Recommendations for wooden stud finding tools

[Random Orbital Bob]

Hi folks

Years ago I bought a relatively cheap one of these that beeps and flashes when it "finds" a stud behind plasterboard. I use the term find loosely since it was not much better then totally useless

Does anyone know of one that actually works but doesn't cost the earth please?

Also what's current building regs for the centres on the uprights in stud walls..is it 600mm?

Many thanks

 

[carlb40]

Never used a stud finder, so can't help there. As to stud centres i find 600mm has too much flex in the wall. I go to board sizes. So it would be 405mm ( for ply) or 450mm ( for plasterboard)

 

[chippy1970]

Not so much building regs but rather doing a good job I always do 400 centres. 600 is ok if you are boarding with osb plus plasterboard.

As for stud finders I've had a cheap £20 one for years sometimes its ok sometimes it no good really depends on the type of wall. I'm sure the really expensive ones are great but for the amount of times mine gets used its ok.

 

[Spindle]

Hi

I have one of these:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stanley-077255- ... 924&sr=8-1

I think it works well - LCD readout allows 'zeroing' into the centre of the stud and it alerts me to live wiring in the vicinity.

Regards Mick

 

[DMF]

Hi,

after much deliberation i went for the Zircon multiscanner i520, some good bits on youtube to show you what their like, others below this price point seemed too random (after chatting to and trying various friends scanners) and above you have to spend some serious money to get better really, although i do want to compliment this will a dedicated metal scanner.

I have to say though i always rely on common sense first but i back that up with a scan when im round other peoples places to save any embarrassment! Bit like reversing sensors on a car really, whatever you get don't rely on it.

Dean

 

[RogerS]

I've tried most of the cheaper ones such as the Makita and even that snazzy Bosch jobbie. All were dumped.

 

[AndyT]

I've got a Plasplugs combined cable and stud detector but only ever got reliable results by thinking carefully about how to hide dud holes with whatever I was putting up, knocking on the wall, and making a test hole with one of these

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Thanks for the feedback folks

You're echoing my experience. I basically can't rely on my cheapo which is a Stanley. Trouble with the brad awl technique of course is it marks the wall. That was why I was hoping there was a foolproof scanner. Hey ho

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Hi,

after much deliberation i went for the Zircon multiscanner i520, some good bits on youtube to show you what their like, others below this price point seemed too random (after chatting to and trying various friends scanners) and above you have to spend some serious money to get better really, although i do want to compliment this will a dedicated metal scanner.

I have to say though i always rely on common sense first but i back that up with a scan when im round other peoples places to save any embarrassment! Bit like reversing sensors on a car really, whatever you get don't rely on it.

Dean

Il have a gander at that one though, thanks Dean

Rob

 

[Oryxdesign]

Handfull or two of rare earth magnets to stick on the screws or nails that hold the plasterboard to the studs will soon map out the substructure.

 

[DMF]

My pleasure, have to say i thought it would be a waste of money but i have got consistent reliable results with it but like i say i don't expect it to be the only way i look for hidden nastys and it is all down to how you use it, it learns from the previous scan so multiple passes increases accuracy for example. Just look at the you tube vids to see what im on about! All in i'd rather have it than not and if i thought it was poo in any way you'd definitely hear me say so

Dean

 

[custard]

Problem I'm wresting with is that the builders put plasterboard directly over a brick wall to true in an extension. The plasterboard is secured to the wall with dabs of something unknown, if I'm going to hang shelves on the wall then I have to locate these "dabs" and drill through them...or at least that's my understanding! Anyone any advice? Would a stud finder do double duty as a dab finder?

 

[Graham Orm]

I had a stud detector but had to throw it away, it went off every time I got in the van. :lol:

 

[carlb40]

TBH as it is dot and dab. I have never bothered trying to find the dabs. I just drill into the brickwork and fix with rawl plugs. Just take it easy tightening the screws up and you will fine

 

[custard]

Top tip carib, thanks!