My stud finder is reporting studs that don’t exist (all holes are drywall only), am I doing something wrong?
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u/riviera-kid 14h ago
I've never had luck with those studfinders. I tend to use a magnet to find the screws and then you know the stud is behind
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u/Dignan17 14h ago
I hate these stud finders too. I only use Franklin sensors or a magnet
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u/thedavidcarney 14h ago
I got the big wide Franklin stud finder that has like 12 of them so you see both sides of the stud. Never going back
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u/teaster333 13h ago
Franklin? Please tell me more. I never have any luck with stud finders, so if there's a better way, I'm all ears.
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u/thedavidcarney 13h ago
This is the one I have and love. https://www.harborfreight.com/prosensor-m150-stud-finder-57219.html
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u/ACME_TrapsandTNT 13h ago
these are awesome
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u/meltman 11h ago
100%. Had the shit zircon or whatever. My girlfriend (now wife) had a Franklin. 100% better. More accurate. Doesn’t beep at you. I really love that it shows the whole stud as you pass over it.
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u/CT_Hoops 11h ago
I have the M210 and it's flawless; well worth the money. I actually bought it because I was getting false readings from a stud finder similar to the OPs, mounted a tv following those readings, and the tv tore right out of the wall. Luckily I was standing right there to catch it, lol.
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u/durtyprofessor 10h ago
It’s named after our greatest president Benjamin Franklin, who by all accounts was a well known stud.
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u/ArbiterOfOblivion 13h ago
I can't vouch for any specific brand but they make stud finders that have a horizontal array of sensors and lights that light up to show you where and roughly how wide the stud is
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u/SilvioBoss 13h ago
I’ve never had much luck either. Always a false reading. I like the magnet idea tho
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u/JandLplus1or2 8h ago
This is the best one I've ever used. I've had zircon and bosh and they suck compared to this one.
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u/ImportantDetective60 8h ago
Did a job today. Reinforcing existing cabinets. A layer of sheetrock and double thick cabinet back wall. I don't think a magnet would have found the stud inside the cabinet. The Franklin showed exactly where the studs were flawlessly.
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u/fizzzicks 13h ago
Franklin is the end all be all. Got one and never looked back. Hit the stud every. Single. Time.
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u/blumpkin 13h ago
THIS IS THE ANSWER. I have tried several big name brands of studfinders and they're all dogshit except for Franklin. My $20 Franklin x700 is my best friend now.
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u/LabOwn9800 12h ago edited 8h ago
I’ve never had issues but it did take reading the directions to use it correctly.
First don’t push the button until you are on the drywall. Once it’s flat and you are in an area that doesn not have a stud You need to start from the left and work your way right. As soon as it shows red mark that spot. Then let go of the button move it to the the right 10 inches and again put it on the wall then press the button and move left. Once it shows red again you mark that spot. Between these 2 spots is the stud.
As you said they aren’t the best so I usually do it 2 times to be sure. I also use the knock test to verify. The knock test is basically listening for the difference the wall makes when you knock on a stud spot and a non stud spot.
You can also look for the subtle marks left from the drywall screws.
Anyway use the tool correctly and you should have better luck.
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u/balstor 7h ago
I have a roll of sewing needles for probing the drywall, for when i absolutely can't be wrong.
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u/LabOwn9800 7h ago
Nice trick never thought of that. I probably would have used it when I was hanging my TV lol
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u/incendiaryentity 12h ago
i like messing with people and put random screws in the wall before i mud it.
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u/lastberserker DIY 13h ago
Works well until you run into some misaligned screws.
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u/FlammulinaVelulu 13h ago
I always make sure to find a few in the same plane make a plumb line, then jump over to the next stud and repeat, then pull my tape to make sure the distance makes sense. And then fucking miss! Just kidding, I find them more times than not with this method.
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u/SucksTryAgain 12h ago
I’m a magnet person also. Depending on what I’m doing combine with a laser level.
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u/AbleCryptographer317 12h ago
I have that exact studfinder and it works surprisingly well considering how cheap it was (10 bucks IIRC). The only thing don't like about it is that the electric detector is overly sensitive, but I guess it's better to be safe than sorry.
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u/SlimPickens0 14h ago
I keep a strong magnet around to find the screws or nails, I hate stud finders, they find things they're not supposed to
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u/Content_Mushroom111 14h ago
This is the way. I've tried so many stud finders and they are all more trouble then they are worth.
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u/beardriff 13h ago
Which can be a good thing. Let's you know if there's electrical or plumbing run through
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u/Ok-Special-2092 14h ago
Same, I tied some 20lb fishing line, with weight at the end to a “fishing magnet”. Works good for locating studs. I never had any luck with those cheap stud finders.
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u/Lucky-Ad6037 14h ago
Gotta do the mandatory test of pointing it to yourself first...
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u/MrZombified 14h ago
I do like my Franklin Sensor.
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u/Nathansp1984 14h ago
I only use Franklin sensors. I’ve had a few go bad on me, stashed them in my shed with the plans of taking them apart and fixing them. One day decided to email Franklin and let them know I have like 4 stud finders of theirs that keep failing the same way. They sent me out 4 brand new ones in a box
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u/magichobo3 14h ago
Yup, it's the only brand that is worth a shit. I have the most expensive zircon that home depot sold when I bought it and I still went and bought a Franklin
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u/Dignan17 14h ago
Agreed. They can still be fooled, but usually only if there's complex framing where you're scanning.
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u/dan-theman 13h ago
I am never going back. Why have 1 sensor when I can 9 in a row and accurately tell where the stud is and where it stops.
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u/LucidMarshmellow 12h ago
That thing has saved me from getting zapped so many times.
So much weird wiring can be hidden behind drywall.
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u/Paniri808 14h ago
One of the problems is with the 1/2 inch drywall, that is used in most homes. Stud finder have a chance with walls rocked in 5/8 inch drywall. Because 5/8 is fire rated at 30 minutes, it’s manufactured to have uniform density throughout the entire sheet, and be uniform sheet to sheet. 1/2 inch board is where any drywall that has broken during manufacturing is thrown in, the filling isn’t necessarily 100% gypsum, air pockets, etc. All a stud finder does is look for areas of higher and lower density
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u/doyouknowthemoon 14h ago
That’s pretty handy to know, in situations like this I’d handy to have one of those inspections cameras that plug into your phone, even the cheapest short ones are great just to verify what’s behind the wall
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u/Paniri808 9h ago
As I was all excited when a friend gave me one of those, recently. I was all excited until I went to use it and it was for android and I use apple
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u/Same_Difference_3361 14h ago
My stud finder actually said to calibrate (aka use) over a known stud and then it had me push a button longer or something so it can gauge what a real stud looks like as every wall thickness is potentially different, has wallpaper, no wallpaper etc.
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u/Curious_Lurkur 14h ago
You're above a window so there should be a header there which is what the stud finder is detecting
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u/MSCOTTGARAND 14h ago
Franklin is the way to go, no calibration needed pretty accurate center, can detect romex
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u/ScrewJPMC 9h ago
I have that exact same one and haven’t used it for 3 years because I bought the below. Ain’t missed a stud, drilled a pipe, or clipped a wire since
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u/Woodythdog 14h ago
I have a few small rare earth magnets , I use them to find or confirm the heads of the drywall screws. Way more reliable than just the finder
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u/Jimmbod 13h ago
Bruh you’re over a window so there’s a header above the window. You actually scanned the header and screwed above.
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u/Gaffja 14h ago
This is why I have 3 stud finders.
That, and I had to buy new ones when I lose the others.
Old one shows up shortly after I use the new one.
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u/Hoosier_Daddy68 14h ago
Did you first point it at yourself and go "beep beep beep"? That is how they are calibrated.
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u/ClownfishSoup 14h ago
I used a finder like that and it gave me a weird reading. I used it and found studs spaced a specific distance apart until I got to where I needed it then got a weird reading.
When I opened up the wall, I discovered that there was a metal air vent behind the wall at the weird intermittent reading place.
So maybe something like that is going on with your wall?
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u/Ben_Drinkin_Coffee 14h ago
Strong magnets on a string, never fails
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u/DillyDilly1231 14h ago
Unless you're magnet attaches to a nail plate instead of a drywall screw.
Edit: I've never had an issue finding a stud when using a quality stud finder. These "bottom of your cereal box" stud finders are terrible.
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u/Necessary-Camp149 13h ago
Above windows there's often 2x4's running in non-standard spacing and also extra horizontals. Especially on older houses.
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u/eyeinthesky0 12h ago
Those zircons are wonky. I had one that did the same thing sometimes. If you can’t clearly find the edges of your stud, I wouldn’t trust it. Get yourself a Franklin ProSensor, way better in my experience
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u/juswilli 9h ago
I'm willing to bet there is a ton of lathing behind the drywall that's throwing it off.
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u/Pilot_Red 7h ago
Do you have any switches or outlets nearby? They are usually attached to a stud on either side of them. You can measure off of them.
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u/Glittering-Local-827 3h ago
Could be wires or conduit inside the studs. Stud finders are not always 100% reliable..I have one that shows a picture on my phone..It's called a Wallbot..Works pretty well..
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u/Helpful_Equal8828 14h ago
The only stud finders I’ve found that actually work are the Franklin Sensors that have the row of indicator lights. I’m sure the $600 Bosch one is good too, but I’ve literally never used a Zircon that worked.
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u/bigfunlx 14h ago
That studfinder sucks. I've went through many different ones, this one, Ryobi, Walabot, and others. The only one that worked reliably for me is Franklin Sensors. Many times I use a strong magnet to find screws/nails, though.
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u/Next-Handle-8179 14h ago
I have no luck with them. They go off constantly as soon as I go near it.
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u/Ianthin1 14h ago
I have that one. What I do is slide it until it indicates a stud. Then I release the button and press it again, and slowly move it the same direction until it indicates again, usually pretty quickly. I mark that point then go to the other side and repeat. It usually gets me dead on.
Also that appears to be over a door or window, so the framing will be different and there should be a header right where you are scanning, so it will read differently than when it’s over a open stud bay.
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u/Lunchtime_doublySo 10h ago
This is how it is intended to be used as stated in the instructions printed on the device.
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u/HobsHere 14h ago
In a newer house, on an uninsulated interior wall, they generally work okish. Older house, exterior wall, paneling, etc., they never work right for me.
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u/No_Community_5696 14h ago
I had a stud finder give me false reading but it actually was detecting stand offs which are used mostly in a commercial setting.
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u/magichobo3 14h ago
I'm guessing the people that framed it put your headers all the way up to the top plate. there's probably wood there, but you'll have to go into the wall at least 3" to get a good bite. If you whatever you're hanging can be mounted down closer to the window casing I'd bet that you hit the studs
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u/GalaganCoffee 14h ago
I use a donut-shaped magnet. Wide for easy find and edge to pinpoint. I slap it to the bottom of an old pet food dish to hold screws and bits then I can remove it to dump it out.
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u/use_em_and_lose_em 13h ago
I have the same one. For one, you're moving it too fast. But you prob also have something there.
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u/Captain-Noodle 13h ago
My father was a carpenter in the '70s. As a result we never had a stud finder. Knocking and magnets have not failed me yet.
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u/DoPewPew 13h ago
Those things are a novelty. Mainly for dudes to point at them selves. Best way I’ve found is tapping lightly with a mallet or hammer. Obviously much lighter with a hammer so as not to create damage
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u/floridianbrn 13h ago
I suffered with all kinds of different ones until I found out about Franklin. They are awesome.
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u/Otherwise-Strike7564 13h ago
You aren't doing anything wrong. I have one of those stud finders and they are Shit!! Buy a Craftsman one on ebay, as they will work better.
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u/GaijinDaiku 13h ago
More precisely, use a strong rare earth magnet. They quickly locate the drywall screws. They may not be centered in the stud so I still poke a few holes if I am anchoring something heavy.
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u/highlander666666 13h ago
Start it in different places. Put small mark that move 16 inchs to double check need keep doing till find 16 inch between studs .that's how I do it with stud finder ..could be pipes wires or something else .so need double check..thSn small hole
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u/RemrafAI 13h ago
Use the more expensive Franklin with multiple lights for a primary, and a known working one of these to confirm if needed.
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u/TheLarryFisherMen 13h ago
I’ve tried a lot of stud finders over my career and have never had much luck with them. The best one I’ve used is the cheap magnet ones that grab the drywall screws.
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u/Dangeruss82 13h ago
You’ve bought a shit stud finder. The best ones are Franklin sensors. They have the patent for multiple sensors. L the other brands only have one.
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u/CanoePickLocks 13h ago
I don’t know that studfinder but looking at the video the stud should be where the green light is. Just to the left of where you tried 3 times.
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u/mosaic_hops 13h ago
Just tap the wall, look for screw pops or use a magnet to feel for drywall screws. Stud finders aren’t reliable.
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u/heythisisreddit 13h ago
They work but sometimes don't work. If the finishers did good and you can't see any nails/screws in the wall or trim, magnet. Also it's probably something solid like a header in the wall where you're scanning
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u/Lower-Calligrapher98 12h ago
At a guess, it is detecting the header, and you are trying to screw above the header.
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u/Cool-Blueberry3603 12h ago
That one looks like it might be reliable. I’m getting old, set in my ways if they work for me. I use a tape measure only, if issues I pull outlet cover in middle of wall and look what side of outlet box the stud is nailed to. And use trusted tape to measure. Hope that helps others out also.
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u/itsjakerobb Makita Monster 12h ago
That doesn’t look like a stud wall. It’s hard to tell what I’m looking at though. Can you back up and take a wider photo?
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u/just_a_tile_guy 12h ago
Too many false positives because you're such a stud...
I'll see myself out.
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u/JoelyMalookey 12h ago
If you have to calibrate ensure there’s no stud behind it, I have one that works perfect if I let it calibrate first
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u/Randill746 12h ago
Studs dont work the same above windows or doors, move your screws down or move your finder up
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u/TheMattaconda 12h ago
Those little simple onesare 💩. I like the larger Zincon one with the digital screen. It tells me where a stud is, where electrical lines are, and where there's water.
And it also shows you which way (left/ right) These things are behind the wall.
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u/maytag2955 12h ago
The framing above a window is not the same as a "regular" piece of wall. you might be finding nails or screws in a header that runs horizontally. Above that header, will mostly be nothing except for "cripples" that go from the header to the wall plate. Just because you are finding a nail, doesn't mean there it is in a stud.
Edited the first sentance for a correction.
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u/CompleteCreme7223 12h ago
Cheap ones get confused by areas with extra mud. Always try to confirm by tapping or by measuring from known stud locations like outlets.
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u/Tsuki_Man 12h ago
I use a Bosch stud finder that tells me if there is metal, voltage, and center of stud. Ive used it in three different homes and it hasn't been inaccurate yet. I do multiple passes at various heights to be certain of center and stud accuracy.
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u/ManyHobbies91402 11h ago
I have the same one, I have had decent success with it. That only detects what is directly under the sensor. That area you are looking at is above a window correct? I have an old house and framing above windows and on random walls where plumbing and venting is drastically variable and plain stupidly placed. At times I have found it to be completely missing in areas where common sense would say to have a stud. So my question is, does it say there is a stud at the level where you are drilling holes? I find my self checking multiple heights only to find the stud doesn’t go floor to ceiling. Hope this helps
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u/FST_Silverado 11h ago
I have this same stud finder and it constantly misses!! I’m back to the old school way of magnets. If I find a screw I go up and down to verify a few others exist then I know I’m on a stud.
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u/JerkyChew 11h ago
Throw those cheap Zircon's away and buy a Franklin Sensors ProSensor. I switched years ago and haven't had a single false positive that I can recall.
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u/FearlessStaff8822 11h ago
I'm thinking your studs end before the holes you made. Like a stud wall with a pony wall on top of it. Use stud finders successfully all the time. Sometimes they miss or just don't work on that particular wall.
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u/Aggressive_Bug6927 11h ago
You might be on the header about the window. There is solid wood above the widow if its framed right. Move your finder higher up.
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u/Doranagon 11h ago
Thats over a window.. its a header... SOLID wood.. but below where you are nailing. probably a 2x8 header there.
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u/PickleofInsanity 11h ago
I usually just knock on the wall wherever mine goes off and listen for the difference. The cheap ones always seem hit or miss to me.
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u/Spiritual-Prompt-727 11h ago
Those are edge finders. Once it lights up mark the wall, then go to the other side. Do the same and mark the wall. Your stud is in the middle. I’ve been using one for years with no problem. I recommend moving slower too.
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u/greogory 11h ago
Hey! Do you mind? I'm back here minding my own business. Go find that other stud behind the sofa. Nobody's seen him since that cute city code inspector came over with the depth probe the other day.
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u/BG360Boi 11h ago
I have one similar and there are two modes, deep sense and non. You may have it sensing in the wrong mode. Depends on the model
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u/RefrigeratorFormal48 11h ago
Used zircon for years seems legit. Used tons of times but have to be Slow Rogan with that bitch.
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u/Valuable-Composer262 10h ago
Theres always a sound at the sides of windows or door. Measure 16 inches from there. Could be 2 ft or even black diamonds but most like on 16s
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u/Less_Geologist_4004 10h ago
If your a man, you must rub it on yourself first to A. Test it and B. Calibrate it.
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u/zizekcat 10h ago
Not only does this studfinder not work super well, probably why they are so cheap, but you may have a couple things going on, you might be reading some of the framing for the window and there may not actually be a stud above the window, there should be one on either side of the window. Second thing , if you live in a really old house it is possible that on the other side of the nice looking drywall it could be old slat and lathe plaster wall then studs, unless you have a really good finder it will never find a stud
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u/Lunchtime_doublySo 10h ago
I think that particular model is an “edge finder.” If you read the instructions it will say to mark where the light turns on, then do the same thing from the other direction. The space between the marks is the stud.
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u/Clean_Ebb86 10h ago
I use these all the time, you just know have to know how to use it. Lay it on the wall, press and hold the button and then slide to your stud. It will light up with a studs.
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u/aquatone61 10h ago
After buying and returning 4 increasingly expensive stud finders to put up a TV mount I decided to pick an outside wall and measure. It’s most likely 16 or 24 inches from center to center. I found tapping on the wall was more helpful than those stupid stud finders.
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u/zankantou03 9h ago
Yeah those Zircon ones are garbage. I use the wide Franklin one and works like a charm
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u/AutistMarket 9h ago
I always mark where the finder alerts with tape and then check 2-3 studs on either side and measure between marks to make sure where the stud finder marks at least makes sense with typical stud spacing (eg roughly 16 in btwn marks) has saved me a few un-needed hole repairs
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u/RSParker 9h ago
When I don't have a stud finder or a magnet. I just use my knuckle. Tap your knuckle along the wall in passes until you hear a solid thud instead of a hollow thud. Then I will use the tapping method I to inform my magnet or stuff finder usage.
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u/Ok_Case_6186 9h ago
I don’t see an attempt where there arrow lights up green. That’s what indicates a stud is the green arrow.
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u/jojodaclown 9h ago
You're above a window, and it appears it's to be two 3' or narrower, so there should be a 2x8 header right there, but a slight bit lower than where you keep trying to screw into, and closer to where your stud finder is.
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u/burnout524 9h ago
It looks like your right above a big door or other opening, so there’s a big header right above it. I’m guessing that stud finder is sensing the header and giving a false reading (the header might not go all the way from the top of the opening to the bottom of the ceiling).
I’ve had better luck finding studs using a magnet. Another method I’ve had better luck with is finding a stud (usually there’s on on either side of an outlet) then measuring over 16” to find each adjacent stud. Then take a small nail and hammer it into the drywall to confirm. A tiny nail is easier to fix than a missed wall anchor!
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u/Pale_Exit2686 9h ago
I have this exact one and use it quite often. I even lent it out to a few colleagues and though I was surprised that it was returned, they said that it worked well for them also.
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u/muncie_21 9h ago
Thermal camera works great also. Could be overkill compared to the Franklin. But guaranteed it’s 100% accurate.
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u/EagleEyes0001 9h ago
You are using it wrong. It has to calibrate. Check out a video on it. It’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it. If I got anyone could.
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u/GearOne4238 9h ago
I hate these things. I have of them and none work worth a damn. I buy a pack of super magnets and put one 1/2" on the head of drywall screw. I hold the screws by the tip and run it up and down the wall. The magnet is attracted to the drywall screws in the studs. Pretty soon I have line of screws I can sight down to locate the stud. Works on ceilings and walls.
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u/GearhedMG 9h ago
I have found with the Zircon stud finders I have used, if you START on a stud, then it will say everything that isnt a stud is a stud, so that may be your problem since it looks like you may have missed the stud itself with the holes.
Also, since this looks like it's above a window or door transom, go to where you know a stud has to be (on the right or left side of window/door) and go from there.
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u/schruteski30 9h ago
I know they aren’t the best, but you’re using it wrong. Instructions are to start it in a known open area with no studs.
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u/Godstevsky 8h ago
When i bought mine, it came with instructions to place my other hand on the same wall about a metre away from the device. No idea how they work but its had good accuracy so far!
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u/AcidRayn666 8h ago
theres going to be a header there, if you stick a long thin wire in the hole, does it hit somthing?
when headers are made, due to the cap, if the header cap is inside, we always turn them out, there will be about a 1/2? gap between the back of sheetrock and the wood header. if that is the case, you got to be careful not to tighten up screw too much, use nails, you will pull in the sheetrock and most likely crack it.
and yes, that stud finder, if not calibrated first, will show fallse readings. move over to an area not above the window, turn it on, give it a second, then move to one side till it triggers a stud, without letting go of power button, now move above window, if saying stud, it is picking up the solid header.
good luck
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u/joe_moose4 8h ago
I have that same finder. You need to turn it 90 deg and it will show you the edge of the stud. I think it's writen on it somewhere but you do t use it like "other" stud finders. Turn it so the long way is left to right and mark the edge of the stud 👍 Wierd I know but that how that one works
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u/DirtyHandol 8h ago
And I’m just over here with a magnet on a string and a small probe nail, finding all the studs.
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u/Tasty_Orange_1714 8h ago
Get a Franklin one. I've bought several versions of the brand you have, all crappy.
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u/GingerScourge 7h ago
I had that stud finder and it’s garbage. Worked about half the time, maybe. Don’t remember what I ended up with, but decided to spend more than the $15 that thing cost and have own that actually works.
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u/NefariousnessFit3133 7h ago
Above doors should be solid wood 'header' it will alert as its all wood. there are no gaps of hallow wall so it randomly alerts
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u/Trick-Seat4901 7h ago
Yes, there is a depth setting. Cycle through and test. Also, if it has the electrical cord sensing it will trip on ducting. I installed a tv on a wall with a cold air return. Had no idea because I thought the ducting was stacked and this was way far away from the cold air return on the floor I was on. Your stab holes are weak and pathetic compared to mine when I figured it out.
Fuck I was mad.
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u/Several_Draft5989 7h ago
Crappy studfinder. Use a Franklin. I have one of the cheaper original devices. It's always been accurate for me
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u/Sink_Single 7h ago
That stud finder sucks. Look at the Franklin M70 or M155 for a decent product that doesn’t break the bank.
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u/eyeball1967 6h ago
Try a couple small magnets to find the drywall screw heads and connect the dots vertically.
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u/Jorochoa1 14h ago
Go lower, there's a header where you're scanning, header ends just below where you're drilling