Anytime you attach something to a wall with a nail or screw, chances are it is something heavy like a shelf system or 
a heavy picture. Drywall is not designed to support the weight of heavy objects. The fibrous material will eventually give way to the strain and your “project” will fall to the floor. The only way to get a safe and solid attachment point is to nail or screw directly into a wall stud. If can be hard to determine where a wood or metal stud is located behind drywall, tile and other surfaces. Sure, you guess and guess again, eventually finding the stud. But this is frustrating, a waste of time and you’ll end up with a bunch of holes that have to be patched, sanded and painted. Fortunately we have stud finders that will show us exactly where the studs are located. Stud finders sense and indicate where the support studs are positioned behind the wall material like drywall, tile and even concrete. Which is the best stud finder for you? Our Best Stud Finders 2017 Guide will explain everything you need to know!
Table of Content:
- Difference between magnetic and electronic stud finders.
- Comparison chart of best stud finders
- Detailed review of best stud finders.
- Choosing the best stud finders
Magnetic vs Electronic Stud Finders
There are two types of stud finders: magnetic and electronic. Magnetic stud finders work by sensing the location of screws or nails that hold the drywall to the studs. Once you find the metal fasteners you’ll have a general idea where the support stud in located. To find a stud you slide the magnet across the wall until you feel the magnetic pull of the nail or screw. Some magnetic stud finders will make a click sound or even have a rotating magnet that points to the nail. The downside is that the magnet sometimes cannot sense a metal fastener deeply embedded into the wall. This makes the installation project more difficult and time consuming. Keep in mind that magnetic stud finders only sense where a metal fastener is. It cannot sense the presence of wood studs or window and door framing.
Electronic Stud Finders are far more advanced than their magnetic counterparts. They rely on electronic sensors to find the wall studs and other objects in and around the wall. Electronic stud finders rely on batteries to power the sensors and provide a visual and audible alarm when the stud is detected. There are three types of electronic stud finders.
Edge Finders don’t rely on metal fasteners. They simply sense changes in density behind the wall. Edge Finders are first calibrated by “zeroing” it on a stud-free section of wall. Next, the finder is slid back and forth across the wall. The finder beeps and flashes when the finder senses the edge of a stud. Once both edges of the stud are marked, you know to attach the fastener in-between the edges.
Center Finders have two sensors that find both edges of the stud at the same time. Center Finders beep of flash, indicating where the center of the stud is located. Center Finders also have to be calibrated on a stud-free area of the wall.
Instant Stud Finders/Scan Tools are the most advanced wall-scanning devices available. They can detect wood and metal support studs in walls and in concrete along with copper and steel pipes and live wires. This type of scan tool does not have to be slid back and forth across the wall like magnetic and other electronic finders. Simply place the scan tool on the wall. Multiple sensors determine where the stud is, it’s thickness and where the center is located. Instant stud finders also indicate where stud-free areas are in case you want to avoid a support beam, as in the case when installing dryer vents or electrical outlet boxes.
Comparison chart of best stud finders
| Picture | Name | Batteries required | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | CH Hanson | No | $$ | 4.9 |
 | Studpop | No | $$$ | 4.8 |
 | Zircon | Yes | $$$ | 4.6 |
 | ProSensor 710 | Yes | $$$ | 4.5 |
 | Bosch GMS120 | Yes | $$$ | 4.4 |
We Review the Best Stud Finders
1. CH Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder
CH Hanson makes one of the best stud finders on the market. While not as advanced as the electronic models, this magnetic finder needs no batteries or calibration. This simple to use tool will last forever and won’t break even if dripped or stepped on. To use simply place the stud finder on the wall and sweep in an “S” pattern to locate any metal fastener. The rare earth magnets are so strong the finder will stick to the wall hands-free. This allows you to mark the wall for a nail or screw attachment.
- Small and compact, easily fits in pocket
- Powerful magnets allows hands free use
- 2 way level for ease of marking
- No batteries required
2. Studpop Magnetic Stud Finder
The Studpop is a very simple tool designed to one thing very well: Find metal fasteners. Designed by a contractor, the Studpop literally pops its red indicator button when it senses a screw or nail. It is that simple! Users say this is the best stud finder when working with plaster and lath construction.
- Unique popper indicates when it finds the metal fastener
- Works on sheetrock, plaster, lath, tile
- No calibration needed
- No batteries
3. Zircon StudSensor e50 Electronic Stud Finder
Zircon is regarded as one of the best manufacturers of electronic stud finders. The StudSensor e50 has many features that make projects go quickly and easily. The e50 will find the edges and center of the stud behind wall materials up to ¾” thick. The deep-scan mode will sense studs behind wall materials up to 1 ½” thick! As a safety feature, the e50 will alert you to live wires running behind the walls.
- Locates the edges of wood or metal studs up to 3/4-Inch deep
- DeepScan mode doubles the scanning depth to 1-1/2-inch
- WireWarning detection indicates the presence of live wire up to 2″
- Easy-to-read LCD display indicates when a stud edge is approached
- SpotLite LED pointer shines an arrow-shaped light on the wall to mark the target
4. Franklin Sensors ProSensor 710
The ProSensor 710 is one of the most advanced wall scanners available. This powerhouse has 13 sensors that pinpoint the exact location of wood and metal studs. Because this stud finder is wider and has multiple sensors, you don’t have to slide the tool back and forth in wide sweeps in order to locate the studs. Since this wall scanner detects density, it will signal when something other than stud is behind the wall…like vents, water pipes, electrical conduit and more! This is a great safety feature insuring peace of mind when working around utilities. If you are a busy do-it-yourselfer the ProSensor 70 is the best stud finder for you.
- Advanced Multi-Sense Technology senses in multiple locations simultaneously
- Bright LEDs lights illuminate to indicate the position of hidden objects – making it very easy to visualize the position of studs
- Identifies the width of studs so that you can identify the type of support studs around doors and windows
- Identifies the position of multiple studs simultaneously
5. Bosch GMS120 Digital Multi-Scanner
Bosch is a name known for making professional-grade construction tools. The GMS120 digital multi-scanner detects wood, metal, and live wiring. The advanced settings fine-tune the detection categories so you can zero in metal rebar incased in concrete up to 4 ¾” deep! Settings also include scam modes for conduit, copper pipes and live wires. The scanner instantly pinpoints the center of wall studs through the LCD display. Because of its versatility and high performance, it’s considered the best stud finder for electricians, contractors, carpenters, masons, plumbers, and others who need reliable detection.
- Easy to read LCD display
- Audible signal tone
- Scans for wood, metal and live wires
- Comes with a carrying case
Choosing the Best Stud Finder
So which is the best stud finder for you? It depends on the scope of your project. If all you need to do is find a stud to hang a picture, a simple magnetic stud finder will do the job. If you anticipate several projects involving hanging shelves, pictures or even cutting into the wall, a more advanced unit will be the best stud finder for your needs. An electronic stud finder may cost a little more but it will save time and frustration and provide years of service!