Stud finder

A stud finder (also stud detector or stud sensor) is a handheld device used with wood buildings to locate framing studs located behind the final walling surface, usually drywall. While there are many different stud finders available, most fall into two main categories: magnetic stud detectors and electric stud finders. There are also some devices employing radar. As of 2010, this technology includes multi-sensor stud finders, a type of electric stud detectors that work quickly and efficiently.

Example of a multi-sensor stud finder by Franklin Sensors

History

Stud finders have been in use since the early 20th century, and the first ones were all magnetic, relying on internal magnets to detect the walling fasteners or nails presumably attached to studs.^{[citation needed]}

In 1977, Robert Franklin designed an electronic stud finder that relied on an internal capacitor to measure changes in density behind the walling.^[1] His patent was put into production by the Zircon Corporation, which became the sole producer of electronic stud finders until the patent expired in 1998. While novel, these electronic stud finders did not always prove effective in locating studs.

Since 1998, many developments and improvements have been made to the internal capacitor stud finders and increased their popularity. Recent developments include stud finders with multiple sensor plates that sense the wall in multiple places. These sensors can indicate the location, width, and lack of studs simultaneously. With more sensors, these stud finders do not require calibration and adapt better to inconsistencies in wall construction.

As of 2013, a few stud finders were available on the market based on ultra-wideband radar scanners for sensors.^[2] They are based on the micropower impulse radar as the underlying technology, and stud finders using this technology was invented by Thomas McEwan and patented in 1995.^[3][4][5]

In early 2009, David Dorrough discovered multi-sensor stud finders, stud finders that work using an advanced sensor pad. He later went on to patent these ideas and start the company Franklin Sensors.^[6]

Magnetic stud detectors

1st generation stud finder that utilizes a moving magnet.

Magnetic stud detectors use magnets to locate metal in the walling material because the magnet is attracted to the metal. The attraction grows stronger as the magnet gets closer to the metal in the walling. The strongest attraction point, if due to a metal fastener in the wall, should indicate the location of a stud.

Magnetic stud detectors may be less useful in homes built with metal mesh lath and plaster. The metal mesh will confuse the signal of an electronic stud finder.

Stationary magnetic detectors

Stationary magnet stud detectors use a fixed magnet to locate nails or screws embedded in studs behind wall materials. To find a stud, the user must move the magnet across the wall until they feel the pull of magnetic attraction and then follow the direction of the pull. Because these detectors rely on the user's ability to sense the magnet’s pull, they can be less reliable, particularly when fasteners are deeply embedded. The thicker the wall material—such as in plaster walls—the weaker the attraction, significantly reducing the effectiveness of stationary magnet stud detectors.

Moving magnetic detectors

Moving magnet stud finders utilize a suspended neodymium magnet that freely responds to hidden metal. The strength of this rare earth magnet, combined with its unrestricted movement, enables these stud finders to function effectively across various construction types. The magnet remains in its 'home' position until it passes directly over a metal fastener or stud. Unlike traditional magnetic stud finders that rely on the user to feel the magnet's pull, moving magnet stud finders provide both audible and visual feedback. This allows them to detect fasteners buried deep under plaster or tile, making them more effective than fixed-magnet models.

Traditional electronic stud finders

Electronic stud finders rely on sensors that detect differences in the dielectric constant of the wall. The dielectric constant changes when the sensor is over a stud.^[7] The lower reading indicates the presence of a stud in the wall. Internal capacitor stud finders can also come with other features that locate metal and live AC voltage.

Electronic stud finders have traditionally come in two types: edge finders and center finders.

Edge finders

Edge finders are the most basic internal capacitor detectors. Edge finders detect the edges of the stud or other material behind the walling. This finder must first be calibrated over an empty section of the wall, and then it can be moved along the wall until it senses a change in density - such as the edge of a stud. Edge finders should be moved from both directions to find both edges of the stud. The single sensor in edge finders can be prone to error, sometimes indicating a spot 25 mm (1 in) or more from the stud's edge. Once both edges have been marked, the user must determine the location of the stud's center.

Center finders

Center stud finders detect the center of the stud by using two sensors that register separate readings of the wall’s dielectric constant. When the two readings match, the finder indicates that it is centered on a stud. The several readings are used to determine the target center. Center finders only need to be moved from one direction. Like edge finders, center finders require calibration. Wall texturing can cause bumpy movement across the wall impairing the calibration readings.

Radar scanners

A 3D imaging stud finder that utilizes RF technology to distinguish between materials behind the wall.

Some stud finders in the industry^[when?] implement radar technology. Using raw signals transmitted by their sensors, they are able to classify different wall types as well as the material behind the walls. This allows for detection of studs, pipes, wires, leaks and even motion such as pests or rodents. One of their advantages is the ability to work on older houses, such as ones with lathe and plaster wall types.^[8]

One popular example of a radar scanner is the Walabot DIY 2M, which uses a phone application to help customers successfully find studs, wires, and anything else that might be in the walls.

Multi-sensor stud finders

Multi-sensor stud finders are a more recent^[when?]development. Multi-sensor stud finders have multiple sensor plates, and do not need to be moved across the wall to detect a stud, overcoming the effects of bumpy wall texture. They use an algorithm to analyze the readings from the multiple sensor plates for a quicker, more accurate indication. Multi-sensor stud finders sense multiple regions of a wall simultaneously including the center of a stud, edges of the stud, and regions without studs. Instant stud finders will indicate varied widths of studs and the location of multiple studs at the same time.^{[citation needed]}

Because the multi-sensor stud finders use multiple readings to determine the location of studs they are also less vulnerable to construction anomalies (such as uneven paint, wall textures, wallpaper, uneven plaster, etc.) that can disorient center and edge finders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can stud finders detect live wires?

Multifunction Stud Finder

Yes, some stud finders can detect electrical wires, but not all stud finders possess the feature. An example of some models with wire-detecting capabilities include Franklin Sensor's ProSensor M210 and Bosch's GMS120 Digital Multi-Scanner.

Can stud finders work through tile?

Yes, stud finders can work through tile, however, it depends on the depth of the tile and the model of the stud finder. Most stud finders can detect through thin tile, although the uneven surface of the tile may interfere with the signals. Some versions of stud finders including the Zircon MetalliScanner MT 7 and Franklin Sensor's ProSensor MAX are able to scan through deeper tile.

Can stud finders work through plywood siding or wood paneling?

Yes, some stud finders detect through plywood siding or paneling. It all depends on the model of stud finder being used and the thickness of the wall. For thicker walls, it would be wise to invest in a stud finder with depth capabilities. For thinner walls, the depth of the stud finder detection doesn't matter, so a cheaper model might be ideal. Some cheap models include the StudBuddy Magnetic Stud Finder and the Franklin Sensors ProSensor M10.

See also

• Wall stud