A quality stud finder in your arsenal can protect your home from a failed DIY project. Nothing is worse than when the item you hung comes crashing down and the surrounding drywall crumbles. Find the stud for the first time with one of the best stud finders in Canada!
Whenever you go to hang something such as decor items up in your house or apartment, the first question you should ask yourself is whether the item is too heavy for drywall.
If the answer is yes, you’re presented with two options requiring a stud finder. First, you can find the stud and hammer the nail directly into it for support. Your second option is to place a drywall anchor for support. Messing up and missing either of these steps can spell disaster.
The best way to avoid any damaging mistakes or difficulties is to come equipped with the best tools in the business. Even a lower-end stud finder can mess up and miss a stud, so you need the best available.
The safety of your wall is at stake, so don’t mess around with a cheap stud finder – pick one that you know will find the stud every time.
We’ve created this article to point you in the right direction and help you find the perfect stud finder for your home.
We scoured Canadian vendors to find the best of the best according to our criteria. The three stud finders we present to you are some of the best in the industry and have capitalized on the successes of previous products.
Each stud finder on our list offers quality stud-finding capabilities and nifty extra features to make the job easier.
Table of Contents
Our List of the 3 Best Stud Finders in Canada for 2020
- Most Cost-Effective – CH Hanson 03040 Stud 4 Sure
- Writer’s Top Pick – Stud Finder – 4 in 1 Electronic Stud Sensor
- Most Advanced – Bosch GMS120 Digital Multi-Scanner
No matter which product you choose, we can guarantee quality and satisfaction. These are some of the most highly rated stud finders available, and for a good reason. They make the job simple and get it done right every time.
The companies that develop them are friendly and always ready to interact with customers should an issue arise. These are the best, and with all the extra features they offer, you’ll quickly realize why.
CH Hanson 03040 Stud 4 Sure
CH Hanson is one of the top vendors of DIY tools, and their stud finder might be the best product they offer, which is quite impressive.
The overall quality of the CH Hanson 03040 Stud 4 Sure is incredible, and its features make the job much simpler for anyone.
This small, pocket-sized device is perfect for anyone with many studs to find and little time to do it. We recommend using this device for finding any metal studs, as the magnets inside the finder make the job easy.
Our Thoughts
As mentioned, the metal finding magnate makes this the best stud finder for metal beams. This doesn’t mean it’s impractical on wooden studs, but you must switch to a more manual method.
Even when using it manually, this stud finder is one of the most effective at nailing the stud’s location, regardless of the depth of the wall you’re on. The soft grip is comfortable and helps alleviate some of the stress of finding the stud.
The best part of this stud finder is that no batteries are required. The process is entirely battery-free yet just as effective – if not more so – than the industry’s best electronic stud finders.
With the two-way level, you’ll know when you’re moving parallel to the ground or wall and when you’re at a diagonal.
This is easily one of the best stud finders available and is perfect for anyone on the go who can’t be tied down to finding new batteries or a place to store it. Toss it in your pocket and go.
Pros
- No batteries included
- Powerful magnets for metal beams
- Fits in your pocket
Cons
- Sometimes catches nails rather than beams
Stud Finder Wall Scanner – 5 in 1 Stud Detector
Guaranteed accuracy is the goal of this stud finder. The developer of the Stud Finder – 5 in-1 Electronic Stud Sensor, JAXWQ, ensures that you’ll find the stud – wood or metal – every time with the advanced sensors.
Their guarantee has not been proven wrong, barring a complete device breakdown. As long as it’s working, this stud finder will pinpoint the exact location of your stud every time.
You know you won’t encounter any false readings when using this device.
Our Thoughts
Whereas the CH Hanson stud finder was the perfect manual stud finder, this is the ideal automated option. Studs, wood, and AC wires will all be easily located with this device, and no interference will give you a false reading.
You select which of the four settings you want, and it will identify the correct object based on your preferences. If you’re looking specifically for wooden beams, select it from the menu, and it can easily locate them.
The automatic calibration makes it simple to move from one surface to another. Other stud finders struggle to reestablish their bearings when moved around and need to be placed on a surface without a stud behind it to calibrate correctly.
This can be confusing for you and lead to many errors. The JAXWQ stud finder doesn’t have this issue and will automatically calibrate itself. The LCD screen is easy to read and provides the perfect light in low-light areas.
Pros
- Automatic calibration
- 5 in 1 setting
- Advanced sensor finds deep studs
Cons
- Struggles to find beam width sometimes
Bosch GMS120 Digital Multi-Scanner
The Bosch GMS120 Digital Multi-Scanner is a versatile tool that uses the latest three-sensor laser technology to detect wood studs, metal objects such as rebar, studs, steel/copper pipes, and even live wiring.
It boasts an impressive detection range, locating objects buried as deep as 4 3/4 inches in cured concrete. With three selection modes and automatic calibration, it’s a robust device that promises easy and precise detection.
Key Features
- Uses the latest three-sensor laser technology for effective detection
- Multi-mode detection for wood studs, metal objects, and live wiring
- The detection performance of up to 4 3/4 inches deep in cured concrete
- Includes three selection modes for wood, metal, and AC wiring
- Automatic calibration for easy and precise detection
- Illuminated graphical LCD indicates mode and detection strength
- The large detection ring flashes different colors based on the object’s proximity
- Center finder feature with an audible detection signal
Pros
- Versatile detection capabilities make it suitable for various tasks
- Reliable detection performance even at significant depths
- Three selection modes provide flexibility in usage
- Automatic calibration ensures accuracy throughout the project
- The illuminated LCD and colored detection ring make it user-friendly
Cons
- Limited wood detection depth compared to metal and concrete
- The device requires a 9V battery, which is not included
Why Bosch GMS120 Digital Multi-Scanner Is a Good Choice?
From our perspective, the Bosch GMS120 Digital Multi-Scanner stands out for its versatility and precision. This device covers you whether you’re working with wood, metal, or live wiring.
The convenience of the three selection modes and automatic calibration can significantly streamline any detection task, improving your project’s efficiency.
Furthermore, user-friendly features such as the illuminated LCD and the color-changing detection ring help ensure a smooth user experience.
Considering these points, this multi-scanner is a reliable tool that can enhance your detection work and make it more precise and efficient.
What Features to Look For in a Stud Finder
Finding the perfect stud finder for your DIY project doesn’t have to be complicated. Watch for the following three features; you’ll have an excellent stud finder in your hands and on your wall in no time.
Stud Material
Studs can be made from metal or wood, and you’ll want a stud finder that works for both. An excellent stud finder can sense where your typical wooden home beam is and then transition into a newer commercial area where the rays are metal.
Find a stud finder that works on both. Some stud finders can even sense AC wiring for further use.
Where is the Stud?
Wall depth is an essential factor to consider when utilizing your stud finder. You’ll want a device to search the wall, as sometimes the studs won’t be near the surface.
An excellent stud finder will come with two settings that allow you to adjust the depth of your stud search. Deeper studs won’t elude you anymore.
Extras
Stud finders are a great way to locate your stud and avoid drywall disasters, but the base models can be challenging.
The more extra features a device has, the simpler the process. Leveling capabilities, setting switchers, and easy marking assists will be critical.