STANLEY Stud Sensor S160

Product Information

More modern electronic stud finders utilize electrical signals to determine the location of studs in a wall. These have the additional benefit of being able to detect other metal objects like pipes and AC wires more accurately. Electronic models also provide more accuracy in terms of locating the edge of a stud versus the center of the stud. First, what do you really need the unit for? Homeowners hanging pictures don’t necessarily need a heavy-duty stud finder to hammer their nails. Likewise, a commercial contractor needs something with more sensitivity. The longer answer is a little more involved. Before stud finders were even a thing, construction workers used the “tap” method to locate studs. Simply put, they tapped on different sections of a wall and used the sound to determine if a section was hollow or connected to a stud. A hollow section of wall was obviously stud-free, and with their knowledge of stud spacing workers could more or less figure out where to drive nails. You can learn more about how to find will studs manually here.

Truth be told, on the consumer market your primary forms of stud finder sensors are going to be magnetic and electronic–which is completely fine, as both kinds of sensors are more than adequate for day-to-day use. The primary factor in differentiating finder types is the project you have in mind and the needs you have for that project.

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As you might have noticed, however, is that there are literally hundreds of models of stud finders. And that doesn’t even take the higher end “wall scanner” models that do so much more. Did you know that new wall finders can scan for plastic pipes? Detect live wiring? Center: Center finders use multiple sensors to gauge the stud’s entire width and provide you with the location of the center of the stud. But what is a “good” stud finder? One that finds studs, of course, but more than that it is one that does all the things that you need it to do to make your project go off without a hitch. Ergonomics are worth considering, especially if you’ll be using your stud finder on a regular basis. Many stud finders have a comfortable grip in the shape of a computer mouse, which we recommend for users to gently and carefully guide it along the wall. Extra Features Multi-sensor/Instant: This is a relatively new type of stud finder that scans an entire wall at once to give you the location of all of the studs. Because this type of stud finder requires multiple readings, our team found that it tends to be more accurate than the other electronic types. It doesn’t require calibration before use either.

Yes, in fact there are many apps that allow you to use your smartphone as a stud finder. However, our team found that these apps aren’t known to be nearly as accurate or trustworthy as dedicated stud finders. Note that the app may not offer as many features as a true stud finder, such as detecting live wires or leveling the surface. How far apart are studs? This simple stud finder uses a powerful magnet instead of battery-powered sensors to identify studs, making it our top choice for magnetic stud finders. The magnet’s plastic casing is easy to hold and won’t mar or scratch the surface of the wall. Since it has no batteries or moving parts, the stud finder is always ready to use.Some customers thought that the stud finder was overpriced given its simplicity What Customers Are Saying One: Know your budget. Many of us like to buy new shiny tools for our upcoming projects, but don’t let your stud finder get in the way of something else you might need to buy.

These finders couldn’t distinguish between the metal in a stud or the metal from a pipe or wire, which meant that it could be dangerous to drill into a spot triggered by the finder. Four: Don’t get caught up in features. Features are great if you know what they do and they can help you do what you want. Bells and whistles for the sake of having them are just going to add complications to what should be a simple tool. Always remove any obstruction relative to the area you aim to work on, regardless of how proximal any rubbish or junk is to your chosen starting point. Know the materials. Believe it or not, stud finders are not meant to be used universally. Typically, they are meant to work with plywood and drywall (which are the most common materials used in home construction). When it comes to plaster, lath, or another type of material, you may need a different solution to locate the studs. Over time, the sensitivity and accuracy of magnetic sensors improved, and new methods of looking for studs behind walls began to revolutionize these devices. Types of Stud Finders

Why is My Stanley Stud Finder Not Working?

Look For Nails or Screws: Studs are often found where pictures, mirrors, shelves etc. have been mounted previously on your walls. The nails or screws likely went into a stud, so you should be able to locate one in that area. Magnetic stud finders use large magnets to find the nails that are holding the studs together. Some magnetic stud finders we researched are molded into a plastic casing, while some are left loose. With molded ones, you can feel the magnetic attraction as you push it along the wall. With loose ones, we find you’ll hear a “thunk” noise when it finds something or see a bright piece of plastic pop up. Notably, the downside to this type of stud finder is that you can’t guarantee that it found a stud and not some other magnetic piece behind the wall. Electronic

Two: Get something that will last. If you want a stud finder that you can throw in your toolbox and pull out when you need it, then buy something that fills that niche. if you want a high-powered tool that hands on the wall of your workshop, then spend a little more money.

Finding Studs

Stud finders are used to determine where the studs and fasteners in your walls are located. Once you’ve located a stud, you can mount heavy and fragile objects by drilling into the stud and installing the right hanging hardware.