my curtains, secure all my cabinets and shelvings to the walls. I think the only problem spot I had was with one angled cornered wall.

        • theHMASfriendship on 12/08/2019 - 17:17
          +1

          I did quite well picking up studs.

          Nice what was his name?

        • Taro Milk Tea on 12/08/2019 - 17:57

          Thanks I'll put this into my consideration too. You're the first person giving an OK review for this brand.

          • geek001 on 12/08/2019 - 18:20

            @Taro Milk Tea: Full disclosure, I am not an expert, but I found that it does its job. I didn't struggle with it or anything. Perhaps the more expensive ones has some uber cool features that I as a noob doesn't know about. If I needed a cheap stud finder right now, I would probably buy it again. In fact I am still using it for the odd jobs here and there.

    • dylanando on 12/08/2019 - 17:36

      These are junk,

    • billy3000 on 12/08/2019 - 20:27
      +1

      I have this model. I have never actually managed to work out how to use it. Whenever we have a project that requires finding a stud my partner and my best mate simply laugh at me and have a competition between them to guess how many extra holes we will end up with. Frankly it's an assault on my manhood and I may need to get a new ozb account after posting this 😢

      Edit. But I feel relieved after coming clean!

  • Hithere on 12/08/2019 - 16:55
    +2

    I've never been able to find a reliable one and I stick with the archaic method. Tap the plaster with your knuckle and you'll either hear a hollow sound - no stud, or a solid sound - stud behind.

    Then I just measure 18", for older houses, and there's usually another stud pretty close by.

    • [Deactivated] on 12/08/2019 - 17:12
      +2

      I confirm with a fine gauge nail. If I miss, patch up is minimal.

      I look for left and right edge of stud as well so I can have perfect centre.

    • apsilon on 12/08/2019 - 18:11

      I've had the same experience. I've used several and have never used one that I'd say was reliable so use them as a guide only and confirm using first knocking then a thin pin.

  • [Deactivated] on 12/08/2019 - 16:59
    +3

    You've found one and you haven't spent a cent yet. You're an economical stud finder.

    How you doin'?

  • djkelly69 on 12/08/2019 - 17:03

    I have seen the Ozito one recommended a few times (on here I think), so I got that. About $40-50 from memory. No issues using to mount a couple of TVs so far.

    • Taro Milk Tea on 12/08/2019 - 17:55

      Yes I saw this one too but didn't seem to be able much review about it. Glad you mentioned it, I might get this one from bunnings, price wise looks good

  • bumblebeetuna on 12/08/2019 - 17:17

    I have a Zircon StudSensor that I picked up from Bunnings a couple years ago. I don't think they sell it anymore, but i think it cost me $30 or something. Has never failed me. Shallow and deep scan, as well as detecting electrical. Used it for shelving and mounting TVs plenty of times. Used it just yesterday to help me get around a stud for some cabling. I think for that kind of diy, just to find out what's behind plasterboard, you probably shouldn't be spending more than $50!

    • Taro Milk Tea on 12/08/2019 - 17:55

      you probably shouldn't be spending more than $50!

      Very much agree. Thanks for the suggestion, I'll look it up

  • StonedWizard on 12/08/2019 - 18:14

    Knock test and Earth magnets are the best option.

    The franklin stud sensor is very good but pricey for a one off.

  • Ocker on 12/08/2019 - 18:53

    I can send you my email which will provide you with the best "stud" in Melbourne - you will not need to go looking any further

    • Taro Milk Tea on 12/08/2019 - 19:24

      hmmmm nah man, i'm happy with what I have now..

  • Wonka on 13/08/2019 - 08:29

    I bought the cheapest one I could find on Amazon, for less than $15. Seems to work fine.

  • plugmeister on 13/08/2019 - 08:51

    This one is great. Hooks up to your smart phone. Finds studs, pipes and electrical wires. https://walabot.com/diy

  • tin tin on 13/08/2019 - 09:08

    Not sure why OP says not Stanley, the one I bought years ago has been great, maybe they have gone downhill.

    • Hedgehog on 13/08/2019 - 13:37

      US made Stanley tools (old stuff) was great but I avoid this cheap looking Chinese made Stanley unless I want to use it just as a disposable tool.

  • Drj55 on 13/08/2019 - 17:05

    Previous experience has shown that cheap tools cost more in the long run so when I needed a stud finder I got the Franklin ProSensor 710 from bunnings, based on reviews. It works very well and has been accurate every time I've used it. It also has a while row of sensors so you can see the width of the beam which really helps finding the middle of the stud.

  • HeWhoKnows on 13/08/2019 - 19:22

    Do it the old fashion way and tap on the wall

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