Best Stud Finders in the UK

The Bosch GMS120 can be used for detecting wood and metal beams and columns as well as nonferrous metal elements and electric wiring. You can select a corresponding detection mode by pressing the dedicated button on the device. Please note that each mode has its own maximum scanning depth. For example, the GMS120 can detect ferrous metal at the depth of up to 4-3/4 inches, nonferrous metals – at up to 3-1/8 inches, the wiring - at 2 inches maximum, and the wood elements – at 1-1/2 inches. This Bosch stud finder will notify you about objects detected in two ways: by means of a sound signal and LED flashing. As the device approaches an in-wall object, its built-in LED changes its colour from green to yellow and eventually to red when the object gets close to the device. Thus, in addition to the visual indication of the scanning progress, you are notified about a nearby in-wall object by beeping signals. However, you can turn the beeping notification off any moment by pressing the key.

Speaking of additional features, one of the things that seem especially convenient for us is a display of the tool, featuring a backlight that can be turned on and off any moment. We also found out that the Bosch GMS120 automatically turns off after about 5 minutes of inactivity, which also adds to its usability features and prolongs its battery life. For ease of use, the kit includes a hand strap that will allow you to carry the tool in a similar manner you normally wear a bundle of keys, and for safe transportation - the kit contains a carrying case.

When examining the device, we were pleasantly surprised that its case is protected against dust and water splashes in conformance with the IP54 standard. But taking into account that the device can be used outdoors, the availability of such protection would surely not go amiss as it improves the device reliability and prolongs its service life.

Considering all of this, such a detector can be advised to those who often use such kind of devices, in particular - for the duty of service. The Bosch GMS120 will be an excellent solution that will quickly find and maximally show objects hidden in walls.

To help you figure out whether the device is that simple to use we will describe our experience with it. In regard to the finder functionality, we can say that the model can pinpoint the location of wooden racks and structures, metal profiles, as well as wiring and metalware. This detector operates in the Stud Scan and Deepscan modes. When used in the first mode, the device detects wood and metal objects at the maximum depth of 3/4 inches, which is actually needed for the search for profiles and racks. Switching to the second mode enables the detection of the same objects at the depth of up to 1-1/2 inches. With that, live wires in walls are detected automatically in both modes at a depth of 2 inches. 

On live wire detection, the Zircon e50 notifies you about that by flashing the corresponding indicator on its display. In addition, any detection of the above objects is accompanied by an audible signal, which is very convenient as you won't need to constantly look at the display and will be able to focus on the layout of the objects in the wall instead. So after selecting the suitable mode and taking the device in your hands, you can start to operate the device in a blind mode right away as the scan initiation button is easy to find and push. Easy and convenient, isn't it?

Among the noticeable features the device offers, we want to write about the finderability to accurately pinpoint objects edges location. That is, when sweepingthe e50 across the wall from right to left, you can first locate the right edge of an object and after sweeping in reverse direction the device pinpoints the left edge of the object. Having marked the edges, you will easily find the center of the object, where you can drive the screw or drill a hole in. 

For your convenience, the stud finder handle is made with ergonomic finger indents to fit snugly in your palm. Now, a few words about the scan button positioning. As we mentioned earlier, the manufacturer placed the button on the device left, just where you put your thumb when you take the Zircon e50 in your right hand. Thus, after a short use, you will already be able to start objects detection without even looking at the device.

By sweeping the finder across the wall, you can quickly locate in-wall objects. After the device’s detected an object all you need to do is to mark its location on the wall, which is very easy with the special mark on the device top that the manufacturer providently provided for.

In general, the e50 model is a nice choice for those who want to always have a reliable device at their fingertips that can quickly and accurately detect not only wooden and metal parts and structures but also concealed wiring.

The finder uses two rare-earth magnets to locate hidden objects in walls. Indeed, the CH Hanson stud finder is a rather easy-to-use and straightforward tool with a simple design. Just place the finder on a wall surface and sweep it across the wall in an S-shaped pattern until you feel the device magnet attract to a hidden object, which indicates you’ve found the object location. What's more, you can leave the CH Hanson 03040 hanging on the wall until you ready a marker or a pencil to mark the metal object location. However, you can start drilling or driving self-tapping screws in some place under or above the located object as the beam it is attached to goes vertically across the wall. Moreover, this tool is equipped with a levelling gauge, thus after finding metal objects you can use the tool to draw horizontal lines across the objects detected and mark the positions of horizontal beams. As for the downsides of this model, it offers a comparatively small detection depth, which is 3/4 inches. Though using the finder you will have no problems in finding a structural iron in a drywall.

Now let's consider in detail the additional convenience feature of the device, which we mentioned above. To get the most out of the free space available in the detector case, the manufacturer decided to build in yet another, quite useful device - a two-direction bulb level. Using the magnets and the level, you can locate metal objects in the wall and mark the horizontals and verticals on which the objects are positioned right away. Thus, the device will be of a great use when you locate in-wall metal profiles because once you get the finder attracted the wall just follow the level and mark the necessary points. 

By the way, we found out that due to the simplicity of its design, this device is not covered by manufacturer's warranty, so do not be surprised if the seller does not provide you with any as the CH Hanson 03040 has simply nothing to break.

For your convenience, this CH Hanson model is equipped with a plastic loop, which allows you to hang the device on the wall in your workshop. This small feature is very useful as the compact size of the finder makes it easy to get lost among other tools. Thus, hanging it on the wall you will always know where to find it.

The device's four scanning modes include the stud scan (0.75 inches/19 millimetres deep), deep scan (1.5 in./38 mm), metal scan (2.36 in./60 mm), and AC wire scan (2 in./50 mm). The deep scan mode will have no issues scanning through two drywall layers. You should use this mode only when there are multiple wallboard/panelling layers though. To minimise false positives and make sure you don't find the objects you weren't looking for further behind the wall, always start with the stud scan mode first though.

This scanner will always detect metals, including different pipes, aluminium, copper, and rebars. The difference is that the metal scan mode will tell you whether what you ran into is a wooden stud, metal stud, or a pipe.

The AC wire mode excels at locating unshielded wires up to 2 inches (50 millimetres) deep. When you find these wires (as well as studs, pipes, and more), the LCD screen will always indicate the direction, whilst the beeping sound's intensity will tell you whether you are getting closer to the target. Last but not least, the device's automatic calibration will save you time and effort.

Long story short, the Tavool Wall Scanner is more comfortable and more effective than most stud finders. The device's multi-sense tech works wonders locating studs/wood/AC wires in multiple locations across/inside the wall. Also, the price makes more than enough sense to justify the purchase.

Nothing feels off about the stud finder's detection skills though. First, the model incorporates 3 stud scan modes. The Deep Scan mode can scan through 2 drywall layers 1.5 inches (38 millimetres) deep. It is a bit more sensitive than the two modes that are left, so before you go with the Deep Scan, we would recommend starting with the first two modes. Of course, there's also the Metal Scan mode. Aside from the usual deal, the mode can differentiate between ferrous and non-ferrous metals as deep as 2.36 inches (60 millimetres). And, as you can expect, the model is not complete without an AC scan feature. With it, you can detect live unshielded AC wires <2 inches (50 millimetres) deep.

Other than that, this device also comes outfitted with a muti-sense tech, meaning that it can detect multiple 'threats' at once. Rounding its features lineup is the automatic calibration function, making sure that you can use this thing without calibrating it manually first.

Bottom line, professionals, homeowners, or DIY enthusiasts, this stud finder from JAXWQ will benefit them all.