Stud Finder Question

Are you asking for a device to detect a stud with an air gap of 4" measuring distance or a 4" depth of material seperating the device from the stud??

Depending on the material of the stud a 4" detection range should be straightforward, even using a 'standard' metal detector?

John.

Yes john,An air gap or up to a 4" space between finder and wall-Rolf H skei@comcast.net

Stud finders are nothing more then minture metal detectors. I was told some 35 years ago that metal detectors are transistor radios with antenna modifications.

I would look at cheep or botton of the line of metal detectors. This should do the trick. good luck

Everett, Thank you for your your comment. There is a whites electronics nearby that is a metal detector manufacturer and has been for many years. I will have to talk to their r&d to see if I can Interest them in my concept. many thanks-Rolf Herstad

The "metal detector" stud finder would only work if your studs were aluminum, or you're very lucky at finding the drywall screws.

Many stud finders use ultrasonics to detect a change in pitch when passing over a stud. You can achieve the same effect with an electric razor and a well tuned ear. Neither work terribly well in older homes however, as a plaster and lathe wall is often too much for all but the most expensive stud finders.

Perhaps, depending on the amount of insulation in the wall, thermal imaging could be used.

I however use a more direct approach. First, I look for a wall electrical outlet or switch. I pull the cover off and look inside to see where the mounting screws are - left side or right side. This tells me where the stud that the box is mounted to is located. In most american homes studs are spaced 16" on center, so with a tape measure I can mark every stud in the wall faster then you can find them with a stud finder.

Avery Montembeault

avery- yes,Ifind studs much the same way. However,the layout is not dependable all the time. thats why My Idea is revolutionary. Sides,Icould use a break, so I am going to invent, and take the industry by storm. they havent thought of everything yet. thanks for your input. Rolf Herstad Albany Or,

i have been telling every one that the stud finders dont work all my workers try to use them and they alwas miss so i never had any luck with them simply knock acros the wall and wait to here the stud out thats how i do it

derick.

RE: STUD FINDER

IF YOU PURCHASE A STUD FINDER FROM YOUR LOCAL HARDWARE STORE THEY ARE NOTHING MORE THAN MAGNETS IN A PRETTY CASE. THE HIGH ENDS $300.00 STUD FINDERS HAVE A SWITCH THAT CLOSES TO MAKE A LED LIGHT COME ON AND THE LOW END USES WHATEVER METHOD OF CONTACT OF MAGNET TO SURFACE. THE STUD FINDER DOSE NOT ACTUALLY DETECT STUDS ONLY NAIL HEADS OR SCREW HEADS.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO TRY USING A POWERFUL (30 LBS) ELECTRO MAGNET AND CONTACT SWITCH TO DETECT STUDS (NAIL HEADS OR SCREW HEADS) THAT METHOD IS THE SAME AS ANY OTHER STUD FINDER. HOWEVER, BY USING YOUR CARPENTRY/DRAFTING/ARCHETURAL SKILLS ,YOU WILL BE A LOT MORE SUCCESSFUL AT STUD LOCATION THAN TRYING TO PURCHASE A "GADGET"