With loose ones, we find you’ll hear a “thunk” noise when it finds something or see a bright piece of plastic pop up. With molded ones, you can feel the magnetic attraction as you push it along the wall. Some magnetic stud finders we researched are molded into a plastic casing, while some are left loose. Magnetic stud finders use large magnets to find the nails that are holding the studs together. The latter type can be further broken down into subcategories. Stud detectors are either magnetic or electronic. We put together the following buying guide to help you examine the most important features when choosing a stud finder. In addition to choosing between magnetic and electronic stud finders, think about each product’s battery life and additional features. Stud finders are essential for DIYers when hanging items or mapping out any project on one of your home’s walls. However, some reviewers complained that the stud finder was only able to identify the location of metal screws and nails rather than the studs themselves, and we noticed other users who thought that stud locator was a little pricey. They stated that it was lightweight and easy to use and yielded reliable and consistent results. Many reviewers we saw were pleased with the simplicity and effectiveness of this magnetic stud finder. ✘ Some customers thought that the stud finder was overpriced given its simplicity What Customers Are Saying ✘ Not intended for use on lath or plaster walls ✔ Features ultra-strong neodymium magnets to detect screw or nail heads Since it has no batteries or moving parts, the stud finder is always ready to use. The magnet’s plastic casing is easy to hold and won’t mar or scratch the surface of the wall. This simple stud finder uses a powerful magnet instead of battery-powered sensors to identify studs, making it our top choice for magnetic stud finders. Best Magnetic: The StudBuddy Magnetic Stud Finder.
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Once you’ve located a stud, you can mount heavy and fragile objects by drilling into the stud and installing the right hanging hardware. Stud finders are used to determine where the studs and fasteners in your walls are located. Our Reviews Team is committed to delivering honest, objective, and independent reviews on home products and services. Affiliate Disclosure: We may be compensated if you purchase through links on our website.