The Stud Finder Showdown - Which One Is Best?

Are all stud finders / stud sensors created equal? Find out as we compare four very different kinds of stud finders to see which one is best for you and your project.

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[chaplainand]

What I appreciated:
1. No background sound track. Thank you.
2. Overall quality of the video production - I liked the "ghost view" you used. Totally instructional.
3. Addressing the positive and potentially negative features of each product
4. Demonstrating the usefulness of each product pertaining to safety
5. Using a straight-forward rating scale
6. Not selling or degrading any one product
7. Listing the prices etc. for each unit


I am glad I watched. Please keep up with publishing quality DIY videos.

[manuelalamo]

Liked how you put the transparent studs, wiring & pipes on the video. Great presentation, help me decide which one to use for my project.

[roberthutcheson]

I've had the Walabot for a couple of years now and really like it. I've used it mostly on drywall but once I took it to work to show a co-worker. Our walls are concrete block so I scanned one where I knew there was an electrical wire. It found the wire, and even found the metal post of our equipment rack on the other side! Very accurate device.

[michaelgage]

Sheetrock is often hung horizontally so the nails/screws are generally about 4 feet off the floor which makes finding them well. Good video evaluating the different instruments.

[swjames]

An incredible video! No doubt one of the very best reviews of a product I have ever seen and I watch an awful lot of them. So many of them are just selling products rather than being an unbiased review. Like others, I also appreciate that there is no background music and you go straight to the point. I rarely ever subscribe, but I will in this case. Thanks

[mnm]

I have a Hanson finder and I LOVE it! I just used it exclusively to do an entire closet renovation and did not miss a single stud. I use it along with a level to extend stud finding lines and it’s awesome. It’s a simple stud only finder and doesn’t need batteries. Plus you can attach it to 1/2” piping and get them level. Very useful for installing black iron pipe shelving. Plus you can tie a rope to the end and use it as a plumb bob. And for less than $8 it’s totally worth it!

[RachelsSweetie]

Your x-ray vision presentation is brilliant. And good advice about being aware that studs are usually on 16" centers. But how well do these work on plaster walls? The only thing that reliably and accurately finds the studs in my walls and ceilings has been one of those low-tech swiveling magnets. It finds the nails holding the lath to the studs through at least a quarter inch of plaster. The android thing is cool though.

[abbykelly]

THANK YOU!!! Good info, great production value, not annoying, just straight informative. This guy knows how to make a quality, super helpful video!!!

[Scootdog]

I prefer a magnet on a string. Works great for demo, pull the screws for a clean job. I want to see that test with a wall full of insulation.

[busy]

I’ve collected several stud finders over the past 30 years. Different range of prices. I have thrown most out and still reach for the 30 year old Zircon.

[Mrsunshine]

Great feature. This is the simple content that is needed. Not everyone is going to be able to look at each item on the shelf and make an educated decision based on anything other than price and what's on the box. Thank you.

[ehudgavron]

Hey, I appreciate your scientific effort. On the Zircon, however, at one point you said "It's not picking it up. Let me restart it." Then you restarted it and it found the conduit. That's a luxury you have because you already know where everything is, and can compensate for the false negative. In the real world we're using the stud sensor BECAUSE we DON'T KNOW what's back there, so we WON'T KNOW when it's a false negative and go restart it. Zircon is a fail.

[frigginpos]

I want to be exact, as the cost of repairing a mistake of electrical/plumbing/wall damage/re-paint-re-stain, (and the time lost) I'll spend the money on the Walabot any day of the week. This is a super great video. MANY thanks.

[rfcesq]

Not only is this a good review video, it's a good instructional video I own a Zircon, and this video was very helpful in teaching me how to better discern it's various signals.

[junangeles]

The xray visual of what’s behind while finding studs and stuff was a great presentation! Nice fair comparison of tools to use and decide on.

[gregorydfoley]

Good stuff! Thanks for the info! I have the Zircon and get frustrated with the false alarms and not consistently finding the edges of studs. I think I may purchase the Franklin after watching this video.

[JLange]

I have used the Walabot for 2 years and it has been a lifesaver-even in plaster/lathe walls. Use it to confirm what you think is there, but it also will surprise you when an unexpected stud spacing or doubler pops up. Well worth the investment!

[Brooklynaires]

You are great brother. Stumbled upon your drywall fix tutorial and I must say… you make it CLEAR!!! I subscribed.

[toml]

I have the type shown at 7:30. Best type I'ever used. It is correct every time. $35 at Menards.

[RSole]

Great video! Any strong magnet will do to find the drywall screws, no need to spend $8 for the cheapest one in this video.