Do stud finders work?

Answer by  Dontbugme (697)

Stud finders do work. Inside the stud finder is a magnet. When you move it over a wall, it detects the nails in a stud. You can reasonably assume that the nail is placed approximately in the center of the stud, and that the stud runs ceiling to floor.

Answer by  lmath629 (402)

Stud finders do indeed work. Because they work by locating metal nails or screws using a magnet, however, patience is required. Contrary to popular belief, they do not find the wood.

Answer by  Kal (35)

My experience is stud finders work on newer homes, where studs are placed 16 inches apart and the space between is filled with insulation. However, older homes have thin strips of wood nailed between the studs and stud finders go crazy as they pick up each and every nail.

Answer by  tamarawilhite (17883)

Yes, stud finders work. They detect the metal of the nails used to build the walls that are defined by the studs. They may have to be moved up and down as well as side to side to identify a stud.