Magnetic stud finders are great in commercial buildings where metal studs are used but theyre not always accurate since they will also identify metal pipes and conduits. This is why most products measure the right distance in millimeters.

The Studbuddy Magnetic Stud Finder
How accurate are stud finders. Place the device flat on the wall. Because it scans 13 points simultaneously the tool can visually display the entire stud. If yours was working yesterday and isnt today try changing the battery before anything else. It scans your walls at a depth of 1 inch for all magnetic metals finding studs quickly and easily. Power on the device and choose the scanning mode. Of course the best accuracy is when the studs are not too deep inside the wall.
The accuracy of the sensors readings is different from product to product. Some stud finders are surprisingly sensitive to battery charge. Led lights on the front will light up marking the location and width of any stud so you will know exactly where the stud begins and ends as you work. An alert in the form of an led arrow pointed. What youre trying to do is ensure youve got a stud and not a random cable or length of pipe. While holding on the button move it along the desired surface.
This gives you a clear picture of the stud and mark the full width or more accurately mark the center. This tool fits easily in a pocket or tool belt and requires no batteries to function. Under normal circumstances wood studs are not as easy to detect further inside the wall as metal studs. In addition to having fantastic sensing capabilities it comes with a built in level and ruler which will allow you to clearly and accurately mark studs as you go. The extra width of the device means you will have a more accurate sense of stud locations as you move the finder along the surface. It has 13 sensors built into it and uses them to triangulate the exact center point of studs.
Wider than many stud finders the franklin prosensor constantly checks 13 points and has the ability to detect up to 16 inches deep. Then press and hold the button while keeping the unit still until calibration is complete 1 2. Its a full width stud finder meaning you see the entire width of the stud. The prosensor 710 is one of the best stud finders that youll be able to find period. Compact cheap and very easy to use the ch hanson 03040 is an accurate magnetic stud finder you need in your arsenal. When a stud is identified the unit lights up indicating a stud has been found.
How to use a stud finder. Of all the electronic stud finders ive used over the years this is by far the fastest and most accurate. Dewalts dw0150 was consistent in finding stud centers locating both wood and metal equally well through both half inch and three quarter inch drywall. Studs are usually located 16 or 24 apart. The electronic stud finder uses technology that detects the change in the wall density.