12 Best stud finders for home improvement projects

Have you ever tried to find a stud in your walls? It can be really difficult, especially if you’re not sure what the wall is made of.

If you want to save yourself some time and frustration, it’s worth investing in a stud finder that will help make finding this key home improvement item much easier.

If you are looking for the best way to find studs in your walls without breaking any drywall or getting frustrated, then this blog post is for you!

We have compiled a list of 12 of the best stud finders on the market that we feel give homeowners an edge when they need them most.

12 Best stud finders for home improvement projects

Table of Contents

What is a Stud Finder and why do you need them?

This is a question that a lot of people ask themselves. Let take a look at what is a stud finder and why you would need one when doing your home project.

Stud finders are a simple tool that you can use to help locate studs during your home project. You will need it if there is no other way of knowing where the wall studs or ceiling joists might be located.

Stud Finders, also known as “stud detectors” and magnetic locators”, provide an easy means for locating hidden building construction elements such as rebar reinforcement in concrete slabs (rebar grid), electrical boxes, furring strips (2×4 lumber reinforced with drywall screws) or plumbing pipes under floors and carpets – without making any holes!

How to Use a Stud Finder

Your Stud Finder works. l'll show you How to Use a Stud Finder correctly. NOTE: Click 'SHOW MORE' below to open up the full description. NEW- after this video ...

Here are 12 best stud finders to buy right now:

1.  Franklin Sensors FS710ProSensor 710+

Standard benefits:
– Find studs up to 16″ deep.
– Built-in bubble level for precision alignment.
Emotional benefits:
– Save time and money on your next project by finding the studs in a snap!

Franklin Sensors FS710PROProSensor 710+ Professional Stud Finder with Built-in Bubble Level & Ruler,Yellow

$54.95  in stock
3 new from $54.95
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of April 16, 2024 3:23 pm

Features

  • ACCURATE: More sensors = More accuracy. Conventional stud finders have 1 or 2 sensors. The ProSensor 710+ has 13, making it the most accurate stud sensing tool on the market. The ProSensor 710+ has a max detection depth of 1.6". The LEDs track the location of studs while displaying the center and edges simultaneously.
  • EASY: One mode finds it all! The ProSensor 710+ adjusts for a variety of depths, materials and textures. No calibration required. Press and hold the button to begin scanning. Unlike other stud sensors that give false readings, the ProSensor 710+ allows you to start scanning anywhere, even over a stud.
  • DISPLAYS FULL STUDS: The ProSensor 710+ displays the center and edges of studs simultaneously, showing single studs, double studs, and irregular configurations that other stud finders cannot detect. Works through drywall/sheetrock, standard lathe & plaster, and more!
  • DURABLE: #1 Rated by consumers and professionals, the ProSensor 710+ stud finder is both accurate and durable.
  • EXTRA FEATURES: Built-In Bubble Level and Integrated Ruler. Uses common AA batteries. Is NOT compatible with rechargeable batteries.

2. Stud Finder Sensor Wall Scanner – 5 In 1 Electronic Stud Sensor Locator Wood Beam Joist Finders Wall Detector Edge Center Finding With Lcd Display For Wood Live Ac Wire Metal Studs Detection (Silver)

– Easily find studs, joists, and beams
– Save time by finding the center of a wall
– Quickly find metal studs

Stud Finder Sensor Wall Scanner - 5 In 1 Electronic Stud Sensor Locator Wood Beam Joist Finders Wall Detector Edge Center Finding With Lcd Display For Wood Live Ac Wire Metal Studs Detection (Silver)

 out of stock
Walmart.com
as of April 5, 2024 4:23 am

Stud Finder Sensor Wall Scanner - 5 in 1 Electronic Stud Sensor Locator Wood Beam Joist Finders Wall Detector Edge Center Finding with LCD Display for Wood Live AC Wire Metal Studs Detection (Silver)Color : Silver ~|~ Yellow- GREAT ACCURACY AND CONSISTENCY - Tavool stud finder is professionally...

4 in 1 Electronic Stud Finder Sensor Wall Scanner Stud Sensor Beam Finders Wall Detector Center Finding with LCD Display for Wood AC Wire Metal Studs Joist Detection

★★★★★
 out of stock
Walmart.com
as of April 5, 2024 4:23 am

Please note, this item ships from an international seller. Expected delivery is 10-15 days.This handheld wall tester is designed to determine exact location of framing studs that are located behind the drywall. It will help you locate hiddened metal pipes, live wire, stud and metal frames...

3. Stud Finder Wall Scanner Detector – Upgraded 6 in 1 Electronic Sensor Wood Wall Detector Beam Finder for Drywall Joist Pipe Live AC Wires Metal with Magnetic/Non-Magnetic, LCD Display & Sound Warning

Stud Finder Sensor Wall Scanner - 5 in 1 Electronic Stud Sensor Locator Wood Beam Joist Finders Wall Detector Edge Center Finding with LCD Display for Wood Live AC Wire Metal Studs Detection (Silver)

 out of stock
Amazon.com
as of April 16, 2024 3:23 pm

Features

  • 5 SCANNING MODES UP TO 60MM DEPTH - Our stud locator with multi-functions could quickly and easily locate wood studs metal pipes and live AC wires behind walls, floors, and ceilings. This scanner features stud modes with 3 depth types,detecting up to 1.5 inches(38 mm) deep in drywall; Metal mode could detect various metal materials deep up to 2.36 inches; and AC mode detects live AC wires up to 2 inches.
  • GREAT ACCURACY AND CONSISTENCY -Our stud finder is professionally designed and equipped with UPGRADED SENSOR CHIPS. It senses changes in density behind the wall and help locate the stud center and edge with GREAT ACCURACY. Take it home, and make your DIY project easier!
  • NEVER WORRY DRILLING INTO LIVE WIRES - WireWarning Detection works up to 2 inches(51mm) deep,and would ALWAYS ON while you are scanning in StudScan/DeepScan/MetalScan Modes.This would keep you away from AC wires and avoid you from drilling into water pipe or electrical wires. Whether you are a professional, homeowner or a DIY enthusiast, you would find great use with it.
  • DIGITAL LCD DISPLAY & CLEAR SOUND WARNING - Helps you Find the Exact Stud Center and Edges Easily Quickly - This digital stud detector features large LCD display together with clear sound warning,and could help you find the exact stud center and edges Easily,Quickly and Accurately, saving you more time and effort!
  • WHY WE RECOMMEND THIS STUD FINDER: Going through years of in-depth research on stud finders, designed with mature product process by professional teams, our stud finder would give you top quality and great accuracy, and provide multi-functions to meet all your practical needs on various wall structures.

4. Stud Finder Wall Scanner – 4 in 1 Electric Wood Detector, Sensor Wall Scanner with LCD Display, Beam Finder Center Finding & Sound Warning for Wood AC Wire Metal Studs Detection (Black)

Standard benefits:
– Finds studs, joists, and metal quickly.
– Built in LED light for dark spaces.
Emotional benefits:
– Save time finding the right spot to hang your picture or shelf.

Stud Finder Wall Scanner - 4 in 1 Electric Wood Detector, Sensor Wall Scanner with LCD Display, Beam Finder Center Finding & Sound Warning for Wood AC Wire Metal Studs Detection (Black)

 out of stock
Amazon.com
as of April 16, 2024 3:23 pm

Features

  • 【Safety always comes first】 VIVREAL devotes to developing a reliable stud finder and helping you to detect the hazard. No more worries about the annoying things during decoration with the help of this stud finder. QUICKLY LOCATE the edges and center of the objects, saving users time and effort, making the task completion EASIER. This Wood Detector can detect the Live AC Wire in all modes.Our advanced technology with beep signal alert enables accuracy detection to protect you from danger.
  • 【Four Scanning Modes】The stud finder provides four scanning modes in total for detection. Depending on the tasks you have, you can switch to the desired mode. The STUD SCAN is used for finding and locating the center and edges of wood or metal studs up to 3/4 in (19mm) deep; DEEP MODE for scanning walls for 1.5 in (38mm) deep; METAL SCAN for locating and detecting metal up to 2.25 in (60mm) deep; and AC SCAN for locating live AC wires up to 2 in (51mm) deep.
  • 【Graphical LCD Display】The Sensor Wall Scanner Beam Finder has a graphical LCD, which indicates many cues in detection, such as detection mode, signal strength, automatic calibration, battery indication with maximum readability. And the Low Battery Indicator icon displays when the battery level is getting low, reminding you to replace a brand new 9-volt battery in time. * For transportation safety reasons, the stud finder does not contain the battery.
  • 【Sound Warning】The multi-function stud finder offers the beep signal alert. When you have detected an object with the wall scanner, it will beep continually. The big sound warning together with the LCD screen helps detect the accurate location of the objects. Then a peck shape will display on the graphical screen. You can use the pencil to point the location of the object. The audible and visible cues reliably keep users informed when any object, such as metal, studs, AC live wiring gets found.
  • 【Automatic Calibration】The Stud Finder Wall Scanner would automatically calibrate itself when it is turned on. Please kindly noted that the calibration needs to be done by holding the stud finder on the wall where there are no wood studs, AC wires or metal. The automatic calibration is accurate and precise, providing users with maximum reliability, greatly reducing errors and makes sure that most objects behind the wall can be detected.

5. Stud Finder Wall Scanner Detector – Upgraded 6 in 1 Electronic Sensor Wood Wall Detector Beam Finder for Drywall Joist Pipe Live AC Wires Metal with Magnetic/Non-Magnetic, LCD Display & Sound Warning

Standard benefits:
– Get the job done faster and easier.
– Save money on expensive tools.
Emotional benefits:
– Find studs without getting your hands dirty or risking injury. – Never have to worry about drywall again!

Stud Finder Wall Scanner Detector - Upgraded 6 in 1 Electronic Sensor Wood Wall Detector Beam Finder for Drywall Joist Pipe Live AC Wires Metal with Magnetic/Non-Magnetic, LCD Display & Sound Warning

$25.59  in stock
2 new from $25.59
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of April 16, 2024 3:23 pm

Features

  • UPGRADED CHIP WITH ADVANCED SENSOR TECHNOLOGY MAKES YOUR DETECTION RESULTS MORE ACCURATE -with many years of deep research and development,our engineer team have uptimized and upgraded design and detection function of this stud finder, which gives you more accurate readings. Equipped with the most intelligent chip,this stud finder wall scanner can detect and locate different materials in different modes quickly and accurately.
  • MAGNETIC/NON-MAGNETIC METAL DETECTION FUNCTIOIN UP TO 80MM - Our magnetic stud finder has innovated a new design for metal detection, which can help confirm Magnetic/Non-Magnetic metal and make distance detection up to 3.15 in.deep by microwave. When the screen appears "X", it means that a non-magnetic metal is detected, and no "X", it is a magnetic metal. Then stud finder with laser level with LCD screen will display the distance data accurately between the wall and metal materials.
  • 6 IN 1 SCANNING MODE -This magnetic stud finder with high level of sensitivity to penetrate deep into the wall to detect different materials. Its stud 1/2, 1 and 1 1/2 Scan Mode can respectively locate the center of wood and metal stud up to 13 mm, 25mm and 38mm deep in drywall. The AC Scan Mode can detect unshielded live AC wire up to 2 in. (51mm) deep.
  • LARGE LCD DISPLAY & SOUND WARNING -This latest wood wall detector with HD LCD display, no matter you work outside, indoor, daytime or foggy day, which can display detection data clearly. And when the beam finder for walls detected the center and edges of wood and metal studs, it would react quickly with big sound WARNING . Wherever you use this stud finder, which can make your work safer and more effective.
  • INNOVATIVE DESIGN & HIGH QUALITY CUSTOMER SERVICE - When putting the stud finder on the wall, the Non-slip veneer design can fix the device at any angle. Our wall scanner detector help you locate materials more accurately when you drill in the wall, keeping you from dangers and damages, and maintaining the exact beauty of the wall. Please contact us directly for any using problems, and we promise respond to you within 24 hours.

6. Stud Finder Wall Scanner – Upgrade 5 in 1 Stud Sensor Wall Detector Wood Beam Drywall Joist Pipe Live AC Wire Metal Studs Locator Best Electronic Wall Detector Edge Center Finding with LCD Display

Standard benefits:
– Find studs, joists, and pipes quickly.
– Locates metal wires in walls.
Emotional benefits:
– Save time finding the right spot for your TV or shelving unit.
– Get that perfect wall of drywall up on the first try

Stud Finder Wall Scanner - Upgrade 5 in 1 Stud Sensor Wall Detector Wood Beam Drywall Joist Pipe Live AC Wire Metal Studs Locator Best Electronic Wall Detector Edge Center Finding with LCD Display

$25.59
$22.99
 in stock
4 new from $22.59
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of April 16, 2024 3:23 pm

Features

Part Numbermk101

7.Wall Detector Lomvum Stud Finder Wall Scanner with Indicators, Center Finding & Sound Warning for Studs/Wood/Metal/Live AC Wires Detection High Precision 5 in 1 Electronic Multi Function Stud Sensor

Standard benefits:
– Find studs, joists, and pipes quickly.
– Locates metal wires in walls.
Emotional benefits:
– Save time finding the right spot for your TV or shelving unit.
– Get that perfect wall of drywall up on the first try

Wall Detector Lomvum Stud Finder Wall Scanner with Indicators, Center Finding & Sound Warning for Studs/Wood/Metal/Live AC Wires Detection High Precision 5 in 1 Electronic Multi Function Stud Sensor

 out of stock
Amazon.com
as of April 16, 2024 3:23 pm

Features

  • 5 in 1 Stud Finder Accurately & Quickly Locating Wood/Beam/Joist/AC Wire in Wall or Check for Metal/Cables/Pipes/Alloy Before Drilling A Hole. For Safety, In All Modes, This Wall Detector Always Detect and Indicate the Live AC Wire.
  • Multi Function Wall Detector Detects up to 1.5”/38mm(Deep Model) And 0.79”/20mm(Exact Mode) on Wood Mode; Up to 4.73”/120mm for Ferrous Metals and Up to 3.94”/100mm for Nonferrous Metal(Copper). Both Wood Model and Metal Mode Also can Detect AC Live Lines up to 1.97”/50mm
  • LCD Displays Icon of “Edge” or “Center” and Signal Is Getting Stronger Accompany Buzzer When Wood Detecting, LCD Displays the Depth Value Refers to the Distances Between the Center Point of the Sensor Area And the Measured Object, and Signal Is Getting Stronger Accompany Buzzer when Metal Detecting.
  • Green Indicator Lights Up When Wall Detector is Ready, Yellow or Red Indicator Lights Up When Wall Detector is Detecting(Yellow Indicator Lights Up if Detecting Signal ≤30%, Red Indicator Lights Up with Buzzer if Detecting Signal >30%, Red Indicator Flicking with Buzzer if Detects AC Signal)
  • 90 Days Unconditional Full Refund & Replacement If Our Fault! Package Including 9V Battery + Portable Bag+Manual + Stud Finder Wall Scanner Detector

8. 4 in 1 Electronic Stud Finder Sensor Wall Scanner Stud Sensor Beam Finders Wall Detector Center Finding with LCD Display for Wood AC Wire Metal Studs Joist Detection

Don’t be afraid of the holes with this stud finder.  This 4 in 1 Electronic Stud Finder will have you detecting studs in no time flat. It detects studs behind wall surfaces with infrared and ultrasonic technology for instant detection that satisfies your needs and then some.

This little device is capable of sensing those hard to find, small structural materials that you can’t see with your eyes.

So if this sounds like something that’s right up your alley, we encourage you to put this Stud Finder to the test and see just how far its sensing capability goes.

4 in 1 Electronic Stud Finder Sensor Wall Scanner Stud Sensor Beam Finders Wall Detector Center Finding with LCD Display for Wood AC Wire Metal Studs Joist Detection

★★★★★
 out of stock
Walmart.com
as of April 5, 2024 4:23 am

Please note, this item ships from an international seller. Expected delivery is 10-15 days.This handheld wall tester is designed to determine exact location of framing studs that are located behind the drywall. It will help you locate hiddened metal pipes, live wire, stud and metal frames...

9. PERLESMITH Stud Finder Wall Detector 5 in 1 – Electronic Stud Sensor Wall Scanner Center Finding – with Battery LCD Display for Wood Metal Studs AC Wire Detection

As your one-stop shop for all things stud related, PERLESMITH offers a line of high quality wall finders designed to help you pinpoint the location of framing studs in any home’s walls.

Say goodbye to arduous calculations and pesky false positives; this electronic device is 5x as accurate, quick, and portable! With its telescoping probe that extends up to 16ft., it can crawl along scanning drywall surfaces like an eager beagle sniffing out his next bundle of joy.

PERLESMITH Stud Finder Wall Detector 5 in 1 - Electronic Stud Sensor Wall Scanner Center Finding - with Battery LCD Display for Wood Metal Studs AC Wire Detection

 out of stock
Amazon.com
as of April 16, 2024 3:23 pm

Features

Part NumberPSESF01
ModelPSESF01
ColorYellow
SizeSmall

10. Bosch Digital Multi-Scanner GMS120

It’s not uncommon to spend hours taping off half your wall and then say, “Hey! There is nothing on the backside of this wall…again! Even more frustrating when you can feel that there should be something.

In those cases it’s time to use the Bosch Digital Multi-Scanner GMS120 and sweep away all confusion with its stud finder feature. Feeling frustrated?

Worry no more as we make finding studs a snap for any builder or homeowner in need of fast access.

Product description: Not everybody wants to get their hands dirty by diagnosing electrical vibrations themselves.

Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about broken wires thanks to the Bosch Digital Multi-Scanner GMS120

Bosch Digital Multi-Scanner GMS120

 in stock
Amazon.com
as of April 16, 2024 3:23 pm

Features

  • Detection: The Bosch GMS120 Digital Wall Scanner features multi-mode laser detection for wood studs, metal objects (rebar, studs and steel/copper pipes) and live wiring
  • Performance: Features the latest 3 sensor laser technology, offering a wide range of detection performance of up to 4 3/4 inches deep in cured concrete, up to 2 inches for live wiring, up to 3 1/8 inches for copper and up to 1 1/2 inches for wood studs; The accuracy of the product is 0.0625
  • Self calibrating: Includes 3 selection modes for wood, metal, and AC wiring; The GMS120 offers automatic calibration from the start and continues to self calibrate through the course of the project for easy and precise detection
  • Display: Features an illuminated graphical LCD display to indicate mode, detection strength, and more; The large detection ring flashes green for no object found, orange for object near and red for object found within the sensor range
  • Center Finder: This wall scanner includes a center finder that pinpoints the object center with an audible detection signal with an on/off button

11. Stud Finder Wall Scanner – 5 in 1 Sensor Wall Scanner with LCD Display & Auto Calibration, Beam Finder Center Finding & Sound Warning for Wood AC Wire Metal Studs Detection

Forget ripping up your walls to find the studs – just use our wall scanner! Simply run it across any surface, and voila!

In five seconds or less you’ll know exactly where those pesky studs are. If that’s not enough for you then try intentionally sliding a screwdriver against it.

You can detect a variety of nails too-just drag an ordinary nail against its magnetic edge to tell if there are any boards behind your drywall or laminate flooring.

Stud Finder Wall Scanner - 5 in 1 Sensor Wall Scanner with LCD Display & Auto Calibration, Beam Finder Center Finding & Sound Warning for Wood AC Wire Metal Studs Detection

 out of stock
Amazon.com
as of April 16, 2024 3:23 pm

Features

  • 5 Scanning Modes- M MARSIAN 5-in-1 stud finder provides you with 5 scanning modes. This stud finder wall scanner includes stud modes for locating studs up to 1/2”(13mm) deep, 1”(25mm) deep, and 1 1/2”(38mm) deep, metal scan mode for detecting metal up to 2.36”(60mm) deep, AC scan mode for detecting AC wires up to 2”(51mm) deep. It is the most suitable gift for Father's Day
  • Auto Calibration for More Accuracy- With upgraded digital detection technology, M MARSIAN digital wall scanner can quickly and exactly detect the woods, metal, pipes, AC wires hidden in the walls, floors and ceilings. Auto calibration function excludes the influence of previous readings, providing maximum accuracy and reliability for following detection. Just press the scan button to start calibration and it will complete the moment the beep sound and screen shows disappear.
  • LCD Display & Sound Warning - M MARSIAN stud detector is equipped with a LCD screen together with the beeping sound to help you get a more accurate result in both visible and audible way. The bright LCD display allows you to clearly see the reading even in the dark. With the beeping alert, you can be immediately informed when you are getting closer to the detected target. M MARSIAN stud finder also has low battery Indicator, please be aware that 9-volt battery is not included.
  • Easy Operation and Save your Time- M MARSIAN stud finder wall scanner allows you to efficiently switch between the five different scan modes within minutes. Even a green hand can easily locate the woods, metal, pipes, rebar, joists behind walls, floors, and ceilings as well as the live AC wires with this stud finder. Hold the scanner and move it above the drywall, it will quickly show you the center and edge of the object.
  • Wide Use & Ergonomic Grip Design -This beam finder is greatly user friendly with light weight and ergonomic design for you to comfortably hold it from any angle. M MARSIAN wall scanner can be applied to various wall surfaces, from lath, wallpaper wood flooring, painted walls, acoustic ceiling, etc. It’s the one you need to help you find the exact studs before installing TVs, cabinets, garage shelves in your house or office.

12. Stud Finder Wall Scanner, Meterk 2 in 1 Stud Sensor Wall Detector & Laser Distance Measure, Wall Detector Edge Center Finding with LCD Display for Wood AC Wire Metal Studs Detection

Goodbye mess and time-consuming research! Imagine never having to hunt around for a stud again.

We’ll help you find the stud in minutes by simply scanning your wall with our detector to locate hidden studs which typically are 4 inches wide by 16 inches high, or even bigger in some rare cases.

Yes, this will be a breath of fresh air! And just so you know – this device is designed to actually work on drywall walls as well.

It’s not like most other products that only determine whether there is a stud behind the plasterboard material like wallpaper or paint because those can get old and damaged from repeated use.

But ours won’t stop working even after years of usage if used properly thanks to its accurate design and advanced

Stud Finder Wall Scanner, Meterk 2 in 1 Stud Sensor Wall Detector & Laser Distance Measure, Wall Detector Edge Center Finding with LCD Display for Wood AC Wire Metal Studs Detection

 out of stock
3 new from $50.97
5 used from $35.19
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of April 16, 2024 3:23 pm

Features

  • 【High-Precision Detector】 Quickly locate the stud wood metal AC wire. Wood measurement has two modes to detect depth to the greatest extent: precise mode 20 mm, depth mode 38 mm; metal measurement mode, which can measure non-magnetic metals (non-ferrous copper) 80 mm and magnetic metal (ferrous metals )100mm; copper wires(≥mm2 ) 40mm
  • 【2 in 1 Stud Finder Laser Distance 】 The new measuring device can not only measure metals (steel rods, copper pipes) and cables, wood, etc. hidden under walls, ceilings, floors and gypsum boards, but also measure laser ranging, area. Whether you are a professional, homeowner or DIY enthusiast, you can find great use in this stud scanner.
  • 【Multi-Function Distance Meter】 This instrument uses laser precision technology as a distance meter, with an accuracy of ±5MM and a measurement distance of up to 40m; it can be freely switched between M / In / Ft; multiple measurement functions Range, distance, length, continuous measurement, Pythagorean method, and 30 sets of data storage functions.
  • 【Energy Saving and Calibration Function】 The device has an automatic shutdown function. If there is no function within 20 seconds, it will automatically shut down. In addition, the device is powered by a lithium battery. We provide a USB charging cable that can be used multiple times; calibrating before use can provide you with maximum reliability and accuracy.
  • 【Mute Setting and LCD Backlight】 Large backlit screen can provide better visibility in dark areas. Using the mute function, you can turn the signal tone on or off as needed. Suitable for libraries, classrooms and other quiet places.
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