8 Stud Finders That Really Work on Drywall

Posted by jone wikey Sep 20

Filed in Card Games 52 views

8 Stud Finders That Really Work on Drywall in 2025

Hanging shelves, mounting a TV, or putting up cabinets? The biggest challenge isn’t the drill—it’s finding the studs behind your drywall. Miss a stud, and your anchor could rip out. Hit a pipe or wire, and things get even worse.

That’s where a good stud finder comes in. The problem is, not every model on the market lives up to the promise. Some give false readings, while others collapse under tricky drywall or multiple wall layers.

To save you time (and extra holes in your wall), we’ve rounded up eight stud finders that actually work on drywall in 2025.

The Best Stud Finders for Drywall

1. Franklin Sensors ProSensor 710+

This is the gold standard for many DIYers. Instead of a single sensor, it uses 13 to light up the exact width of studs. It’s quick, reliable, and accurate—even on textured or painted drywall. The only downside? It doesn’t detect wires or pipes, and it’s a bit pricier than most.

2. Zircon StudSensor e50

If you want a budget-friendly option, this one delivers. It has two modes (standard and deep) and does a solid job of detecting studs in basic drywall. It won’t show you the center of the stud, but for light projects, it’s dependable.

3. CH Hanson Magnetic Stud Finder

Sometimes simple is best. This stud finder doesn’t need batteries—its rare-earth magnets latch onto nails and screws in studs. It’s tough and affordable, but slow to use and limited in depth.

4. Tavool 5-in-1 Stud Finder

For those who want versatility, Tavool’s 5-in-1 model offers multiple modes: wood, metal, deep scan, and even live wire detection. An LCD screen makes it easier to read, though you’ll need to keep it flat for accuracy.

5. Zircon Multiscanner A250c

This tool is built for heavy-duty walls. It can locate stud centers, wiring, and metal with more precision than budget finders. It’s not the cheapest, and it takes practice to master, but it’s reliable for thicker walls.

6. Bosch GMS120 Digital Wall Scanner

A favorite among professionals, this wall scanner works on drywall, tile, and even concrete. It detects multiple materials and has a visual crosshair display. It’s powerful but also on the expensive side—probably best if you do regular renovation work.

7. Walabot DIY 2

This high-tech option pairs with your smartphone to show you a live map of what’s inside your wall. From studs to pipes, it makes hidden objects visible. It’s innovative, but it requires a compatible phone and a higher budget.

8. Craftsman CMHT77633

Simple, compact, and affordable, this stud finder is a good starter tool for occasional projects. It can locate wood and metal studs at their edges but won’t detect wires or show the center.

How to Choose the Right Stud Finder

When picking a stud finder, think about:

  • What you’re mounting: Heavy items need center detection and deep scanning.

  • Your wall type: Thick or textured drywall benefits from advanced sensors.

  • Safety needs: If you’re drilling near outlets or plumbing, choose a model with wire/metal detection.

  • Budget vs frequency: Occasional DIYers can stick with affordable tools, while frequent users may want pro-level devices.

Final Thoughts

Drywall doesn’t have to be a mystery. With the right stud finder, you can mount anything safely and confidently. For everyday use, the Franklin ProSensor 710+ is hard to beat for speed and accuracy. If you’re on a budget, the Zircon e50 or CH Hanson magnetic model will do the job. And for advanced users, tools like the Bosch GMS120 or Walabot DIY 2 give an extra layer of precision and safety

 

click to rate