Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.
If you tap on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
With the information gathered from those tests, we identified the best stud finders forDIY projects around your home.
The Spruce
One of the standout features of the ProSensor 710 is its effortless usability; there’s no calibration required.
Unlike some wall stud finders, this one is ready to go right away.
Unlike more premium stud finders, this one does not locate the center of a stud itself.
PHOTO: The Spruce
That means you gotta locate the edges yourself, which is a time-consuming process.
It’s small and lightweight, making it easy to carry in a pocket oradd to your tool kit.
We appreciated how easy this stud finder is to use.
PHOTO: The Spruce
Not only that, but there’s an audible tone when the gear detects metal.
Plus, it’s comfortable to hold.
When passing over ferrous metal, the stud finder “clings” slightly to the underlying magnetic object.
There’s no other indicator, so you really need to pay attention.
In our lab tests, it worked equally well through plaster, drywall, and paneling.
That makes it easy to find the full width of the stud.
We had fun testing this stud finder, which requires no calibration or batteries.
It doesn’t detect wiring either.
Thus, the user can easily indicate the position of up to three studs.
The StudMark is easy to use and requires no calibration or batteries.
And while just about any stud finder works well over drywall, many are challenged by plaster.
It also worked well on drywall and paneling but required much slower passes for consistent accuracy on these surfaces.
After a brief learning curve, the Ryobi Whole Stud Finder provided us with that information quickly and accurately.
Once centered over the stud, a quick push of a button marks the spot with a small mark.
It was easy to use with just one hand and comfortable to hold.
It automatically searches up to 1.5 inches behind the wall, so switching between modes is unnecessary.
We then turned the gear on and calibrated if necessary.
We set up two testing walls in our lab.
They work by detecting changes in the density of the wall by measuring changes in a small electrical field.
If you’re scanning floors for joists rather than walls, you may also need to adjust sensor depth.
Many stud finders with this feature can penetrate a surface up to 1.5 inches deep.
Many stud sensors differentiate between these various types of materials, but the tool is not infallible.
Radar stud finders may even provide a simulated visual to show what’s behind the wall.
Why Trust The Spruce?
PHOTO: The Spruce
Michelle Ullmanis a home improvement and tool expert who has written for The Spruce since 2014.
PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
The Spruce
The Calculated Industries 7310 StudMark Magnetic Stud Finder is easy to grip and pass over a wall to locate metal screws.The Spruce
The Mecurate Stud Finder Wall Scanner has an adjustable scanning depth for different wall types..The Spruce
The Spruce
