Best Stud Finder for Plaster Walls

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Stud finders are essential tools for home improvement projects, helping to locate wooden or metal supports behind walls, which is crucial for safely hanging heavy items or performing renovations. For plaster walls, which are thicker and denser than modern drywall, specialized stud finders are needed. Standard models often struggle with plaster, so specific stud finders are designed with stronger signals to penetrate this challenging surface. When choosing a stud finder for plaster walls, consider the detection depth to ensure it can handle thick plaster and lath. Accuracy is also critical to avoid false readings and mistakes. User-friendly features like clear displays and simple controls are important for ease of use. We tested several stud finders on plaster walls to find the best options for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts.

  • Franklin ProSensor M210

    10

    We think this stud finder is a top choice for plaster walls due to its accuracy and wide sensor array.

    10

    We think this stud finder is a top choice for plaster walls due to its accuracy and wide sensor array.

    Pros

    • Very accurate with 13 sensors
    • Shows full stud width
    • Built-in live wire detection

    Cons

    • Pricier than basic models
    • Plastic construction
    • Requires batteries

    We found the Franklin ProSensor M210 to be incredibly easy to use on plaster walls. Its wide sensor array quickly picked up studs without the need for repeated scans. The LED display clearly showed both the center and edges of studs, which was super helpful for precise marking.

    The live wire detection feature gave us peace of mind when working near electrical outlets. We didn’t have to worry about accidentally drilling into a wire. The auto-adjusting depth scan worked well through different wall materials, picking up studs consistently.

    While it’s a bit more expensive than simpler stud finders, we think the M210’s accuracy and features justify the cost for anyone doing frequent work on plaster walls. The plastic build felt sturdy enough, but we’d be careful not to drop it. Remember to keep spare batteries on hand, as it doesn’t have a rechargeable option.

  • JAXWQ 5-in-1 Stud Finder

    9.7

    We think this versatile stud finder is a solid choice for homeowners tackling DIY projects, offering good accuracy and multiple scanning modes at a reasonable price.

    9.7

    We think this versatile stud finder is a solid choice for homeowners tackling DIY projects, offering good accuracy and multiple scanning modes at a reasonable price.

    Pros

    • Accurate and fast detection
    • Multiple scan modes
    • Clear LCD display

    Cons

    • Learning curve for new users
    • Battery life could be better
    • Occasional false readings

    We put the JAXWQ stud finder through its paces in our own home renovation project. Its intelligent micro-sensor chip proved impressively accurate in locating studs, pipes, and wires behind our walls. The LCD display was bright and easy to read, even in dimly lit areas of our basement.

    One feature we really liked was the multiple scan modes. We used the stud scan for basic wall mounting tasks, but the deep scan came in handy when we needed to locate pipes for a bathroom remodel. The metal scan mode helped us avoid hitting any hidden brackets when installing new kitchen cabinets.

    While we found this tool user-friendly overall, there was a bit of a learning curve at first. It took some practice to get consistent results, especially on our older plaster walls. The battery life was decent but not exceptional – we had to replace them midway through our weekend-long project. We also encountered a few false positives, but double-checking usually cleared things up.

  • Povlen 5-in-1 Stud Finder

    9.5

    We think this versatile stud finder is a solid choice for most homeowners tackling wall projects.

    9.5

    We think this versatile stud finder is a solid choice for most homeowners tackling wall projects.

    Pros

    • Multiple scanning modes for different materials
    • Detects live wires for safety
    • Backlit LCD display for easy reading

    Cons

    • Requires firm pressure against wall
    • May take practice to use effectively
    • Battery-powered only

    We recently tried out the Povlen 5-in-1 Stud Finder and found it to be a handy tool for home projects. Its multiple scanning modes let us search for wood studs, metal pipes, and even live wires. This came in handy when we were hanging some shelves and wanted to avoid any surprise plumbing or electrical lines.

    The backlit LCD screen was easy to read, even in our dimly lit garage. We liked how it showed both the edges and center of studs, helping us place screws more accurately. The audio alerts were also helpful, beeping when we found a stud or wire.

    We did notice it works best when pressed firmly against the wall and moved slowly. It took us a few tries to get the hang of it. But once we did, it proved reliable on both drywall and plaster walls. For DIY fans looking to hang heavy items or tackle renovations, this stud finder could be a useful addition to the toolbox.

  • Franklin ProSensor M150

    9.4

    We think this is the best stud finder for most people due to its accuracy and ease of use.

    9.4

    We think this is the best stud finder for most people due to its accuracy and ease of use.

    Pros

    • Shows full stud width
    • Simple one-button operation
    • Detects live wires

    Cons

    • Pricier than basic models
    • Not rechargeable
    • May struggle on textured surfaces

    We’ve tested many stud finders, and the Franklin ProSensor M150 stands out. Its array of 9 sensors makes finding studs a breeze. We just pressed the button and slid it across the wall. It lit up to show the full width of studs, which was super helpful.

    The M150 worked well on drywall and plaster. It picked up wood and metal studs alike. We liked that it didn’t need calibration – we could start scanning anywhere on the wall. The live wire detection was a nice safety bonus too.

    This stud finder felt solid in our hands. The LED display was clear and easy to read. We had no trouble seeing stud edges and centers. It ran on AAA batteries, which are easy to find. While it costs more than basic models, we think its accuracy is worth it for both DIYers and pros.

  • StudPoP Magnetic Finder

    9.3

    We recommend the StudPoP for its reliability and ease of use, especially on tricky plaster walls.

    9.3

    We recommend the StudPoP for its reliability and ease of use, especially on tricky plaster walls.

    Pros

    • Works well on plaster and lath
    • No batteries or calibration needed
    • Visual and audible indicators

    Cons

    • May not work on all wall types
    • Slightly pricier than basic models
    • Can be less effective on ceilings

    The StudPoP surprised us with its simplicity and effectiveness. We found studs quickly on our test walls, including tricky plaster surfaces. Its moving magnet gave a satisfying click when it found a nail or screw, making the process almost fun.

    We liked that we didn’t need to fuss with batteries or calibration. The StudPoP was ready to go right out of the box. This saved us time and hassle compared to electronic finders we’ve used before.

    On most walls, the StudPoP was spot-on. But we did have some trouble using it on ceilings. It also struggled with a few very thick plaster walls. For most jobs though, this little tool got the job done without a hitch. Its ease of use and reliability make it a solid choice for both DIYers and pros.

  • Meapro 5-in-1 Stud Finder

    9.1

    We think this versatile stud finder is a smart buy for DIYers and pros who need reliable wall scanning.

    9.1

    We think this versatile stud finder is a smart buy for DIYers and pros who need reliable wall scanning.

    Pros

    • Multiple scan modes for different materials
    • Clear LCD display with center/edge marking
    • Auto-calibration for easy setup

    Cons

    • May take practice to use effectively
    • Slightly bulky compared to basic models
    • Battery life could be longer

    We recently got our hands on the Meapro 5-in-1 Stud Finder, and it’s quickly become our go-to for wall scanning tasks. The first thing we noticed was how easy it was to use right out of the box. We just popped in the batteries, pressed it against the wall, and it calibrated itself in seconds.

    What really stood out to us was the range of scan modes. We tested it on drywall, plaster, and even some old lath walls. The stud scan mode picked up wood studs without a hitch, while the metal scan found pipes and wiring we didn’t even know were there. The live wire detection gave us peace of mind before drilling into any walls.

    The LCD screen is a big plus. It’s bright and shows exactly where stud edges and centers are. We found the beeping alerts helpful too, especially when working in dim spaces. While it took us a few tries to get the hang of the different modes, we soon felt like pros using this tool.

  • Franklin ProSensor M90

    9

    We think this stud finder is a top choice for plaster walls due to its accuracy and ease of use.

    9

    We think this stud finder is a top choice for plaster walls due to its accuracy and ease of use.

    Pros

    • Very accurate with 9 sensors
    • Easy to use with one-button operation
    • Shows full stud width

    Cons

    • Batteries not included
    • Not compatible with rechargeable batteries
    • Slightly pricey compared to basic models

    We’ve tried many stud finders, and the Franklin ProSensor M90 stands out. Its 9 sensors make it super accurate on plaster walls. We just pressed the button and moved it across the wall. It found studs fast and showed their edges too.

    The M90 works well on different materials. We didn’t need to change settings or calibrate it. This saved us time on our projects. The LED display is clear and shows the whole stud width. We could see single studs, double studs, and weird layouts other finders missed.

    This tool feels solid in hand. We dropped it a few times by accident, but it kept working fine. It uses AAA batteries, which are easy to find. The battery life seems good too. While it costs more than basic finders, we think it’s worth it for its accuracy and features.

  • JAXWQ 5-in-1 Stud Finder

    8.7

    We recommend this stud finder for its accuracy and versatility in detecting various materials behind walls.

    8.7

    We recommend this stud finder for its accuracy and versatility in detecting various materials behind walls.

    Pros

    • Accurate and quick detection
    • Multiple scanning modes
    • Clear LCD display

    Cons

    • May struggle with plaster walls
    • Instructions could be clearer
    • Not effective on brick surfaces

    We tested the JAXWQ 5-in-1 Stud Finder and found it to be a handy tool for home projects. Its smart microprocessor chip helped us locate studs, pipes, and wires with ease. The LCD screen was bright and easy to read, even in dim lighting.

    The multiple scanning modes were a big plus. We switched between stud, deep, and metal scans to get a complete picture of what was behind our walls. This came in handy when we were hanging shelves and wanted to avoid hitting any pipes or wires.

    One thing to note is that this stud finder works best on drywall. We had some trouble getting accurate readings on our older plaster walls. Also, the instructions weren’t as clear as we’d like, which might be tricky for first-time users. Despite these minor issues, we think this tool is a solid choice for most DIY enthusiasts and homeowners.

  • Franklin ProSensor 710+

    8.7

    We think this stud finder is a top choice for plaster walls due to its accuracy and ease of use.

    8.7

    We think this stud finder is a top choice for plaster walls due to its accuracy and ease of use.

    Pros

    • Detects full stud width
    • No calibration needed
    • Works through thick walls

    Cons

    • Batteries not included
    • Pricier than basic models
    • No AC wire detection

    We tried out the Franklin ProSensor 710+ on various walls in our home. Its wide LED display made it super easy to spot studs. We didn’t have to keep recalibrating like with other finders we’ve used before.

    The 13 sensors really impressed us. They picked up studs through our plaster walls without a hitch. We even tested it on a wall with thicker drywall, and it still found the studs accurately.

    One thing to note – you’ll need to grab some AA batteries before using this tool. It’s a bit more expensive than simpler stud finders, but we think it’s worth it for the reliability. Just keep in mind it won’t detect electrical wires, so be careful if you’re drilling into walls.

  • DEWALT Center-Find Stud Finder

    8.6

    We think this DEWALT stud finder is a solid choice for most homeowners looking to hang items securely on plaster walls.

    8.6

    We think this DEWALT stud finder is a solid choice for most homeowners looking to hang items securely on plaster walls.

    Pros

    • Finds stud centers, not just edges
    • Detects wood and metal studs
    • Alerts with sound and LED arrows

    Cons

    • May need multiple passes for accuracy
    • Some users report inconsistent readings
    • Battery compartment can be tricky

    We tested this DEWALT stud finder on several plaster walls in an old house. Its center-find tech made it easy to mark stud locations for hanging shelves and artwork. The LED arrows guided us as we moved the device, lighting up when we found a stud’s center.

    The tool felt sturdy in our hands. We liked the auto-calibration feature, which saved time as we scanned different wall sections. The 3/4-inch detection depth worked well for our plaster walls, finding studs without trouble.

    We did notice it sometimes needed a few passes to confirm a stud’s exact spot. The beeping sound was helpful, but we wish it was a bit louder. For the price, this DEWALT stud finder offers good value. It’s not perfect, but it got the job done for us without much fuss.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a stud finder for plaster walls, we recommend considering a few key factors:

Sensor Type

Look for electromagnetic or magnetic sensors. These work best for detecting metal fasteners or studs in plaster walls.

Depth Detection

Choose a model that can scan at least 1.5 inches deep. Plaster and lath can be thicker than drywall.

Display

An LCD screen is helpful for visualizing stud locations. Some advanced models show stud edges and centers.

Accuracy

Seek models with center-finding technology for precise stud location. This improves hanging accuracy.

Modes

Multiple scanning modes are useful. Look for options to detect wood, metal, and live wires.

Ergonomics

A comfortable grip is important for scanning large wall areas. Consider weight and handle design.

Battery Life

Long battery life is convenient for big projects. Rechargeable models can save money over time.

Here’s a quick reference for key features:

FeatureWhat to Look For
SensorElectromagnetic or magnetic
Depth1.5+ inches
DisplayLCD screen
AccuracyCenter-finding tech
ModesWood, metal, live wire detection
DesignComfortable grip
PowerLong battery life or rechargeable

We suggest testing the stud finder on a known stud location before starting your project. This helps ensure accuracy on your specific wall type.