Voted #1 Best 100 Stud Finder - The 10 Best 100 Stud Finder

Electronic stud finders, like all technologies, have improved since they first appeared on the market in the early 1990s. An electronic stud locater uses sensors to detect a mass hidden behind a wall. The stud finders may have a single sensor that will only detect the edge of the stud or multiple sensors which can detect the edges and the center. On average, both single sensor and multi-sensor stud finders are good.

Many studfinders today are equipped with extra features to make them more useful and convenient. Choose the features that you believe will be most useful before choosing a studfinder.

You can use a bubble level that is built into a magnetic or electronic studfinder to help you level shelves or other items you are attaching to drywall. The smaller bubble levels are less accurate than the longer carpenter's type levels, because they can only measure level for a short distance.
The built-in laser is an improvement over a bubble level (only electronic models). You can use a laser to align other fasteners by shining a line straight from the stud that you have located. With a laser level, it's easy to mount multiple photos or artwork on the wall at the same height.

The depth adjustment feature (available on electronic models only) lets you switch between detecting studs up to 3/4 inch behind drywall and locating objects as deep as 1 1/2 inches below the surface. You can use this feature to detect floor joists under additional surfaces like carpet, wood, or tile. However, you will not want to keep your electronic stud detector at that level. The batteries will drain faster if you increase the depth adjustment. By switching back and forth, and keeping the stud-finding function on, you can extend battery life.

The multipurpose electronic studfinder is designed to detect other materials in the wall, such as plastic pipes and live electrical wires. This will help you avoid damaging anything by cutting or nailing into it.

The "center punch" function (available only on electronic models) creates a small hole right above the center of the stud. This is the ideal spot to insert a screw or nail. No need to mark the stud with a pencil.

You can choose from a variety of visual displays on electronic models. Some electronic studfinders let you view a digital map beneath the wall using an LED screen. Others feature LED lights that blink across the top when the finder passes over a nail.

Battery indicators (only electronic models) alert you to the need to replace batteries. Some electronic models use AA or AAA batteries. However, an increasing number of them require a 9-volt battery in order to power the multiple features.

Both magnetic and electronic models come with an ergonomic grip that makes it easier to hold and move the studfinder. Some studfinders require pressing a button to scan the wall. Look for a model with a button in an easy-to-reach place to control the tool and press the button.

The magnetic stud finders are equipped with powerful rare-earth magnets that detect metal screws and nails used to hold mirrors, picture frames, and drywall in place. This studfinder will stick to the wall if it detects a metal screw or nail. You may feel it pull in that direction as you move it over the wall. Most magnetic stud finders have magnets strong enough to hold through drywall.

The magnetic stud finders are effective up to a depth about 3/4 inches, which is usually enough for finding studs behind drywall of standard thicknesses of 1/2 inch or 5/8 inch. You've found a stud when you find a screw or nail. It's best to move the magnet-based studfinder in an "S" motion over the wall to detect drywall fasteners that are typically located 12 to 16 inches away.

PROS
Magnetic stud finders can be purchased at a very low price.
They can be used as a wood stud detector (by finding their metal fasteners).
Batteries are not required to operate.
They are small and can be easily carried in the shirt pocket.

CONS
They can detect false positives because they do not look for the actual stud but instead the metal. For example, they may pick up a metal lathe that is used to fix plaster, or a nail on a horizontal cross board instead of a vertical one.

Sensors range in size. Stud finders that have larger sensors offer a number of advantages. They can cover a wider area, and they may even be able penetrate walls as thick as concrete or plaster. The smaller sensors can also be very accurate. Sensor size isn't an issue for most DIYers because a stud finder that has smaller or larger sensor will still be able pinpoint studs hidden behind drywall.

Electronic stud finders, on the other hand rely more on internal sensors than magnets in order to locate wood studs. They detect a change in density behind the wall. Most stud finders come precalibrated, ready to use after inserting batteries. However, some need to be calibrated for precise results.

Although the technology sounds complicated, electronic studfinders are simple to use. Simply place the device flat against the wall while moving it horizontally. It will sound an alarm when it detects a wall stud and, depending on its model, display a visual indication.

PROS
Magnetic stud finders can be inaccurate. Electronic ones are much more accurate. These devices have either an LED display or indicator lights to pinpoint the exact location of the stud.
Electronic stud detectors of high quality can detect studs that are deeper than what a magnetic stud finder can detect (1 1/2 inches).

CONS
Electronic stud finders are typically more expensive than magnetic studfinders.
If you don't keep extra batteries, your tool may not work when you need to.