Stud Finder

[Doug Colombo]

I bought a Zircon and I get different (error) readings at least 60-70 percent of the time. I have much better luck and more confidence in an old Craftsman one I have. Weird as it is about 15 years old.

Funny you say this - I have had the same experience. I was at my father in laws and used his stud finder (Zircon) and ended up using my old Craftsman (about the same age as yours) and it worked much better !
I am still interested in the new Bosch (I have no ties to Bosch - I retired from the Auto Industry), as it can locate other items, but will keep the old Craftsman for sure.

[Trent Shirley]

I use the Sperry Multi-scanner like this one. Works well and has all the additional features that are nice to keep in a single tool. The only problem I have it on thicker walls. I sometimes seem to get false readings. I would end up drilling a hold only to find I have not hit the stud.

Anyone try the Magic Stud Finder on plaster and lathe walls?

[Carl Beckett]

I have a Zircon.

I have a couple really strong rare earth magnets, and start with these when there are magnetic nails/screws involved (ie drywall). Fool proof.

If only using the Zircon, and if I dont want a bunch of holes, I use a very small drill/awl - I can just press it right through drywall to hit, and if it needs touchup the hole is small enough just plain paint will cover the hole.

[Glen Butler]

Its interesting hearing so many people have so many errors with their studfinder. Often when I get an error its because I started on or near the stud. It just gets lost. I move over 8" from my last position and try again. Sometimes I will be moving quickly nailing base and I will press the button before I have fully set against the wall. Bottom line is, for me its usually user error. I own the cheapest or nearly cheapest zircon model.

[ray hampton]

I try different brands and give up on all of them ,the best way to find a stud is to measured 48 inches from a corner

[Mark Godlesky]

Well I got the Zircon e50. It seems to work pretty well on standard 2x material, not so much on engineered beams. My home has the I beams made of 2x2s and OSB and the e50 had a hard time with them. Didn't help that the beams are about 19 1/2" on center.