MattF
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), from here on in. 
JOEPRO
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Most stud finders are useless IMO.
I determine the direction of joists in ceiling etc from above then use a screw and drill to find the first one. Sometimes a few holes until you get the timber behind.
Easy to filler in the small row of screw oles after. Then measure off that if required and work from there. Typically I am redecorating anyway if looking to core etc for studs in the first place.
I determine the direction of joists in ceiling etc from above then use a screw and drill to find the first one. Sometimes a few holes until you get the timber behind.
Easy to filler in the small row of screw oles after. Then measure off that if required and work from there. Typically I am redecorating anyway if looking to core etc for studs in the first place.
Nomad
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I've been using a fairly cheap Bosch one for many years, it's fine for finding most types of metal - power cables, copper pipework, and nails (hence studs behind plasterboard)
For me it's great as an indicator but no matter how good they are, always be prepared for the unexpected (plastic water pipes etc)
For me it's great as an indicator but no matter how good they are, always be prepared for the unexpected (plastic water pipes etc)
mike os
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Iirc it was the 150 or 200 ... big step up but definitely had far more accuracy than the cheaper "affordable " ones
MetalMonkey
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The screws or nails that hold the plasterboard on are though - and the odds are good that if you find a few of them in a row they are screwed into a joist. Which was what the original question was about.
Also works on wooden stud walls and of course metal ones too.
To avoid pipes or cables, in the first instance some quick detective work to identify any prescribed zones or obvious routes.
Then for everything else a blunt (and preferably insulated screwdriver) poked through to create a hole, and then a bit of bent coat hanger to perform a "radar" sweep of the target area is about the best you can hope for.
Works most of the time, although perhaps not when the builder has opted to run plastic pipes diagonally across the entire length of a 3m wall.
But then you can't win them all, although luckily I was only a bystander to that particular gem.
brightspark
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no use whatsoever fitting downlights in ceiling ive had 50 years of it and its not often all the beams and wires and pipes miss where you want to be with themGentle tapping with a hammer and listening for the change from a hollow sound to more solid often gives you a rough position. Note. I said gentle tapping.
As above normally use a magnet and search for screws/nails.
mike os
just a little insane.....
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Not often ... more like never
Agroshield
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If your aim is as your exact question, I find that a 50mm Starrett hole saw will find them every time, guaranteed. Moreover, it is never the pilot drill that finds the stud, only the saw itself.
It has further secondary uses such as detecting electrical cables and water pipes. It is more efficient on the plastic ones than the copper.
brightspark
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what i normaly do is get them all marked up then using a hammer and thin screwdriver and poke all the center holes . if any hit the beams there either moved over one side or the other once they are all lined up i put the 75mm cutter on the ceiling then draw round it on them all then poke 4 holes round the perimeter . if they all miss the beams and any pipes cables and noggins i cut the lot 
pretty foolproof just a bit time consuming not that im bothered. the customers paying for the time if its what they want . getting the stud finder this week 50 quid so will see how it goes . already have a bosch cable and metal finder which is good but it dont find stud walls or joists . if its crap or good il report back on the findings
pretty foolproof just a bit time consuming not that im bothered. the customers paying for the time if its what they want . getting the stud finder this week 50 quid so will see how it goes . already have a bosch cable and metal finder which is good but it dont find stud walls or joists . if its crap or good il report back on the findings
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