Best Stud Finder Detector Wall Scanner

[@TrevorHiller]

Thank you for the no nonsense review, much appreciated. This is literally how every product review should be done. I wish I could provide more than one like.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Thank you I appreciate it just commenting and following along are plenty. Hope it helped.

[@tommerrill9074]

Trevor Hiller said it best: Thank you for the no nonsense review, much appreciated. This is literally how every product review should be done. I wish I could provide more than one like. Honing in on your #1, The big box store has that M1 model and an M3 and M4 (all require online orders). The M1 was slightly less than your quoted price, the other two are nearly twice as much. Amazon had upwards of 12 models of Zircon brand stud finders but none were the M!-M4. I have to say that I was looking forward to seeing how the digital Walabot compared to all those analog units. What happened to it?

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Hey ya the mx line as they call it is the m1-4. They are all virtually the same in the mx line except for extra features. I had 2 walabots and neither worked even remotely correctly. They didn’t find anything on multiple phones. I contacted wallabot and they had me video conference me using the detectors and reassured me they were both malfunctioning but they couldn’t supply a replacement in time for the video, so I had to omit it.

[@snowboarder484]

Was about to buy the Ryobi but youve convinced me to get the M1

[@ToolsThatBuild]

It’s honestly better in every aspect. I like the punch on the Ryobi but the laser arrow on the M1 is just as good if not better. Plus you can confidently know your not drilling into wires or pipes.

[@sveltergamer5934]

I was about to get the Franklin Sensors 710 pro but I like the M1 best too.

[@curbsidez4924]

Best stud finder was my ex wife when I went out of town

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Haha nice

[@anonymous-ou6uq]

😂😂😂

[@cookdislander4372]

Hahaha

[@Kei-Kei]

Buh-doom-che! 🥁

[@AA-ji5lg]

😮 😂

[@whatfreedom7]

I have a older cheap zircon and it works great. I can say if you are using a stud finder and have trouble finding a stud go up or down several inches and try again. The mudded joints can sometimes interfere with the reading and make sure you don’t zero on a mudded joint.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Absolutely always re zero the detector and try again. These tests were repeated a few times with each detector to make sure the results are accurate

[@danp442]

Appreciate your experiment. Stay Blessed.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Thank you

[@edouardj.bernard1690]

This was really good. I just happen to need a new finder to replace my old anemic one, and I was about to go down the road to HD and get whatever was flashiest. As Father's Day is coming up, I may hint to my wife that a M3 or M4 would be a suitable tool to help me get that support bar mounted in our walk-in shower. Thanks for the excellent no-frills video.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Hey hope it helps! Those are both good choices. Do avoid the Zircon hd line though it’s not on par. Best of luck

[@kajekage9410]

@@ToolsThatBuildHome depot sells the m4, are you suggesting not to go with it?

[@ToolsThatBuild]

@@kajekage9410 no I’m suggesting not to get the zircon hd line the m line like the m4 is a good detector

[@ali.shah.v1]

great comparisons. Ryibu has 5003 model out now with live wire detector. Wonder of that would change rankings. I like how you had you mentioned if you had any disclosures at the start (i.e. you bought everything yourself). Well done on a very helpful video!

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Thank you I really appreciate that. Absolutely a wire detector would have changed the ranking. It still has the issue of large spaces between the lights. It would be interesting to see where the 5003 stacks up.

[@kajekage9410]

I keep hearing this but can't find it anywhere.

[@Hyperbole77]

Where?

[@j4ke2fl0w3]

Thank you for this perfect comparison video! Really appreciate something straight to the point and informative. Great job 👍

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Appreciate it hope it’s helpful

[@ReyMVelasquez]

Excellent review! Very scientific approach. Bought a craftsman 621 before I saw this vid, hope it’s a little better than 620, but I think for $20 not bad.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Ya it’s all kinda you get what you paid for but make sure to calibrate it on the wall and do a couple passes to make sure it’s accurate if your not sure. Especially the first time or two using it.

[@moes.3643]

How come you didnt include the walabot in this review? could you please elaborate more if it is as effective or better than the Zircon M1

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Hey ya sorry I can’t comment on the walabots quality, I had one that didn’t read at all after contacting wallabot and showing them on a video conference my issues they agreed it was a dud. They sent another one which also didn’t work. I couldn’t get a replacement in time for the video that’s why it was removed. I can’t say if they work or not since neither I had did or how it would compare to the zircon but I can stand behind the results of the other detectors shown.

[@moes.3643]

thank you @@ToolsThatBuild

[@sum1sw]

You video showed the Walabot around 0:09 but you did not show the results. Is there a reason for that ?

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Yes I had two units and none functioned correctly. I contacted wallabot and sent the unit to them and they couldn’t figure out what was wrong either. Since neither worked before the video I had to remove it and since I couldn’t get a single working unit I don’t recommend them either.

[@d.g.rohrig4063]

I found that the Franklin works wonders for old buildings aka plaster over drywall

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Still has the same issues outlined in the video no matter the substrate

[@viveksrivastav3962]

Thank you

[@darthmatt4120]

How did the magnet get 4th place on the electrical, when it didn't find the wire at all?

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Not finding the wire at all is safer than identifying the wire as a stud. The stud finders who indicated the wire as a stud is a pretty big liability.

[@charleshines2142]

I am going to be removing a section of the OSB that has cat urine and I need to be able to find any ducts, wires, joists or pipes that may be in that area so I don't damage them. Also knowing where those things are will allow you to work more easily so that it does not have to take a day for someone like me who doesn't do construction. I am only willing to do this since it seems easy enough assuming I know what is there and where. My worst nightmare is that it soaked into the joists too but people I spoke to said it probably didn't. I just want to make sure it did not since over time that could rot the wood (as if the odor wasn't bad enough!).

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Hey sorry for the late reply, it would take a crazy amount of pee from a cat to soak through to the joists. Cut shallow and use a good stud finder and you should be fine.

[@theoddsheep5]

Straight to the point, thank you

[@sleddy01]

do you have an affiliate link to the M1? amazon is a joke with actually finding things anymore

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Hey sorry I don’t I bought all the detectors in the video locally at HD

[@sleddy01]

@@ToolsThatBuild that was my thought, too. just go the the box store. thanks!

[@ToolsThatBuild]

@@sleddy01 I can confirm as of yesterday it was in stock locally where I am

[@2slofouru]

Your demo shows the ryobi accurately locating center, so why do you rank it last? It also showed the wire within a few mm. If you have a decent idea where the stud is by tapping the wall, you obviously aren't drilling into a wire.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

It’s ranked low because the ryobi indicates a wire in the same way as a stud or a pipe or anything else. It doesn’t help to show an end user that there is something in the wall within a few mm if you can’t determine it’s a wire or a stud. You will be drilling in hoping it’s not a wire.

[@shanewilson8071]

Your live wire markings show the craftsman as the only accurate wire finder with the extra light that states it's not a stud. The M1 only gives a "danger zone" not exact location, your exact words. So why give M1 top spot for this category?

[@ToolsThatBuild]

It does give an exact location, I made a mistake with the voice over.

[@OGRH]

So why not explain that in the description? & pin at the the top the the comments section? Looking at your video and the way you marked it (with your voice over), it looked to me like you didn't find any exact location, because there wasn't. We just seen the same thing you did.

[@OGRH]

@@ToolsThatBuild not trying to be a jerk, but are you just trying to justify placing that tool at number one?

[@ToolsThatBuild]

@@OGRH all feedback is welcome, I’m not justifying anything he/she asked why I put the M1 first. I made a mistake in the video it does find the stud on center. If there is any confusion I have a second stud finding video that the M1 was also in. You can take from it what you’d like, the video is just a guide. The testing is as solid as I can make it.

[@OGRH]

@@ToolsThatBuild I appreciate the response. Again, I am not trying to be a jerk. To be honest though, I didn't see you mark center on the laser line when testing the M1... as per your comment to another poster... I watched the screen on that unit, and there was absolutely no change for the exact location of the wire... With all of that being said, I will check out your other video.

[@bigal249]

Great review!

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Thank you!

[@lost0thech4]

Is the Craftsman the same as the DeWalt DW0100?

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Sorta it’s basically the same but Dewalt’s rep says the dewalt are more sensitive. For testing purposes I would put it in the same spot.

[@lost0thech4]

@ToolsThatBuild thank you it's not very impressive but for $13 dollars I can't complain muchlol

[@Concordeagle]

super useful, thank you!

[@jessechristensen1074]

... so the Franklin and ryobi give the same reading for both live wires and studs?

[@ToolsThatBuild]

The ryobi is made by Franklin, it’s a license deal. Both indicate there is a wire or stud or pipe or any other object it the wall in the same way.

[@jessechristensen1074]

@@ToolsThatBuild I feel like that is a very bad idea though. I want to drill into a stud and the sensor has me drilling into a live wire or pipe. Doesn't seem like a good tool for diyer.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

@@jessechristensen1074 yes that’s why they ranked last. It should be unacceptable to indicate a wire the same way as a stud. The higher end franklins do have a wire indicator light but I wouldn’t recommend either to most people.

[@akitikallc6161]

Where did you find the Zircon M1 for $38? Places I found were nearly twice that price.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

The M1 as you can see in the in picture shot it was $38 at Home Depot. I was there yesterday and they still had lots in stock.

[@tommerrill9074]

Today (Sep 11), the HD website has it for under $35. Online order only. They also have two other Zircon models (M3 & M4) that were over $60.

[@rickyticky2452]

Why is craftsman not first in the electrical find again??

[@ToolsThatBuild]

It was accurate at finding the wire however it warns at a really far distance out making it harder to nail down where the wire truly is on the first attempt. It also wire indicates almost constantly due to the large warning area. That’s why it wasn’t first. The other detectors have a much more dialed in window.

[@williambird3378]

Have you tested a Franklin M210 that has closer LED spacing and an AC detector. The 710Pro and Ryobi do not have an AC detector. Can not find the Zircon M1 in stores. Just M2 and M4.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Hey, I haven’t tried the m210 so I can’t accurately comment on how it is, however if the 710 had proper live wire identification and closer readings it would have moved it right to the top. I bought my M1 right in stock at Home Depot and I saw some in stock just the other day as well.

[@Spread_love01]

I have the ryobi... it doesn't detect that well. On newer construction it works well but older construction walls, it is lost

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Same as the Franklin unfortunately

[@Shark-x77]

Very strange. How is the Ryobi the worst when it detected the stud and wire accurately ?

[@ToolsThatBuild]

It says it in the video but the ryobi detected pipes and wires the exact same as a stud. It doesn’t indicate one or the other like the other stud finders do. So basically you have no idea if your drilling into a wire or a stud or a pipe. Basically defeats the purpose of stud finder. The lights on the stud finder also have fairly large gaps making it fairly in accurate. I wouldn’t recommend buying it.

[@kajekage9410]

What is the difference between zircon m1 and m4?

[@ToolsThatBuild]

The m1 is the base model of the mx line, the m4 is the professional grade level of the mx line. I have never used an m1 or tested it so I can’t comment on how it compares.

[@kajekage9410]

@@ToolsThatBuildI assume that you meant you've never used the *M4*? As the M1 was in the review lol. I can get an m4 today and if it is just the same thing as the m1 but with more scan modes I'd like to think it will be as good as the m1. I am a Ryobi guy usually but this review stopped me from buying it.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

@@kajekage9410 yes sorry was typing in a hurry, the m1 is the base model and what I tested in both my videos. I haven’t used the m4 but my understanding is it is the pro model and should function at least as good as the m1 with a few extra options. (And additional cost) Ryobi has some great stuff but this is not one of those.

[@kajekage9410]

@@ToolsThatBuild I'm not even sure now what to get as the zircons have tons of bad reviews and reliability complaints everywhere I go lol.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

@@kajekage9410 ya the lower lines like the hd are terrible, beyond bad I had one in my first testing video. A lot of the reviews are for the cheaper zircons so it gets confusing as most people don’t invest in the better line. That being said I have no skin in the game so go with whatever you think is best and test it lots before the return window is closed.

[@MONSTiiiR]

Clarification you didn’t score the ryobi higher on the wire test because it doesn’t indicate that its a wire? Or am i missing something? Thanks

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Hey ya I mentioned it in the video but the ryobi and Franklin indicate a wire the exact same as a stud. You’d have no way of knowing if your drilling into a wire, pipe or stud. Imho it defeats the purpose of a stud finder, hence the low standing.

[@davidtan2935]

can these scanner use on the concrete wall?

[@ToolsThatBuild]

No a scanner for concrete is completely different and usually costs quite a bit more.

[@afro438]

What about the walbot?

[@ToolsThatBuild]

I had two units neither worked. I had a zoom call with the company and they were stumped. Since neither unit functioned properly I didn’t have time to try a third before the video so I had to remove it. I can’t comment on if it’s good or not because neither of mine would find anything through standard unpainted or painted drywall.

[@afro438]

@ hmmm.. interesting, Thank you very much for the reply..

[@thebeardedseeker5633]

wish i'd seen this video before I bought a Ryobi.

[@RetroBeam-k8y]

I’m watching this before buying a stud finder lol

[@dessalegnzeleke6466]

So which is the best among those stud finders? Both electrical and stud alert

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Shows results in the video for each segment and overall

[@whatfreedom7]

You can also just use a flashlight. Shine it across the wall and you’ll instantly see where all the nails are.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

We don’t use nails here, our screws are sunk deeper into the drywall so if it has a good mud finishing you won’t see them with a light.

[@justinmcbaen1161]

Thumbs up and a comment for the KZbin’s algorithm

[@ToolsThatBuild]

appreciate it!

[@OROsHelp]

Walabot was in your ad, but not in your comparisons.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Just responded to your other comment

[@dlee3710]

There are hundreds of zircon units for sale on ebay, makes you wonder.

[@whatfreedom7]

I have a older one and it works great.

[@Nollyton]

darn.. wish I watched this before I went and bought the Ryobi...

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Home Depot has a Great return policy

[@Born2BSalty]

this Zircon M1 is hardly obtainable ? where the hell u get this thing :P

[@ToolsThatBuild]

In stock at Home Depot at the time of the video. Not sure where internationally it’s available. I believe they may have started replacing it with the A1 but I haven’t tested it so I can’t confirm it’s as good.

[@Born2BSalty]

@@ToolsThatBuild yea home depot is not accesible for me :(

[@enzomoya1689]

I think this is just h8 on the ryobi 😂 no way the craftsman was better! I mean it told you exactly where the wire was the craftsman was 4 inches off 😂😂😂

[@ToolsThatBuild]

The ryobi indicated the wire the same way it indicated a stud and a pipe and anything else. You have no way of knowing if you’re drilling into a stud or a wire. 4 inches closer doesn’t matter if it just indicates un safely

[@davemoon1103]

I had to take the battery out of mine because ever time it got close to me I kept going off 😂

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Dad jokes, love em

[@grumpyuncle.]

This review is missing the depth scan review. Some stud finders do poorly in deep scan. Also, using a stud finder alone, without the confirmation of screw locations with a magnet, can be dangerous if there is a water pipe in the area. Also, when you look at cost, keep in mind that most of these use 9v batteries, but the Ryobi uses AAAs. I find the AAAs to be much less expensive, more easily available, and longer lasting.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Battery cost depends on where you live and is too subjective to really count. (9v batteries are close to the same price where I live and last way longer) A depth scan review would have to be a separate video, most of these scanners are cheaper consumer scanners and don’t have a deep scan at all. And most consumers don’t really require a deep scan to get the job done. Screw locations won’t help you with a water pipe just because you know there’s a screw there does not indicate there is or is not a water pipe near the stud. Center of the stud can be found with a stud finder (as shown in the video) and that’s always the safest spot.

[@theoriginalmonstermaker]

Good review but I wouldn't be much of a scientist if I didn't say that... Knowing the results you're looking for (in this case, the location of stud and wire) greatly impact your ability to test in an "natural" or unbiased manner. It would be better to assess the finder's usefulness in a typical work site situation, where you approach a wall having no clue what's back there. Also, since construction knowledge affects which of those tools you'd prefer, knowing that studs are often 16 inches apart, I'd examine the entire area to deduce whether I'm likely indicating a stud or a wire (so the poor rating of ryobi and Franklin aren't so relevant to me). Finally, the way the tools indicate a finding is almost as relevant as their accuracy; I was watching as you marked out the edges and Im honestly not sure if I would've chosen the same... The benefit of the ryobi and Franklin is that the lights stay on and shift, allowing you to approximate based on adjusting the tool and seeing how they respond (w what was occurring on the screens of the others, it seemed difficult to deduce btwn an object or a glitch until it hit the center of stud) Anyway, good review, just some thoughts.

[@Da-Sheek]

Am I missing something here? You say the laser is exact center of wire and show markings for the Ryobi and 2 others right on it. The M1 not even close.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

The first mark your seeing is the early warning of a live wire on either side. The second mark is the wire. The m1 was also right on it, it’s not super clear in the video but it was accurate. The Ryobi and Franklin doesn’t have any early warning that’s why it only has one mark, it just marks the wire the same as a stud. The m1 early warns and then also has an indication where the wire is exactly.

[@OROsHelp]

Walabot is missing from this. I clicked on this video to see your comparing with the Walabot included. That was a fault.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Ya sorry about that, I had two wallabots and neither functioned correctly. I contacted wallabot and they were stumped. Unfortunately since I couldn’t get a third unit in time for testing I had to remove it last minute. I also can’t comment on how well they work because neither of mine did.

[@jakeMTSU]

you showed wall bot

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Yes I had a dud and a second unit was sent to me but it was also a dud. I couldn’t get a working unit in time for the video so I couldn’t comment on how it is.

[@ebinrock]

I want a stud finder that SHOWS me the stud (or electrical wire, or what-have-you). I don't trust ANY of these to be accurate, and I've tried a couple of Zircons. WHY is there no stud finder that uses ultrasound and shows you at least some basic muddy picture of the actual stud or other object on the LCD screen?? I'd pay (just about) anything for that!

[@ToolsThatBuild]

They do have them Bosch makes one it can even show through masonry but it is over a thousand dollars. Too expensive for the average person. Look up Bosch D-Tech200C

[@TheRealBallista420]

wtf?? There’s a walabot in the video beginning and you never show it. Literally the worst video I’ve ever seen

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Hey take it easy. The wallabot had to be removed because I tested 2 units and both failed to function. Neither could locate a stud on painted or unpainted drywall. After contacting wallabot they couldn’t find a solution. Since I can’t comment on how they work because neither of mine did it was removed from the video.

[@mrderek800]

Purchased the Craftsman stud finder, piece of junk!

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Testing never lies

[@mrderek800]

@@ToolsThatBuild Just bought one today, used it to try to put up a light. Works on walls well. Ceilings not so much. I wouldn’t recommend it.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

@@mrderek800 it came last in my stud finding results. This video could have saved you some time and money haha

[@barenekid9695]

ALL are Crap... as NONE are useably Reliable... in My experiences.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

I don’t have the same experience but to each their own

[@bosatsu76]

After watching this, and then checking out reviews on Amazon, it looks like stud finders are STILL pieces of junk... I've gone through half a dozen over the last twenty years, and they all have the same issue--random and inaccurate markings... I would think that technology would have improved by now... None of the stud finders have a rating above 70%, which is unacceptable when trying to miss an electrical wire or water line... I would rather poke 20 holes in the wall looking for that first stud to then tape the rest off of than hoping that this one time the finder didn't fuck me...

[@tommerrill9074]

Note that Amazon does not carry the Zircon M1.

[@Anavllama]

Dont like your review, error on M1 for wire as noted below and came here for a real world comparison of WALABOT which is shown but not tested.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Hey no problem there was no error on the M1 as I answered below. The m1 was the most accurate on the wire it’s just hard to see (it has 3 marks compared to one) it warns on either side as well as indicated the wire. The walabot was shown and not reviewed because I had two of their devices (the DIY 2) and neither worked on any of my walls. I contacted the company and after sending in the device they couldn’t figure it out. Basically it was removed because I can’t confirm if they are all as bad as the ones I got or not. I do mention it in the video.

[@dannusmk1578]

Talks too fast!

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Appreciate the feedback. Most people appreciate the shortness of the videos so I have to talk quick to fit it in. You can always click the gear icon next to the video and slow it down to .5 and then it will be slower, or put on subtitles and read as you go.

[@starlord872]

Really who cares which one finds the wire the fastest? Its not a race.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

It’s not about speed it’s about accuracy