How to Choose the Best Stud Detector

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Whether you’re getting ready to hang a mirror in the hallway or take down an entire wall, a stud detector is an essential part of every DIY toolkit.

For those who aren’t familiar with stud finders, these handy devices help locate the metal framing studs hidden behind drywall.

Some stud detectors are simple little gadgets that only do one job. But, others can come with dozens of fancy bells and whistles that can help you tackle even the most complex projects.

Are you looking for a new stud finder, but aren’t sure where to start? We’ve got you covered.

Here’s everything you need to know about choosing the right stud finder for you.

The Different Types of Stud Finders

There’s more than one kind of stud detector out there!

Each kind of stud detector comes with several benefits and drawbacks. That said, they aren’t interchangeable and won’t work for every project you may be looking to take on.

Here are the two most common types of stud finders and how to decide which is best for you.

Magnetic Stud Detectors

If you’re looking for something cheap and easy, then a magnetic stud detector may be the best choice for you.

If you’re only using a stud detector for simple jobs like hanging pictures or small shelves, then a magnetic stud is likely all you need to get the job done.

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Electronic Stud Detectors

While magnetic stud detectors are cheap and easy to use, they have nothing on their electronic counterparts.

Electronic stud detectors are more accurate and can give you more thorough information than a magnetic one. On top of that, electric stud finders can come with several different features that you can use to complete several additional tasks.

There are electric stud finders that can help locate and track things like wiring and plumbing in addition to studs. Others include things like ultra-accurate laser levels.

What is Everyone Else Saying?

Finally, a stud finder can be a pretty significant investment. So, you don’t want to mess around and sink your money into something that’s going to give up the ghost two weeks after you buy it.

But, thanks to the rise of the internet, we have a powerful tool for finding the most reliable and worthwhile stud finders at our immediate disposal.

Before you buy anything, take a few minutes to check out a few online reviews about the stud finder you’re looking at buying.

By seeing what other people who have tried that product have to say, you could potentially save yourself a lot of time and money.

Reviews can also help you get a feel for what kind of projects other people were using specific stud detectors to complete. So, you can get a better idea of which one would work best for your projects.