What is a Stud Finder?
Wall studs are the two by four lumber boards that run vertically behind your paneling, drywall, or plaster walls. The narrow side (1-1/2-in) is what your stud finder will help you locate. Stud finders are programmed to locate the position of the stud without damaging the wall.
There are two main types of stud finders, electronic and magnetic. Let’s see the differences and which one is right for you.
Some homes have steel studs, which require specialty fasteners such as toggle bolts to support heavy items. If you think your home might have steel studs, you can check by running a magnet along a wall. While nails and screws in wood studs will attract a magnet, steel studs will have a stronger attraction along the entire height of the stud. An electronic wall stud finder can also detect metal in a wall.
Electronic Stud Finders
When activated, an electronic stud finder will create a magnetic field that will measure the density of the wall space and report the feedback. When the density changes, like from a hollow area to a space that is denser, where the stud is located it will signal with either a beep, light, or an image on the LED screen. By slowly moving the sensor horizontally across the wall, you can locate the studs.
Electronic stud finders find the stud itself. These stud finders can be edge models that will signal when the left or right edge of the stud is located. Whole stud finders will show the entire stud width profile for more accurate markings. They can be accurate up to 1-1/2 inches deep in the wall. Advanced electronic finders can also detect wires, ducts and plumbing to help you avoid accidently striking them.
How to Find Studs with an Electronic Stud Finder
Magnetic Stud Finders
Magnetic stud finders use powerful rare earth (neodymium) magnets to locate metal and wood studs in the walls. Because it uses magnets, batteries are not required. Some magnetic stud finders include a rotating level for vertical and horizontal marking.
Magnetic stud finders are dependent on finding metal fasteners to locate the stud’s position behind drywall. Since they are locating metal as opposed to the actual wooden stud, they should be used in a group to more accurately located the edges of the stud.
How to Find Studs with a Magnetic Stud Finder
Other Stud Finding Methods
There are a couple of other options to find studs in the wall. On drywall walls, raised or sunken imperfections running vertically indicate fasteners that secure the panels to the studs. The fasteners give you a good estimate of the center of the studs. Holding a light near the wall as you look along it can help you find the imperfections.
With a smartphone app and sensor, you can also search for stud placement. A drawback to this method is that it takes both hands to hold the sensor and smartphone, meaning you may need a helper to mark where the stud is.
For more information on discovering wall studs, refer to our article How to Find Wall Studs.