Does The Walabot Work? Lets Test It Out | THE HANDYMAN |

[@michaelpeavey3264]

I have had one for over a year. Like you, found it very useful on drywall. It has never failed to find a stud, pipe or wire. It is worthless on concrete with gravel or any large aggregate in it, like all foundations. I always wondered if it was just me......I guess not.

[@douglaspayne5029]

what about a 100 year old victorian house with plaster and lathe?

[@843292]

Man! I have been wondering about this gadget/app combo for some time. Thanks for doing a real life demonstration!

[@TheHandyman1]

I have had mixed results with it. It works great on drywall. It works OK on plaster. I didn't have much luck on the concrete.

[@joepierce5357]

Is it only for the android?

[@mainlinx]

@@TheHandyman1 Uses cutting-edge radar technology to see inside drywall & concrete walls (currently doesn't support lath and plasters walls)

[@robertcueto892]

Appreciate the demo...passing on the product.

[@renoguy25]

I do home renos . and bought one a few months ago ... I find the one thing that it did very well was to separate me from my money, everything else ... not so much Bob from Calgary

[@NewsBroadcasting]

Hi bob, im also in Calgary mine did not work at all.. pretty creepy it needs a lot of access to your phone it actually shiploads all your data to Israel

[@toyota218921]

@@NewsBroadcasting are you joking about your data going to Israel?

[@NewsBroadcasting]

@@toyota218921 no not at all....... setup a computer/linux server as a router open wire shark or linux network tracing programs

[@jonathanmathews7673]

For drywall my favorite stud finder is my knuckles and my ears. But when they aren't enough, the Bosch multi-scan is pretty darn good. I was really hoping the walabot would be a game changer

[@robinfhild]

Try the Stud buddy. It works by finding the screws with neodymium magnets

[@stang7043]

I bought this about a year ago. I'm a simple DIY'er. I have used this several times and find it rather clumsy and hard to hold with your phone. But I do prefer this over your regular stud finder. But my go-to lately has been an endoscope. But again I live in a house that was built in 1998.

[@msbav8r]

The best stud finders are- 1. Rare Earth magnet. Easily finds the drywall screws. and 2. A very bright flashlight. No matter how well the seams have been finished, you can still find them quite easily by holding the flashlight up or down, parallel with the wall.

[@pablot-r9402]

Definitely. The reason people get Walabots is for finding the wires and pipes and being able to identify them as such, VS thinking that a pipe / conduit is falsely a stud. Walabots are still pretty 1st Gen, so over time as they improve and as other makers come out with possibly better models, these can still be useful, especially for electricians and home / commercial audio-video-connectivity companies. ;-)

[@thestumblingblock3459]

​@@pablot-r9402I've used a zircon for 6 years and I'm easily able to find studs through thick plaster walls, as well as live electrical wires and plumbing. I believe it only cost me about $60, and I haven't had a problem with the backside getting torn up. I think the walabot is marketed more towards the DIY crowd.

[@Voltomess]

I got this device about 3 years now and that was the best purchase for me. Finds studs perfectly shows me cables and pipes so I know where they are it's like a pocket x-ray for drywalls.

[@herbm8709]

I bought one for some work in my house, it worked about 3/4 of the time, just enough to not trust it. I'm with you tapping on the wall and finding studs faster.

[@neosmith80]

how does this work for ceilings with popcorn?

[@royalway12]

Is there a product that detects dead wires? I have an older home with the plaster walls. The wire is hot at the box, but dead at the switch. Having trouble finding it's route clear across the house from the garage, to the front of the house. I want to tear up a minimum of the wall to find it.

[@paul-ld9vh]

I have the Walabot. The one thing that I was hoping it would help with was determining when multiple studs were side by side. It seemed to have a hard time giving a clear image. Maybe I need to try working with it more.

[@Spathephoros]

That calibration at 0:26 was a real thing of beauty

[@shadow-ny6gd]

Inspired me to finally follow through with my handyman business thanks brother. I love the work, its just time to start it up.

[@kirksennett899]

I'm wondering if it will pick up radiant heat wires embedded in ceiling

[@DennisMathias]

Where do you get those knuckle knockers? That sounds like the best deal. I don't know what that cell phone thingy was for.

[@TW-gq5gi]

Thank you for your review on the Walabot DIY. I watched a few others and I had some questions. 1) I noticed on your review you said you have to recalibrate every time you brake the surface of the wall you are testing. I have noticed others do a demonstration and they pick it up and place it down without recalibrating and it looks to work correctly. What is your opinion on this? 2) How well does it work with metal studs? 3) Have you been able to review the DIY2? 4) If so what is your opinion on it?

[@michaeldepow6663]

The app is missing from the app store now. Wtf!?

[@GAK1atatt]

I get the same results as The Handyman. Spotty at best. I use it to locate wires and heating pipe and it does find them but just for a moment then the image disappears. It does test my patience. I decided to buy a longer wire than the short one that comes with it but haven't received it yet. Nice idea, needs to be more powerful. I bought mine 2 years ago and was going to send it back but was too caught up in remodeling to remember.

[@thomasjones-yc8lf]

Had several over the years. Most were OK to excellent on sheetrock, except in my garage - maybe they put two layers with some kind of heat shield? The last one I got, ProSensor T13 Professional Stud Finder, worked about the best but I still find an outlet and then measure off 16" on centers, etc.

[@HonestOK2930]

This would work great for finding outlets covered by drywallers. I remodel older homes with lathe and plaster and I've yet to find a good scanner. Depending on how extensive the remodel is, I sometimes opt to pull it all off an out up drywall

[@ChristopherLeeMusic1983]

Gotta get some better drywall people. I cut the squares out when I hang drywall. Takes 2 secs with a box blade on an oscillating tool.

[@hey_itxfhd]

Also For Spying On Ppl Having S*X

[@RyanRKJ]

I saw an ad for this product. It looked great, but I was skeptical. Came here for the video and comments. I've since concluded that I definitely don't need to buy this product. I have a Stanley stud finder. It's not great, but is still somewhat useful, and does not require excessive calibration every time you put it to a wall.

[@Voltomess]

excessive calibration? seriously? lol 5 sec is excessive? I got this device about 3 years now and that was the best purchase for me. Finds studs perfectly shows me cables and pipes so I know where they are it's like a pocket x-ray for drywalls.

[@agoodsheperd880]

Can it find studs in an exterior wall with vynl siding and OSB sheathing?

[@Bapuji42]

The most reliable stud finder I've found for drywall is the Stud Buddy. Magnets find drywall screws 100% of the time and never run out of batteries. If I need to find the exact center of a stud (screws aren't always dead center) I push in a finish nail to map out the edges. Of course it doesn't find electric or pipes.

[@rickfanta4323]

Thanks for the video. Would have been nice to try a wall with fiberglass insulation behind, and see if it still finds the wires, pipes, etc.

[@Cameron-ur2tk]

looks to be reliable as a stud finder on plaster.I like the idea of it picking up electrical lines though.

[@rbrown2925]

Any idea what it shows if there's a jack post behind drywall?

[@synapticburn]

interested in the electrical portion, if it can reliably find wires it might be useful for TV installers, cable guys, and electricians etc for studs I use the ch Hansen neodymium magnet studfinder that sticks to nails. 8 bucks on amazon

[@synapticburn]

@Freki Bodgaedir I love in Houston, it's virtually non existent here. 99 percent of homes are drywall

[@cbro777]

I wonder if that thing can detect a screw or nail that's been ran through wire.

[@jeffr8282]

I just used it on lathe and plaster. It found wood studs precisely in both wall and ceiling.

[@bootmenow]

I'm concerned about wire behind them... Any luck there?

[@danielyoder1462]

This was a good review. You should consider doing more product reviews. It's nice to see reviews from channels that I trust.

[@RANDALLOLOGY]

I been looking everywhere to find a stud finder to find ceiling joist through plaster and lathe. Going to overlay drywall to cover a unsightly plaster ceiling. Budget won't allow ripping it all down and start all new.. apparently no need to think about the wallabot.

[@TheHandyman1]

I was hoping it was going to make a job like you have an easy one. I'm going to be doing a kitchen ceiling in tongue and grove cedar and need to put up furring strips. I'm going to keep messing with it.

[@RANDALLOLOGY]

@@TheHandyman1 I found out that Zircon has a stud finder that will find studs behind plaster. Hone Depot is supposed to carry it. Going to find out about it.

[@Jaihind_RG]

Any product suggestions for to scan items what’s inside in the box 📦, ? Much appreciated

[@patagoniacontracting5667]

I got one to try it out, but I can find a stud faster by knocking than conectinting the stupid thing. An for wired and pipes I can usually guess. Thank for the video.

[@papasmurf7684]

Why did you do it on concrete? Does it claim to work on that or did you just decide to do it to see how well it may work on that as well.

[@fireyourrocketts]

I just got one yesterday from Amazon; kind of works on drywall; intermittently as images comes and go but worthless on thicker walls; I need it to find studs on the outside walls which are stucco; forget it. For that price at $200+ is going right back.

[@HieuTran-iy3ui]

Hope you make another video ,this time stack 2 or 4 pieces of 2” x16”x16” thickness concrete patio stone and lay a couple metal bars under these concrete stones and test this device, see how good it is? Thanks

[@billybunter5575]

hi would this work if you where trying to trace a fuel pump under the back seat of a car through the metal part of the back seat.

[@Vander_Galien_Handyman]

Any luck on old plaster and lath houses?

[@brandonbaker850]

could your tape be throwing it off?

[@rlatimer1962]

Thank you for the review. My wife bought me one for Christmas. Was real excited. Found holding the phone and pushing the tool a bit cumbersome. I know you can attach it as well. Found the calibration in smaller areas does not quite work. For the money spent I do not think it was worth it but I'll continue to work with it for a useful purpose. Its about trust with the tool and I guess once that is earned it may be worth the price.

[@onthetrail3457]

Any thought that maybe when he put tape on the device because it was scratched that he covered the sensor needed for it to work right.

[@irishhandyman2009]

Thanks for the review. Like a lot of people I was considering 1 of these, but after watching a real world review, think I will save my money. Might be good if all your work involved you only dealing with drywall. Cant wait to see your follow up vid. Keep on keepin on.👍

[@SCAMATICS777]

Do you think the tape had an affect on the readings? 🤔

[@ryancorcoran465]

Do you need a certain type of phone Mark does it work on an iPhone?

[@brianingell3174]

bought mine on eBay for 50$ A) holding the stack of phone/walabot is hard to do with the rubber squishy pad on the back as a problem. B) as reported above any concrete or slightly textured wall sounds like it will be wrecked after calibrating it. C) with vertical wires sticking up behind the drywall it gave hit or miss readings even mapping them out. D) did I mention it's hard to hold vertically without dropping it without hard hand pressure and any less requires calibration again. E) it's much more cumbersome that my expensive stud finder which luckily is still talking to me after being jilted. F) I'm glad I can return it and I didn't pay a couple hundred bucks....

[@primoservices5636]

I have heard they work ok. How much are they that would determine if they are worth it if it works for drywall that would help not miss studs and have extra holes at times. Good tool to test help me decide. I been doing handyman work for 32 yrs any help to be more efficient and professional i'm all for it. Keep up the good work !

[@TheHandyman1]

Link is in the description.

[@stevenlotozynski4932]

Idk if they fixed the bugs but I only use it for plaster and drywall and I've always hit a stud so far. My son just got it for me 4 months ago its been used about 20 times.

[@TheHandyman1]

They have a new one out and I will be testing it this month.

[@flbeachinggirl]

I need to locate wood studs and PVC plumbing pipe behind drywall and wood paneling. Any ideas?

[@johncokos9849]

VIDEO RECORD WITH YOUR CAMERA ON A NEW PROJECT....

[@ssdtrain1]

You think the tape is interfering ?

[@ArafatX]

what about bosh dtect 120.. any advantage this one over bosh dtect 120 ? it has similar price range.

[@123abcrobable]

I wish you would have run a pilot hole where it was telling you there was a stud to test if it was correct or not.

[@mostlikelywedoitservices9743]

Let me know how does it do with stucco. Please

[@localone1597]

I've been thinking about getting one. However it doesn't seem too much better than other stud finders when you consider the cost. It costs way too much to not have better results. Your review was some time ago, maybe its better now. I don't know? Maybe I'll try to find more current videos

[@am44_67]

Have you tried the Klein thermal imager? I’m tempted to buy it at close to $300, I’m a service plumber and unsure if you can see water pipes behind drywall

[@mato2l]

I believe if you move it up and down after you have moved left to right it will give you a more accurate reading of whether it's a stud or not.

[@douglasadams4540]

Can you find anything below ground. Like sprinklers or pipes ??

[@jramos20]

Does it work well in finding wires when there is insulation?

[@ChristianConservativ]

Knocking and listening is the way I was raised. I will not conform! Records are finally coming back. I just need to wait longer.

[@k5jrx3]

Love the concept, but not sure the bugs are worked out. We have been using the Franklin stud finder for about 6 years now, but of course we have no ability to find wires or conduit etc. Even so, it has been the most accurate and useful we have found to date

[@kamoke1]

Thanks for showing me that I wasn't an idiot. I had no confidence in this thing on lathe and plaster walls, which is where I needed it to perform. It currently lives in a junk drawer and has taught me to be more cautious with these miracle tools.

[@TheHandyman1]

I really wanted it to work. I didn't work at all like their commercials.

[@kamoke1]

@@TheHandyman1 at least you didn't have to pay for it like the rest of us 👌🏻

[@DJWRailroad]

Useful feedback for substrates. Results on lath & plaster appear to generate no better results than regular electronic stud finders, at least not definitive, accurate or reliable results.

[@woodmax69]

I does a good job of finding the wires behind the wall as you demonstrated.

[@daviderojas]

Do you think it will be used to detect pvc pipes (in which there are electrical cables inside) in a brick wall?

[@BlackHeartScyther]

What model of walabot is this? I guess this one doesn't come with the heat map style raw data functionality?

[@letmefindout81]

I think the idea is good, but i don't think it's ready for the open market yet.

[@erk6700]

Bought a bunch of neodymium magnets, 1/4 in. diameter, place one inside a transparent plastic cup or glass cup. Rotate the cup on the wall until the magnet sticks to a nail. From there on the rest of the nails are vertically with respect to the first magnet. And sideways about 16 inches apart.

[@michael102387]

So it works cool but what other kind of troubles can you get into, like seeing into rooms?

[@Aepek]

Saw this a few months ago & bought it to give it a go. Wanted to like it, but just was costing me time, & kept second guessing if was accurate....so would breakout my Zircon to double check all the time, lol.) After 15 days of use I just couldn’t keep using it, as was getting frustrated & wasn’t worth the time & hassle for me; so I returned it & went back to my Zircon finders (Have multifinder with a lot of features/functions & stud finder with deep scan).Looking forward to see the next vid about this tool, & then your final opinion/thoughts about the product. My all time dream scanner would be an x-ray hand held scanner. Know they do have these in the marketplace, but my wallet refuses to open up & give me the money to buy one😉 Cheers✌🏻

[@jakejones5991]

Always wondered about this thing! Never tried it. I always use a magnet or the knuckle.

[@TheHandyman1]

Both those methods are a little hard on lath and plaster.

[@punchymuffin6402]

Isn't the max those are rated for is lap and plaster? If you were not using it on concrete it would probably not get so scratched.

[@johnvas4173]

I'll wait for the model that makes the sound effects from The Predator movie.

[@bennyblanco7680]

😂😂

[@rickkrieger4455]

I have one but like you found out it doesn't always work like it is supposed to. I was hoping for the last stud finder that I would ever have to buy but I'm on to the next one.

[@TheHandyman1]

They have sent me 3 to test and they only work on drywall not lath and plaster.

[@RyanandSaraDelling]

How is it on plaster/lath?

[@TheHandyman1]

Does not work at all. on Lath and plaster.

[@carlosquin4822]

Franklin sensors for Studs period end of story multiple lights to detect stacked 2*4 studs nothing comes close!!

[@krap101]

I returned it within a week. You have to recalibrate every time it leaves the wall, it wasn't very quick, and the readings weren't consistent.

[@Patriot4TheTree]

So what is the most reliable stud finder?

[@msdweldingfabrication7051]

Would this work on stucco?

[@styleznu]

Any updates. I have a group of historic home lovers all wondering if it works with lath and plaster?

[@TheHandyman1]

They have a new one coming out this summer. I will hopefully be doing a video on it when it comes out.

[@Peter-.H]

The walabot is available right now for $99.95. It seems to be working fine on drywall, but I wouldn’t put my faith on anything else. For me, it is too fragile and too expensive to bring on job sites . Thanks for the very honest and informative review.👍

[@soilsurvivor]

Don't waste your money. Useless and invasive piece of crap.

[@xxxxzorroxxxx]

Can set it up o. A tablet 7+.

[@cliffcox7643]

hey guy, you should show more of the screen closely, that's what we'll see, and on a split screen what's behind the drywall.. I want to see what to expect when I encounter a PIPE, WIRES, STUDS, BOXES, CONDUIT, etc.. I side by side view of the screen and what's behind the test wall.. Then this vid will be truly helpful for those deciding and you'll get lots of views.

[@JMGeranimo]

Their are free apps that detect emf transmission, they definitely work around anything magnetic.

[@joaquinmateo4142]

Sucks they don’t make it for iPhone12

[@Michael-gu8ck]

I have about 5 different stud finders as an occasional diy'er, all a pain the azz. The little ole magnet stud finder is very useful. The Walabot sounds like a great concept, but needs to be improved and refined more before i'd purchase one.

[@PastaRoshie]

Does it work with horsehair plaster

[@calivalley9056]

Did you ever go back and figure out the frozen sprinkler house?

[@rweakley]

The old scientific "knock test" as the control variable.

[@howardmiller7716]

I bought one at the beginning of the year and found it works on drywall for studs, wires and pipes. It does not work at all on exterior stucco walls. I have a small sheet of 1/16th plastic I place on every wall to run the Walabot over to keep from marking the walls and give it a smooth surface to ride on. That makes it even less user friendly. For $70 it sits in my tool bag and I use it to confirm other methods on sheet rock. I tried a FLIR camera and that was worthless on exterior walls also. The FLIR gave a rough idea on interior walls. The next gadget I tried for exterior stucco is an endoscope camera for my phone. Drill a 1/4" hole and insert the camera. If there is no insulation it works, sometimes. Still searching for the best way to find a stud in exterior stucco.....It isn't my knuckle!

[@streetfiremkv12]

If it was consistent in finding pipes and electrical it would 100% useful to me

[@jaqmartial7782]

I have one of those purchased last December for a gift. In my opinion, this is not worth the cost. The most impractical part is holding the Wallabot to the telephone when you move it.. I tried rubber bands but it stops reading.. so maybe expand the sticky circle if it can be done. But I have to admit when it works it is very good. I also think the software can be updated regularly when you have a product to increase the field of reading, like tiles, concrete etc... Nice idea but impractical at this time.

[@mccommas2]

Well I can't imagine I would need it for concrete anyhow. I have had the worst time finding studs. That is what I really need it for.

[@Voltomess]

I got this device about 3 years now and that was the best purchase for me. Finds studs perfectly shows me cables and pipes so I know where they are it's like a pocket x-ray for drywalls.

[@chadthorne9251]

Handyman got a cameraman. Livin' large!

[@caesarsandoval3043]

Tj Gsomething 😂

[@briansierzega]

Probably a Moroccan 😂😂

[@1111comment]

Have you tried it on floor joists?

[@psykosteel]

I bought one about the time that you did, it's never worked well and their support was only so so. They said that the heavy knockdown textured walls were the problem. It's a great idea and concept, but I think they need more product development before they are top-notch the way that they promote it. I'd trust a magnet before I trust one of these.

[@scottgutauckis4615]

I bought this and found its about as reliable as the other three stud finders in my tool box. Its a hit or miss.

[@williamevans7932]

Looks about as useful as a radar detector. Maybe try a dowsing rod ? My grandfather swore by them for finding water. He told me it has a 10 year learning curve.

[@jeffmurphy7683]

Wish I could find a video where they are tested on exterior, insulated walls.

[@markopolo897]

Will it pickup a USB device? I stashed a bunch of crypto on a USB in my wall and forgot how I made the secret hiding spot. I purchased this device a long time ago but did not get to use it because the cable did not fit my phone. I never bought a cord for it, then lost the device and just found it. I need a different cable which I just ordered. I hope I can find my USB. I hid a paper wallet also back in 2010.Man im stupid.

[@barneylan876]

Thanks for your demonstration !

[@shaunmorgan372]

I wanted one of these but phone compatibility is an issue.