I Built a See Through Wall to REALLY Test StudFinders

Summary by Krater

Nils Rasmusson builds a test wall with five different wall types and various studs, pipes, and wires to test five different stud finders: MagnetPal, Studpop, Zircon HD55, Zircon A250C MultiScanner, and Metalliscan 40 by Zircon, plus a thermal camera and Walabot DIY 2.

From the video

Answers: Which stud finder works best through different wall types and materials?

• stud finder test
• magnet stud finders
• electronic stud sensors
• thermal imaging stud finding
• radar wall scanners

What it concludes

• MagnetPal finds screws attached to studs but can struggle if screws miss studs or if brads are used.
• Studpop gives both audio and visual cues and works well on drywall and lath and plaster.
• Zircon HD55 performs well on deep scan for 1 1/2 inch drywall, shiplap, and lath and plaster, but can give false positives on gas pipes.
• Zircon A250C MultiScanner has multiple settings but can give false positives on gas pipes and metal.
• Thermal cameras can effectively show stud locations based on temperature differences near ceilings or attics.
• Metalliscan 40 finds non-ferrous and ferrous metals but can give false positives on lath and plaster and drywall walls containing pipes and wires.