The 6 Best Stud Finders Reviewed 2018

Stud finders are a handy tool to have around the home. If you want to hang a shelf or even picture frames it can be very important to ensure you nail it into the wall stud or wall anchor point.

Wall studs are the 2 x 4 wood framing that supports the house. So when it comes to doing anything to your walls it is very important to know where the studs are.

Say you want to hang a large mirror, bookcases, shelving or any type of heavy item then you must use a stud finder.

Types of Stud Finders

Electronic Stud Finders

These are the most popular stud finders and work by measuring the relative density of the wall area.

If a higher density is detected it will light up which shows there is a stud there.

Magnetic Stud Finders

The cheaper version of electronic stud finders. As the name suggests it uses magnetism to identify if there are any nails or screws in the studs.

They aren’t as accurate or as quick to find studs as electronic ones but still work. The other issue with magnetic stud finders is they will pick up any product in the wall that is magnetic.

This includes any piping or metal conduits so make sure you keep that in mind.

Best Stud Finder

1. CH Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder

The CH Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder is the cheapest stud finder to make the review and as a result is one of the most popular.

If you are looking for a basic stud finder and you rarely use one then this is a good choice.

The stud finder uses magnetism to locate the wall stud which as I mentioned earlier isn’t the best.

The concern is for the other metallic objects that may be present and therefore not give an accurate reading of the wall stud location.

The CH Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder has a scan depth of 1inch and boasts an accuracy of +-0.5 inches. There is a bubble level as well.

It is small and compact and easily stored away or in the tool box. Due to the magnetism this stud finder is essentially hands free when in use.

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Small and compact
• Easy to use
• Hands free due to magnetism
• No batteries needed
• Comfortable to use

Cons

• Detects all types metals – not just nails and screws in the wall

For those who don’t use stud finders all that frequently the CH Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder is an inexpensive tool to have.  The popularity of this stud finder and glowing reviews speaks volumes for the product.

2. ProSensor 710 Franklin Sensors ProSensor 710 Precision Stud Finder

The ProSensor 710 Franklin Sensors ProSensor 710 Precision Stud Finder is also very popular and used by home owners to professionals in the industry. This stud finder is designed and assembled in the USA.

The stud sensing technology instantly finds studs without needing to slide the stud finder around. Through LED lights the detector senses the wall in 13 locations and then lights up where the elements in front of the stud.

Stud finder reads double and triple studs making it very effective and efficient at finding studs.

Fast and easy to use the ProSensor 710 Franklin Sensors ProSensor 710 Precision Stud Finder can be easily held and used in one hand and is available in yellow and blue.

Pros

• Efficient and very reliable
• Ergonomic handle
• Easy to use
• LED lights to show where the stud is
• Available in yellow or blue

Cons

• Price

If you want a high quality, highly accurate stud finder then the ProSensor 710 Franklin Sensors ProSensor 710 Precision Stud Finder is the stud finder for you!

3. Zircon StudSensor e50-FFP Edge Finding Stud Finder with Live AC WireWarning Detection

The Zircon StudSensor e50-FFP Edge Finding Stud Finder is a budget friendly yet still highly accurate stud finder.

Featuring electronic scanning the stud finder detects the edges of the wood and metal studs. It also alerts you of live AC wires which is extremely helpful when it comes to mounting a TV, cabinets etc.

The StudScan mode detects up to 0.75inches deep and there is also a DeepScan mode which locates targets up to 1.5inches deep.

The Zircon StudSensor e50-FFP Edge Finding Stud Finder requires one 9V battery which isn’t included with the purchase.

With an easy to read LCD display there is also a SpotLite Pointer which shines an arrow shaped light onto the wall which marks the target.

Pros

• Ergonomic, comfortable handle
• Easy to use
• Scans 0.75 to 1.5inches deep depending on mode
• Easy marking with the SpotLite Pointer

Cons

• Not too consistent with locating studs

The Zircon StudSensor e50-FFP Edge Finding Stud Finder  has two different scanning modes giving it a deep reading from 0.75 to 1.5inches. Quite a popular stud finder but I think there are better ones on the market.

4. ProSensor T6 Professional Stud Finder

The ProSensor T6 Professional Stud Finder is the smaller more compact version of the Franklin ProSensor earlier in the review.

Comprising of 6 sensors this stud finder is accurate and can detect studs in a wider area. There is no calibration required and it is very easy to use.

The LED lights iluminate when the centre and edge of the studs are located.

ProSensor T6 Professional Stud Finder is highly accurate and will get the job done efficiently and effectively.

Pros

• Compact
• Accurate and easy to use
• 6 sensors
• LED lights to show the stud location
• Comfortable to use

Cons

• Not as reliable as the full version – ProSensor 710 Franklin Sensors ProSensor 710 Precision Stud Finder

Overall the ProSensor T6 Professional Stud Finder is a great stud finder that is compact yet effective.

5. Zircon MetalliScanner m40- FFP Handheld Electronic Metal Detector

The Zircon MetalliScanner m40- FFP Handheld Electronic Metal Detector is highly effective at detecting both magnetic metal and non-magnetic material.

Due to this it can detect very easily metal in wood, drywall, paneling, tile, stucco, plaster, concrete and other non metallic surfaces as well. This is a very versatile stud finder!

The Zircon MetalliScanner m40- FFP Handheld Electronic Metal Detector runs off a 9 volt battery which is included with the purchase.

It can detect metal behind walls up to 4 inches deep and for non- ferrous or non-magnetic up to 2 inches deep.

Pros

• 40 functions
• Easy to use
• Handle is easy to hold and grip
• LED lights to indicate signal strength

Cons

• Requires calibration

The Zircon MetalliScanner m40- FFP Handheld Electronic Metal Detector is very multi functional device that will find just about anything in your walls!

 6. Precision Sensor ProFinder 6000+ Professional Stud Finder

The Precision Sensor ProFinder 6000+ Professional Stud Finder is the last stud finder to make the list! The updated or newer version of the 5000+ stud finder, this one is highly accurate and efficient.

Simple to use, just press and scan and the device does the rest for you. There is also a built in bubble level, integrated ruler and convenient pencil caddy.

There are a total of 13 sensors on this device which can detect up to 1.7inches deep. It can detect both wood and metal.

The Precision Sensor ProFinder 6000+ Professional Stud Finder needs 2 AA batteries to operated and they are included with the purchase.

Bottom Line

When it comes to buying a stud finder there are many to choose from. The key thing to consider is the accuracy of the device. There are two methods of detection – electronic which measures density of magnetic which detects metal in the walls. When it comes to the best stud finder I recommend the ProSensor 710 Franklin Sensors ProSensor 710 Precision Stud Finder. If you are budget restricted and don’t need to use a stud finder regularly then the CH Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder is a great choice.