TIL a cheap stud finder can cost you more than the good one

I bought a $15 magnetic stud finder from the hardware store because my old one broke. Figured it was fine, just needed to find a nail. First day on a Reno job, I'm marking lines for a new wall. This thing kept giving me false readings, like it would stick to nothing. I cut a hole for an outlet and hit a pipe. Not a big leak, but it was a mess and the plumber charged me $300 to fix it. That cheap tool just cost me a whole day's pay and made me look bad. Now I use a $80 Zircon with deep scan, and it's right every time. Anyone got a brand they trust more for old houses with weird framing?

3 comments

3 Comments

jordan_henderson1314d ago

Old plaster walls with metal lath will send a magnetic one wild. That deep scan is the only thing that works right.

zara_sanchez13d ago

So you're telling me my stud finder's been lying to me this whole time? It just beeps at random like a confused robot. I guess I owe my wall an apology.

fiona_kim9713d agoOG Member

Had the same issue with my old house. @jordan_henderson13 is right about the metal lath. Upgraded to a Franklin Sensors probe and it's been solid.