STANLEY Stud Sensor S160

Product Information

The truth is that commercial and industrial buildings require a different level of accuracy and usability than residential homes. Coordinating miles and miles of studs, piping, and electrical wiring is difficult enough, and that’s not considering the complexity of many commercial buildings. Professionals in this industry usually look for a tool with more advanced features, and with a sensor accuracy that exceeds the typical needs of homeowners. Multi-sensor/Instant: This is a relatively new type of stud finder that scans an entire wall at once to give you the location of all of the studs. Because this type of stud finder requires multiple readings, our team found that it tends to be more accurate than the other electronic types. It doesn’t require calibration before use either.

Stud finders are essential for DIYers when hanging items or mapping out any project on one of your home’s walls. In addition to choosing between magnetic and electronic stud finders, think about each product’s battery life and additional features. We put together the following buying guide to help you examine the most important features when choosing a stud finder. Type of Stud Finder Center: Center finders use multiple sensors to gauge the stud’s entire width and provide you with the location of the center of the stud. And that’s fine. I’m not going to criticize something that works for others. At the same time, if I was a homeowner and a contractor needed to hang support for a heavy fixture, I wouldn’t trust the fact that they started tapping on the wall.

Some more advanced stud finder models also include center-finding capabilities. These allow you to pinpoint the location of the stud edges and the center of the stud. Really good models will have a graphical interface that can show you where you are over the stud (whether it is center or edge), which makes mounting and hanging all the easier. These finders couldn’t distinguish between the metal in a stud or the metal from a pipe or wire, which meant that it could be dangerous to drill into a spot triggered by the finder. My review: The VIVREAL stud finder is a fully-functional wall scanner that sets itself above and beyond simple magnetic units. The real selling point of this scanner is its 3-in-1 functionality that hits all the sweet spots for DIY and professional users alike.

Added to the finding capabilities it already has, the BullsEye also contains patented auto-leveling technology and interior line laser. That means it can locate studs, pinpoint a level orientation to an existing stud, and project a laser level across a wall for hanging and mounting.More modern electronic stud finders utilize electrical signals to determine the location of studs in a wall. These have the additional benefit of being able to detect other metal objects like pipes and AC wires more accurately. Electronic models also provide more accuracy in terms of locating the edge of a stud versus the center of the stud.

But if you’re mounting that new 45″ TV, or placing a new pedestal sink into your guest bathroom remodel, then realize that a bad mounting can cause a lot of problems. That’s where you want accuracy and control, and locating studs is a crucial part of that project. First, what do you really need the unit for? Homeowners hanging pictures don’t necessarily need a heavy-duty stud finder to hammer their nails. Likewise, a commercial contractor needs something with more sensitivity. But what is a “good” stud finder? One that finds studs, of course, but more than that it is one that does all the things that you need it to do to make your project go off without a hitch. Stud detectors are either magnetic or electronic. The latter type can be further broken down into subcategories. Magnetic Now, there are several types of stud finders and sensors on the market that compliment a user’s budget and needs.

Finding Studs

The Stanley STHT0-77406 S200 Stud & Cable Detector is a versatile tool that can help you find studs, joists, and live AC wires behind drywall and other common building materials. It is the perfect tool for DIYers and professionals alike who need to accurately locate hidden structures before drilling, hanging pictures, or installing shelving. This detector features two detection modes: stud and cable. In stud mode, the tool uses electronic signals to locate the edges of wood and metal studs up to 19mm (3/4") deep. In cable mode, the tool can identify live AC wires up to 51mm (2") deep. TheV-shaped marking channel allows accurate marking. Features: This simple stud finder uses a powerful magnet instead of battery-powered sensors to identify studs, making it our top choice for magnetic stud finders. The magnet’s plastic casing is easy to hold and won’t mar or scratch the surface of the wall. Since it has no batteries or moving parts, the stud finder is always ready to use. If you are willing to put that money up, however, this is a great unit that can serve as the go-to tool when you need it.

Know the materials. Believe it or not, stud finders are not meant to be used universally. Typically, they are meant to work with plywood and drywall (which are the most common materials used in home construction). When it comes to plaster, lath, or another type of material, you may need a different solution to locate the studs. Even though Stanley makes a line of reliable power tools and accessories, there is no such thing as a perfect tool. From time to time, even the most reliable tools can break down and stop working. Your stud finder is no different. Beyond that, your commercial applications are going to go beyond simply locating studs. The Leica Geosystems 3D Disto is more than a wall scanner–it is a 3D imaging system that allows contractors to model building plans into CAD models. Stud finders are used to determine where the studs and fasteners in your walls are located. Once you’ve located a stud, you can mount heavy and fragile objects by drilling into the stud and installing the right hanging hardware. Look For Nails or Screws: Studs are often found where pictures, mirrors, shelves etc. have been mounted previously on your walls. The nails or screws likely went into a stud, so you should be able to locate one in that area.

The shift from magnetic to electronic to sound also signal an advance in sensitivity and approach. Magnetic units will detect the metal in the studs, whereas electronic and ultrasonic units can detect shifts in density between studs and empty wall cavities while they also detect the metal present. At some level, the price of such scanners puts them out of reach of homeowners. But serious builders and contractors who are looking for tools that can help them easily do their job should consider investing in a unit with more commercial uses. Two: Get something that will last. If you want a stud finder that you can throw in your toolbox and pull out when you need it, then buy something that fills that niche. if you want a high-powered tool that hands on the wall of your workshop, then spend a little more money. One: Know your budget. Many of us like to buy new shiny tools for our upcoming projects, but don’t let your stud finder get in the way of something else you might need to buy.