Good stud finder?
 

I purchased a stud finder at the local true value store for $16 and it is crap. It finds the left side of the stud (maybe) but not the right side. Basically useless. What is a good brand and model stud finder to use that isn't too expensive.? Is it wise to get one with Electrical detection?

I need this to hang some brackets for heavy shelves if you're curious.

Thanks

Upper end models usually are fine in drywall and have electrical and/or metal scanning as well. They all tend to falter in plaster, on tile, etc. On drywall, there is always the tap-with-a-hammer stud finder, almost always works.

Hi Bill. I tried tapping but couldn't tell well enough. Maybe because there's layers of paint over the drywall? I just renovated this room over the past 2 months and the last thing I want to do is destroy the walls.

By upper-end models you mean whatever is expensive? :) I think I saw a few that were between $30-$50 I thought maybe some were better than others.

thanks

Simple, no batteries, for around the house works great for me. http://www.acehardware.com/product/i...ductId=4334281

So how can you tell where the stud is? You just assume the existing nail it's detecting is centered? :laughing:

Not sure if I trust that. My luck I'll find an electrical conduit or a water pipe.

Thanks for the info though. For this I want to go a bit more high tech to stay on the safe side.

There’s usually a stud just to the left of an electrical outlet, you can pull layout off of that.

Baseboard nailing can also be a clue.

I own a stud finder but can't remember the last time i used it.

Unfortunately whoever installed these outlets decades ago wasn't too swift. They are upside down, even the light switches are. God only knows where they put the wires.

I have the Zircon and it was about $30. It has a switch for reg, deep or electrical and it has worked great for about 5 years now. It even works on a ceiling that has stipple but is a little hard to be consistent on that surface.

I have a couple of small "rare earth" magnets and they have NO problem finding the nails or screws that go into the stud. Just hold them in your hand and they "jump" right to the screws. Never a false reading! To find exact center a few 5/32" drill holes and I'm right on...

Thanks guys. I ended up getting a zircon, I think it's an i65, was the best they had. Works great so far.

The Kardashians seem to make pretty good stud finders.:) I don't think any of those big asses will fit in your tool box tho.:)

Sorry, I need an intelligent stud finder :laughing:

Oh yow! Well then nevermind.:):whistling2:

There is no "upside down" for outlets (or outlet boxes). They can be installed either way. And if the switches are upside down, why not just unscrew them and turn them over?

I would not trust that there's always a stud to the left of an outlet. There most always is, probably because the electrician nailing up the boxes was right-handed, but it's not a certainty.

I can't turn them over because they are mounted outside the wall with conduit. By upside down, I mean the ground is on top with the 2 other holes on the bottom.

At any rate, it will suffice for now. The stud finder I got has an AC detection and so far it has prevented me from electrocuting myself :thumbup: