For this past Christmas my FIL put stud finders in everyone's stockings. When I first saw it I thought there was no way it would be any good. But after trying it a few times, it is absolutely the best stud finder Ive ever used. And Ive tried many different ones. It has been accurate every time Ive used it, no matter the drywall finish.

[Link: amazon.com]

I saw something similar at HD the other day and almost grabbed it just because. I have always used the cheapest Stanleys and they have never let me down. I picked up a fancy Stanley a while back because Loewes had them marked down to like $6. It does up to 1 1/2" depths and it actually works well.

But I might try this magnetic thingamabob anyway. :)

Magnetic - if the drywaller missed the stud, you will too. ;)

After years of "finders" letting me down, I spent the $80 bucks and treated myself to a Zircon i700. I haven't looked back since.

www.amazon.com/s/

What's her name? :)

I have walls that making using a stud finder almost impossible. I use a dampening material called Green Glue between double layers of 3/4 drywall and a 1/8 layer of mass loaded vinyl. I have Zircon's top of the line scanner from about 2 years back. The only way I can find the stud is to use the magnetic scan. That's not as easy because you have to find a screw first and then try to trace the stud.

what happens with metallic sheathed cable, duct works or metal pipes?

You hit them- Thats what.

I use this Greenlee torpedo level.

[Link: greenlee.com]

It has rare earth magnets on one side that will easily pick up drywall screws the same as Fins magnetic detector, but it's one less thing to carry.

It won't stick to ducting or metalic pipes or conduit, but does find drywall screws easily.

I stick some blue painters tape on the magnet side of the level so it doesn't scratch up the wall and then you just move it around until it sticks.

Have an electronic finder too, but find that I use the level most often.

I use both the magnetic device along with the top of the line Zircon. They both have their moments of success and failure, but when teamed with common sense and patience, my success rate is almost 100%.

 I've tried a bunch over the years and have always found that the cheaper stud finders give me better results than the more expensive "I can find anything thru anything" stud finders!

My girlfriend is the best stud finder around. She found me.

As much as I hate to quote a hana montana song, everybody makes mistakes.

I have the older version and agree, works great and has not let me down...just gotta know how to use it and have a decent working knowledge of framing structure and the ability to pay attention to the age and size of the home. After years of installing you get a feel for what you are going to run into based on age of home, size, and at times for me neighborhood, since one or two builders would get a neighborhood and once you have done one they get a bit predictable, at least in my city.

My personal favorite!


www.amazon.com/Stanley-20-556-6-Inch-FatMax-Jab/dp/B00005QVQH/ref=sr_1_2