The best stud finder for plaster walls will ensure accurate detection even at thicker lengths. This in-depth guide offers a look at some of the top options.
Introduction
Plaster can be a great material for your walls. It is very easy to replace in the event of wear or tear. With a stud finder, you may be able to make repairs, take up maintenance, and set up a host of installations.
It can be challenging to find your studs beneath plaster walls without some help. The best stud finder for plaster walls will help paint an accurate picture of your wall’s profile, allowing you to reduce the risk of structural damage and ensure a hassle free process. If you are looking for an ideal stud finder for plaster, our detailed breakdown of leading models should help you out.
Comparison Table
| stud finder | Type | Rating | Check on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanley Fatmax FMH77407 stud finder | Electronic | 3.0 | Check Price . |
| B&D Bullseye stud finder | Electronic | 4.0 | Check Price . |
| Bosch GMS120 digital stud finder | Electronic | 3.6 | Check Price . |
| Precision ProFinder 5000 stud finder | Electronic | 4.1 | Check Price . |
| Homder Digital stud finder | Electronic | 5.0 | Check Price . |
| Zircon e50 studsensor | Electronic | 4.0 | Check Price . |
| Zircon i520 center-finding multi-scanner | Electronic | 3.8 | Check Price . |
| Franklin Sensors Prosensor 710 stud finder | Electronic | 4.5 | Check Price . |
Best Stud Finder For Plaster Walls
Stanley Fatmax FMH77407 stud finder
The Stanley Fatmax FMH77407 stud finder is a great option for plaster walls due to its ability to detect studs through different surfaces. It offers a great performance on plaster walls, and will guarantee a hassle free detection process. This model is very easy to use, and will only take a few minutes to calibrate.
While some customers have complained about false positives, this is only likely for very thick walls, especially outside surfaces. It is an electronic stud finder that will offer full value to both DIY enthusiasts and professionals looking to work with plaster. It offers a number of features that add value to your purchase, such as the ability to detect live wires as well.
Pros
- High quality build
- Easy to use and understand
- Works well on multiple surfaces
Cons
- Lacks the accuracy of some of the top performers featured here
View price on Amazon
B&D Bullseye stud finder
A premier model by a trustworthy brand, B&D Bullseye stud finder delivers a highly accurate output on most surfaces. It is not as effective on the thickest surfaces, although plaster walls are within its range of specialty.
This stud finder features a powerful sensor, which allows for complete capture of a work surface profile. It can also detect live wires and other fixtures within your plastered wall. If you are looking for a handy model for home use, the B&D Bullseye stud finder could be an ideal pick for you.
Pros
- Consistent performer on most surfaces
- Multiple functionality for added value
- Very easy to use
Cons
- Not the most reliable on thick walls
View price on Amazon
Bosch GMS120 digital stud finder
Bosch offers a number of leading tools and the GMS120 stud finder is the latest in this impressive line. This model has the largest detection depth of any option we’ve featured, which ensures you can always get your work done regardless of the surface. Whether it is plaster, concrete or tile, this stud finder will locate your target components with minimal fuss.
The high accuracy of the model makes it ideal for a professional setting, but it can be a durable and efficient option for your personal and home needs as well. If you have no experience with stud finders, you might need to experience the model to get the hang of it. There are also video tutorials available online to help you out.
Pros
- High output stud finder
- Offers comprehensive detail on LCD display
- Very accurate even on thick walls
Cons
- Might need some getting used to
View price on Amazon
Precision ProFinder 5000 stud finder
The ProFinder 5000 stud finder is our first of two minimalist models that feature LED lighting instead of an LCD screen, as well as an in-built ruler and level. Like the highly rated ProSensor 710 featured further on, the design incorporates different sensors that increases the accuracy of the scanner.
Even though it does not offer the widest scanning selection, it will ensure highly accurate readings every time and for different surfaces. It also covers more surface area at a time, allowing you to increase your efficiency. The sound and LED lighting combine for a great alert system that will guarantee you are up to par with every detection.
Pros
- Larger scanning surface for increased efficiency
- Features LED lighting and sound alerts
- Comfortable and compact
Cons
- Does not offer the detection range of multi-scanning tools
View price on Amazon
Homder Digital stud finder
Homder digital stud sensor is a great alternative model for your plaster walls. It may struggle to deliver high accuracy on very thick walls, but it will work well on most drywall and plaster surfaces. It is not recommended for thick tile surfaces.
The Homder stud finder is very easy to use, and will require minimum effort to find studs with. It is lightweight and compact, and has been designed to fit comfortably in your hand for longer working hours. It offers a great alert system as well, ensuring you know exactly where to look for your stud.
Pros
- Great for a variety of surfaces
- Easy to set up and use
- Convenient alert system
Cons
- Not the best accuracy on very thick walls
View price on Amazon
Zircon e50 stud sensor
The Zircon e50 stud sensor offers the performance and build of other stud sensors by the brand in a budget friendly package. It does not feature the deepest detection depths, but it will be sufficient for medium to thick walls. It will work very well on plaster surfaces, and includes a laser light for easier detection and alerts.
The scanner is well designed, and will ensure a clear view of the LCD display even at odd angles. You need to calibrate it well to enjoy the highest accuracy levels on offer, but this will only take a few minutes at most.
Pros
- Quality output and high accuracy
- Good performance across different surfaces
- Features laser pointer for increased efficiency
Cons
- Laser pointer will be inaccurate without calibration
View price on Amazon
Zircon i520 center-finding multi-scanner
The Zircon i520 center-finding multi-scanner offers versatility, quality, and performance. It is our top pick due to its great range of features and high accuracy level. This scanner will deliver an impressive detection depth for a variety of surfaces, including thick surfaces such as tiles. It is very easy to understand and use, and will not require too much set up work.
The model is comfortable and accurate, and will deliver one of the most efficient detection efforts for any model featured. If you are looking for a professional standard stud finder for your plaster walls, the Zircon i520 center-finding multi-scanner could just be it .
Pros
- Multiple functionality for added value
- Deep detection will not miss studs in plaster walls
- Very easy to understand and use
Cons
- Not the most effective and accurate live wire detection
View price on Amazon
Franklin Sensors Prosensor 710 stud finder
Like the ProFinder 5000, Franklin Sensors Prosensor 710 stud finder will deliver a highly accurate assessment of your surface thanks to the increased number of scanners it has been designed to facilitate. This model is very easy to use, and features a minimalist design. It includes a ruler and leveler, which add value to your detection efforts.
While this highly rated scanner has a shorter warranty, the high quality build and precise output should ensure minimal fuss over a very long time. If you are looking for a comfortable, convenient, and handy scanner that can help you get the job done quickly, the ProSensor 710 stud finder could be what you need.
Pros
- Comfortable and convenient design
- Wide sensor area for accurate output
- Features leveler and ruler
Cons
- Shorter limited warranty
View price on Amazon
How To Choose The Best Stud Finder For The Job
Finding the right stud finder will depend on your needs. There are many options available that will work well with plaster walls, as we have seen in our assessment. There are even more products that could prove problematic, particularly for thicker plaster walls. It can be a lengthy process picking the two apart and finding an option that offers value in the task as well as additional benefits to help match your needs specifically. These are some of the top considerations to find the best stud finder for you.
What type is better for your needs?
Are you looking for a versatile scanner with multiple options? Is a low tech option better suited for you? Are you interested in the newest stud finder technology? There are three types of stud finders available, although only two have attained some popularity with their use. The third type, new radar stud, are the most effective, but also highly expensive. These finders transmit a signal through your work surface and calculate the location of different components based on the variation in sonar feedback.
Consider the better priced electronic scanners, which deliver readings based on changes in the electromagnetic spectrum. These stud finders will usually feature a number of handy additional tools for a comprehensive output. They may also offer different modes for efficient and structured detection. It is not uncommon to find electric stud finders with built in levelers and rulers for maximum value. They also generally feature an LCD display screen, although some simpler models may go for an LED lighting detection system.
Magnetic stud finders will work to detect metal fixtures and studs within your surface. The best magnetic stud finders will feature a powerful magnet, which ensures they can detect studs that are deeper into your walls. They are easier to use than other stud finders and will require no calibration. They may be prone to less accuracy than other options.
If you are looking to serve in a professional setting, electronic and radar stud finders will ensure a quick and thorough process. For home use, you may consider magnetic and lower end electronic stud finders for full value.
How often and where will you use your stud finder?
Is your stud finder for a professional application or DIY crafts and other minor home upgrades? Will you use it specifically for one type of surface? Understanding the frequency of your use and the surface(s) of interest will ensure you find an appropriate model that offers great output for your range of work spaces.
Most models with multiple features will work well for either setting, but you also need to consider the level of output across different surfaces for each model to make the right pick. If you are only an irregular user, you may consider going for value buys that offer a satisfactory performance as well.
Is A Virtual Stud Finder A Good Option?
There are a number of virtual stud finders for iOS and android devices. While they can be great inexpensive option for you when you need to locate your studs, they may also expose you to a privacy breach. Since they do not offer the most accurate reading on thicker surfaces such as plaster walls, you may need to find a physical model for the job.
You should secure your privacy and protect yourself from a data breach by deleting all unused applications, restricting access to sensitive permissions and reviewing the privacy policy of each individual app. The best stud finder for iPhones will cost almost as much as one of our top magnetic picks, with the latter not risking a data breach on your end.
Final Word
The Zircon i520 center -finding multi-scanner is a great option by a top brand, and is our pick as the best stud finder for plaster walls. This model is very well designed for a comfortable grip. It offers high accuracy levels and a deep detection depth, as well as multiple detection modes for added value across multiple tasks.
It will highlight metal, wood and live wire fixtures in your plaster wall. With this scanner, your work will be both efficient and safe. The effectiveness and reliability of the Zircon i520 center-finding multi-scanner makes it our top choice!
