I'm looking to get a stud finder. It was a mistake to type that in google! Walls in my new house range from log (I guess I don't need the studsensor there!) to plaster (the 'new' part of the house was built in the 1860's) to drywall to paneling. This will probably be mostly used on plaster walls. My concern is with picking up the lath instead of the studs. I don't think I need sonic measuring capability, but I might get if the price is right. Anyone with experience want to speak up for the one they bought? Thanks. John
I've got a Stanley, don't remember how much I paid, but it wasn't very expensive. It works pretty good, although it has been off a little before. Every time you use it, it calibrates itself when you hold the button down. If you happen to place it on top of a stud, that's when it's really off. Alot of times the centers aren't 16" on center, but that may be due to imcompetent carpenter's construction techniques.
Lots of luck with old construction. Don't depend on anything. you may not be able to find a sensor to work thru plaster and lath. I have a stanley and it's hit and miss. Might be farther ahead witha hammer. mikell
Well, I ended up with a $20 Zircon Pro SL studsensor. Player around with it on the walls and it beeps where it thinks there's a stud. Seems to work OK so far, haven't driven any nails to verify. This one says that it will scan up to 1 1/2" deep. The $15 versions only scan 3/4" thick. That was my father's day present. John
I have had great success using the stud finder on drywall and panelled walls. Mine is an under $20 version-electronic. However, with plaster it does not work. I have not found a stud finder that DOES work on plaster! Just this weekend I put several holes in the wall at my MIL's trying to find the studs (I re-checked and checked before hammering). Ended up filling them and helping her pick out a new bookshelf that stands instead of the shelves she wanted. Old plaster walls are a real pickle if you ask me.
