DEWALT Stud Finder, 3/4”, Locate Framing Studs Efficiently with LED Arrows, Ideal for Wood and Metal, AAA Batteries Included (DW0100)

Product Information

The DeWalt also continually calibrates, meaning it’s good to go as soon as you switch it on, while some of the others here will need the odd bit of manual calibration as you’re scanning.

Considering you only have 1 1/2 inches of stud to hit, being off a little can move you off of your target completely. The primary factor in differentiating finder types is the project you have in mind and the needs you have for that project.We tested several options to find the best stud finders for home and commercial use, whether you just need a hand hanging up your new shelves or you’re hoping to avoid damage while you work within the drywall. It gives accurate results and has the ability to detect the five classes of embedded materials, which are ferrous metal, non-ferrous metal, unshielded live electric wires, plastic, and wood.

We awarded points based on the degree of accuracy across our various tests, as well as whether or not each model possessed certain features. Magnetic stud finders work by waving the magnet along the wall until it catches on the fasteners that attach drywall to the studs. V., but are struggling to find a stud, we recommend finding out if there’s a proper fastener for the situation that doesn’t require a wall stud.The center-mark indicator notifies you when it is over the stud center in several ways: an audible tone, projected arrow on the marking spot, text indicator on the screen, and slanted bars denoting the strength of the reading. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, drew insights from subject matter experts, and consulted This Old House reader contributions.

The following is a breakdown of how the various models measured up in Value, Accuracy, Ease of Use, and Features. The Franklin is all about coverage area and multi-sense technology, along with 13 sensors, allows the stud finder to cover multiple locations simultaneously. We also took the stud finders to two homes—one, a mid-1800s house with lath and plaster, and the other, a 1970s tract house—for real-world testing.There’s also the more expensive StudBuddy Plus, which incorporates vertical and horizontal spirit levels. Knowing where your studs are is crucial for hanging up heavy items, like mirrors or mounts for flat-screen TVs.