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C.H. Hanson Stud4Sure Magnetic Stud Finder

*Est. $15
Reviewed
April 2011
by ConsumerSearch
C.H. Hanson Stud4Sure Magnetic Stud Finder

Magnetic stud finder for simple projects

Pros
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to use
  • Grabs onto the wall
  • Works well on half-inch drywall
Cons
  • Doesn't locate wire or pipe
  • Not for plaster or tile walls
Where to Buy
 

The C.H. Hanson Stud4Sure Magnetic Stud Finder uses a powerful magnet in a plastic case to locate studs by finding the metal fasteners used. It's a simple device, but reviewers say it works much better than old-style magnetic stud finders that rely on a less powerful pointer. The Magnetic Stud Finder actually grabs onto the wall when it encounters metal on the other side. The latest version adds a rotating level and a comfort grip to the original Stud4Sure, which only consisted of the stud-finding magnets housed in a tiny plastic casing. The level is an especially handy upgrade as it helps the user move the Magnetic Stud Finder up and down an apparent stud to confirm its location.

The usefulness of the C.H. Hanson Stud4Sure Magnetic Stud Finder depends, of course, on the metal fasteners being placed close to the center of the stud. This stud finder, like other magnetic models, isn't designed to find electrical wiring or metal pipes; nor does it work well on plaster walls, most tile walls or any other thick wall. Reviewers praise it, however, as the best bet among basic, inexpensive stud finders -- all most users may ever need. If you do need to find electrical wiring or a need stud finder that penetrates a thicker wall, consider the top-rated Zircon MultiScanner i520 (*Est. $50).

We found an excellent comparison test of the C.H. Hanson Stud4Sure Magnetic Stud Finder at Fine Homebuilding, where it's tested along with 11 other stud finders. Bestcovery.com also includes the Stud4Sure Magnetic Stud Finder in a comparison of stud finders. Blog posts at ToolSnob.com and HomeFixated.com are helpful. Amazon.com has more than 200 user reviews, though some of those are of the original and more basic Stud4Sure.

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Zircon MultiScanner i520 Center-Finding Stud Finder with Metal and AC Electrical Scanning
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Where To Buy
CH Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder

 (1,188 reviews)
Buy new: $15.99 $8.07   17 New from $5.56

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping
 

Our Sources

1. Fine Homebuilding

Contributing editor Andy Beasley recommends the C.H. Hanson Stud4Sure Magnetic Stud Finder as his favorite among the magnetic stud finders tested here, saying it works well on half-inch drywall and even on drywall plus beadboard (where it outperforms the competing Magic Stud Finder from Biary Innovation) -- but not on walls of plaster or tile, which are too much to ask of a magnetic stud finder.

Review: Tool Test: Stud Finders and Wall Scanners, Andy Beasley, Jan. 20, 2011

2. Bestcovery.com

Electrician Craig Nance prefers electronic stud finders and is dubious about the value of a magnetic stud finder since they rely on finding nails. However, the C.H. Hanson Stud4Sure Magnetic Stud Finder earns a place in his list of the five best stud finders as the best of this type.

Review: CH Hanson Magnetic Stud Finder 03040, Craig Nance, Oct. 2010

3. HomeFixated.com

Jen Byck, a.k.a. the "Fix'n Vixen," calls the C.H. Hanson Stud4Sure Magnetic Stud Finder a "gem of a gadget." She notes that it is easy-to-use and likes that despite the powerful built-in magnets, it is gentle on painted walls.

Review: Stud4Sure Magnetic Stud Finder Doesn't Joke Around, Jen Byck, April 30, 2010

4. Toolsnob.com

ToolSnob.com reports on the C.H. Hanson Stud4Sure Magnetic Stud Finder. While there are some circumstances where it won't be effective (such as where there's metal lath or if stainless-steel nails were used), it is still "probably a great and reliable way to locate studs." One contributor chimes in that the stud finder is an update of the original Stud4Sure. He adds that the newer one works "just the same," but that he prefers the original design.

Review: C.H. Hanson Stud 4 Sure Magnetic Stud Finder, Jay Brewer, Jan. 12, 2009

5. Amazon.com

More than 200 users rate and review the C.H. Hanson Stud4Sure Magnetic Stud Finder, giving it a high overall rating and a top ranking among the stud finders sold here. Owners like the way the powerful magnet grabs onto the wall when it finds a metal stud fastener, and many say it's a lot easier to use than an electronic model. However, some reviews are clearly of the smaller and simpler original Stud4Sure.

Review: CH Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder, Contributors to Amazon.com

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