Stud finders are handy tools that help you to locate studs, live AC wires, and nails beneath walls. Before the invention of this tool, people manually detected studs by hammering a nail to the wall to find if there is a stud beneath. This trick works but takes its own time.

Thanks to the invention of stud finders, the job is now simplified. They guide you to that particular spot in a wall where the stud is located. We will see in brief about the types and uses of this amazing innovation. If you wish to purchase one, a collection of stud finders are available on Amazon or some online retailers. Compare, research, and purchase it according to your convenience.

Type of Stud Finders

There are two types of stud finders. One, Magnetic Stud Detector, which involves a very simple principle of “magnetic pull” to attract metal behind the wall. Two, Electronic Stud Finder that has an in-built capacitor that detects studs behind walls, ceilings or beneath the floor.

Magnetic detectors, which have less applicability with homes built from metal lath and plaster, can be further classified into two – Stationary and Moving. Stationary detectors completely depend on the user who should move the hand-held device across the wall towards the direction of the magnetic pull. It may become unreliable if the stud is located deeper beneath the drywall. However, Moving Magnetic Detectors use a rare earth magnet which has a stronger pull. It is easier to locate studs using a moving magnet because of his broader detection range. It is suspended in a central space, and thus it is free to move towards the metal piece.

Electronic detectors, on the other hand, have proven to be very helpful. It also uses physics to detect studs but uses a stronger principle than the magnetic pull. It is built with an internal capacitor. The signal variations indicate the residence of studs in a wall. That is, if the signal is low, there is a stud. Let us not jump into the “dielectric constant” principle that electronic detectors use to locate studs, as it involves too much science. But, if you’re still interested in finding out the physics behind it, visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relative_permittivity. Electronic detectors come in three different types, each serving a definitive purpose. They are – edge finders, center finders, and instant finders.

Today’s technology has improved so much that stud detectors are built with small radar technology to do its job. The main applicability of radar scanners can be seen in the type of homes where the previous two kinds of detectors prove a little less useful. In homes built from metal and plaster, radar scanners are capable of identifying studs, leaks, even AC wiring. A step ahead, it can even detect pests beneath the drywall.

In conclusion, stud detectors are small household tools that help you locate framing material beneath walls, floors, and ceilings. It serves this primary purpose only. There are a number of companies that manufacture stud finders. Each one is ergonomically designed for comfort as well as accuracy. The main feature to look out for, while purchasing a stud finder is grip, size, accuracy, and price. Of course, there will be user reviews for you to compare and make an informed decision.