How Do Stud Finders Work

These stud finders primarily work by scanning the wall behind the plaster.

How do stud finders work.

A stud finder also stud detector or stud sensor is a handheld device used with wood buildings to locate framing studs located behind the final walling surface usually drywall while there are many different stud finders available most fall into two main categories. Most magnet type stud finders don t work effectively since they are dependent on locating the fasteners screws used to secure the drywall and they can be very difficult to locate. Later devices incorporated electromagnetic metal detectors that were more sensitive and accurate. Some electronic stud finders can even detect the type of material based on how dense it is and using a combination of different scanning techniques some of the more expensive stud finders can detect hidden metal pipes electrical wires and screws nails etc.

Knowing where those are is crucial so you can be sure to screw into them instead of just the drywall when you re hanging something. How do stud finders work. Magnetic stud detectors and electric stud finders. Whether you are hanging pictures putting up a new set of shelves or getting ready to start an addition knowing where the studs are in a wall can be extremely handy.

This added a visual aid of a compass needle helped the process further improving accuracy. Before there were stud finders either you. So you can now use this scanner to locate the edges of the studs then you will have to work out where the center of the stud is located for your home improvement projects etc. Just like a metal detector the magnetic stud finder actually locates the studs support beams within the walls by detecting the beam itself if it is made out.

Building on that a magnetic stud finder used a little compass needle that moved when the stud finder was dragged across a nail. Some finders provide basic detection capabilities that are good for just walls. A stud finder is good for well finding studs you can t see. That s why a stud finder is so crucial.

When hammering or screwing things into walls ceilings and floors you need to know what is on the other side. All stud finders do the same basic thing. It honestly depends on what type of stud finder you are using magnetic stud finders function a lot differently than the other types of stud finders because they are the most basic type. Therefore the magnetic stud finders do not detect the stud by itself.

Rather it can detect by the hardware when it attaches to the wall material to the stud. We suggest at the very least looking for a stud finder that indicates if there are hidden electrical wires within the wall. And once it locates the edge of a stud it lets you know right away. Detect where support areas like studs and joists are along the wall.

A stud finder is a valuable tool that makes the job of finding studs behind a wall very simple.