7 Best Stud Finder for Plaster Walls (Lath walls 2024)
A stud finder is a handy tool that homeowners use to locate studs behind plaster or lath walls. For many DIY tasks, finding studs is essential since it ensures that things are firmly fixed to the wall.
In most cases when we don’t have a stud finder, we may end up installing it on drywall which may result in falling and damaging the object. So the best stud finder for plaster walls is a much-needed instrument to mount shelves or cabinets and to avoid electrical wires and plumbing pipes.
It’s hard to get a good stud finder when you have lots of options, variety, and stud finders with different specifications available. Don’t worry we will provide you with detailed information that will help you.
By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of:
- What is a stud finder?
- Why it is important to have a stud finder and detector.
- What are the factors that should be considered while buying any stud finder?
- List of some best stud finders for lath and plaster walls.
- Answers to some questions about stud finder and detector.
Let’s get started.
Choosing the Best Stud Finder for Plaster Walls
To avoid inconvenience while hanging something on the wall, it is better to have a high-quality stud finder.
The best stud finder for plaster walls I and field professionals recommend is the CH Hanson 03040 or the Franklin sensors stud finder. They are the best because trustworthy and reliable companies design them. Many people have used them, and they are really happy with the results. They are convenient, of high quality, and affordable.
To ensure that you select the right stud finder, it’s important to take into account several key factors.
a. Sensing Depth
The sensing depth means at which depth the sensor can sense the stud behind the wall. Most of the stud finders can sense ranges from ½ inches to 1 1/2 inches, but some new models can sense up to 3 inches. The sensing depth also depends upon the type of sensor technology used in the stud finder.
b. Type of Sensor
There are different types of sensors that are used in stud finders like magnetic sensors, electronic sensors, and radar sensors. Magnetic stud finders detect metal fasteners, while electronic and radar detectors use sensors to detect changes in density. Make sure you select the right stud finder with the right type of sensor.
c. Accuracy
Accuracy is another significant factor and should be considered. This refers to how accurately the stud finder or detector can locate the center of the object. The accuracy is usually expressed in inches or millimeters.
d. Display
How will the stud finder show that it has detected something? It will be through display right? Stud finders and detectors may have a visual display or audio signals to indicate the location of the object.
e. Power Source
Another factor is a power source. Stud finders typically use two types of power sources one is batteries and the other one AC adapter. The battery powered are portable and do not require a power outlet but on the other hand, AC-powered stud finders need standard electrical outlets.
f. Size and Weight
Size and weight are other crucial parameters that may affect stud finder portability and ease of use. Make sure you select the stud finder that is compact and lightweight.
g. Additional Feature
Some stud finders and detectors may have additional features such as a built-in level, laser line, or edge detection. Other features may include the ability to detect live wires, pipes, or other hazards behind the wall.
List of Best Stud Finder for Plaster Walls
Now to make your decision easy, here is a list of some best stud finders and detectors.
1. JAXWQ Stud Finder
Let’s start our list with the JAXWQ stud finder. It is a 5 in 1 stud detector with a microprocessor chip and HD LCD to provide accurate readings.
Important features:
- It has 5 modes of scan for stud, including for AC wiring and metal scanning.
- The maximum depth varies depending on the material, it can be 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) for wood, 2.36 inches (5.99 cm) for metal, and 2 inches (5.08 cm) for live AC wires.
- A 9V battery is used for the device to operate.
- It has the feature to locate the center and edges of wood and metal studs.
- The device is easy to calibrate and comes with clear instructions for proper calibration.
The JAXWQ stud finder (Amazon link) is a good option due to its 5 modes of scan and use of battery for operating. It is an easy to handle device a person with no expertise can also use.
2. C.H. Hanson 3040
The second best stud finder for plaster walls is from the CH Hanson. The CH Hanson 3040 is a simple and reliable tool manufactured by an American company known as C.H. Hanson, which is famous for its high-quality and innovative design products.
Important features:
- It is a lightweight and compact device.
- It uses a powerful magnet to locate metal objects behind walls.
- Likewise, it can detect metal objects behind drywall, plaster, wood paneling, and ceramic tile.
- It doesn’t require batteries, so that feature makes it easy to maintain it.
- It does not have depth detection capabilities, but it can detect metal objects up to 1 inch (2.54 cm) deep in wall materials.
The CH Hanson 03040 (Amazon link) Stud Finder is a good and inexpensive tool that can save time and effort when working on construction or home improvement projects.
3. CraftSMAN Stud Finder
CraftSMAN is a well-respected brand in the hardware industry, and their product CraftSMAN stud finder is a handheld electronic device used to locate studs and other objects behind walls.
Important features:
- The stud finder uses electronic sensor technology to locate studs.
- The device can detect studs up to ¾ inch deep in most wall materials.
- To operate, this device needs a 9V battery.
- It has an audible alert system that beeps when it detects studs behind walls.
- The device automatically calibrated itself when turned on and during use, ensuring an accurate reading.
- It is compatible with various wall materials, including drywall, plaster, and wood paneling.
Its deep detection and automatic calibration features make the CraftSMAN stud finder (Amazon link) a great tool for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals. The portable design of the device makes it easy to go device.
4. Franklin Sensors Stud Finder
The Franklin Sensors 710 is a high-quality stud finder that is widely considered to be one of the best on the market. The manufacturer of this product is also a trusted brand and its products are easy to use.
Important features:
- Electronic sensing technology is used by the device to detect studs behind the walls.
- It can detect up to 1.6 inches (4.06 cm) deep in most wall materials.
- The device features a multi-sense technology that can detect multiple types of materials, including wood, metal, and live AC wiring.
- It has an LED display that shows the location and edge of the studs.
- The device has multi-sense technology that can detect multiple materials.
- The device has a long battery life and can operate for up to 20 hours on a single 9V battery.
The device has an ergonomic design that is comfortable to hold, and its LED display and multi-sense technology increase its worth. Overall, the Franklin sensors stud finder (Amazon link) is a reliable, accurate, and easy-to-use stud finder.
5. Black & Decker Stud Finder
The Black & Decker is an all-in-one tool, it can detect metal and wood studs, and can detect AC wires behind the wall, and can also help in hanging and leveling the items on the wall.
Important features:
- The device is compact and that makes it a portable device.
- It can be powered by two AA batteries.
- The LCD shows the remaining battery life.
- It has auto-level features which ensure that the laser lines are in level.
- It can detect up to 0.75 inches (1.91 cm) deep in the wood, and up to 1.5 inches (ca. 4 cm) deep in the metal. Likewise, it can also detect live wire up to 2 inches (5.08 cm) deep.
Overall, the BLACK & DECKER stud finder (Amazon link) Line Laser with Auto-leveling is a versatile and reliable tool with a range of technical features that make it perfect for a variety of applications.
6. Vaughan 050044
The product is manufactured by a well known company known as Vaughan. The device can detect studs in plaster walls, but the accuracy and reliability of the stud finder may vary depending on the thickness and condition of the plaster.
Important features:
- The stud finder leveler is equipped with a powerful magnet that can locate screws, nails, and metal studs behind walls and other surfaces.
- The built-in level tool makes it easy to ensure that your work is straight and level.
- The tool is made from durable materials, including a high-impact plastic casing that can withstand daily use and abuse.
- The Vaughan Magnetic Stud Finder Leveler is compatible with drywall and plaster and can locate screws, nails, and metal studs in these materials.
- It is designed to only detect metal.
The Vaughan Stud Finder (Amazon link) is a reliable and easy-to-use tool for locating metal fasteners in drywall and plaster. Its powerful magnet and built-in level tool make it versatile.
7. Bosch GMS120
Bosch is a multinational engineering and technology company and their tools are durable, reliable, and easy to use. The Bosch GMS120 is designed to locate metal, wood, and live wiring behind walls.
Important features:
- It has three modes: Live Wiring, Metal, and Wood for detecting various materials. Each mode offers precise readings and is tuned to detect the particular material.
- The device can detect objects up to a depth of 4-3/4 inches (120 mm) in normal mode and up to 2-3/8 inches (60 mm) in deep mode.
- The device emits an audible signal when an object is detected, making it easy to use in noisy environments.
- It uses a 9V battery and has a long battery life.
- The Center Finder feature provides an accurate center point of the detected object, making it easier to mark the location for drilling or cutting.
The three modes and deep detection features increase the worth of Bosch GMS120 (Amazon link) and make it a reliable, time saving, and cost-efficient stud finder.
8. Zircon Stud Finder
The last best stud finder for plaster walls and lath walls is from the Zircon. Zircon is a company that specializes in manufacturing electronic tools and devices for home improvement, construction, and industrial applications.
The Zircon stud finder is a reliable and easy-to-use wall scanner and stud finder that is designed to detect studs.
Important features:
- It has a patented SpotLite Pointing System and audio signals to locate the edges and center of studs behind walls.
- The device can detect metal up to a depth of 3 inches.
- It operates with a 9V battery and has long battery life.
- The device has an easy-to-read LCD display that provides clear and accurate readings of detected objects.
- The device also locates the center and edges of studs, making it easy to mark the location for hanging shelves, cabinets, or other objects.
- The device is equipped with a Wire Warning Detection system that warns the user of the presence of live, unshielded electrical wiring.
The Zircon stud finder (Amazon link) has advanced features, including Wire Warning Detection and DeepScan mode, making it a versatile tool for a range of applications.
Conclusion
A stud finder is a tool used to locate studs or beams behind walls, ceilings, or floors. Anyone who wants to put objects on walls, such as cupboards, shelves, or photographs, can benefit from having a stud finder.
On the market, there are different kinds of stud finders, including multi-scanners, electronic stud finders, and magnetic stud finders. It’s critical to select the stud finder that best meets your demands.
Here are some factors that should be considered
- Compact
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Power source
- Sensing Depth
I believe that Zircon Stud Finder (Amazon link) is the best stud finder for plaster walls based on all of its qualities. The product has received positive reviews. The good thing about this stud finder and detector is that it is a lightweight, compact design, and has features of providing detection through different materials. These characteristics make this stud finder and detector the best.
Questions about Stud Finder
In this section, some frequently asked questions about best stud finder for plaster walls will be answered.
1. What is stud finder, and how does it work?
A stud finder is a handheld device used to locate framing studs behind walls, ceilings, or floors. It works by detecting changes in density in the wall caused by the presence of a stud. By identifying the location of the studs, users can safely hang heavy items without damaging the wall or ceiling.
2. Do stud finders work on all types of walls?
Stud finders work best on drywall or plaster walls, which are most common in residential and commercial buildings. However, stud finders may not work as well on walls made of other materials, such as concrete or brick, as they have different densities and properties. It’s important to check the specifications of your stud finder and the wall material before use.
3. How do I calibrate my stud finder?
Depending on the model and brand of your stud finder, calibration procedures may change. To get accurate results, carefully follow the instructions that came with your device.
4. What should we do if our stud finder is not working correctly?
Check the batteries and calibration first if your stud finder isn’t functioning properly. If it still creates a problem, you might need to get in touch with the manufacturer for advice or think about getting a new gadget.
5. Can a stud finder locate live electrical wires?
Yes, there are some stud finders that have an AC scan mode that can locate live electrical wires behind the wall.
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