Update: That $40 stud finder from Harbor Freight was a total waste of cash

I was trying to hang a heavy shelf in my bedroom and this thing gave me three false positives in a row. Ended up drilling into a pipe and causing a leak that cost me over $300 to fix. I should have just used the old knock-on-the-wall method. Has anyone found a budget tool that actually works right?

3 comments

3 Comments

riley_price1mo ago

Honestly that Harbor Freight finder is like a 50/50 shot at best. Tbh I've had more luck just looking for the drywall screws.

uma_webb281mo ago

Yeah I gave up on those things years ago. I mean you're better off just tapping the wall and listening for the hollow sound. If you really need to find a stud, just measure from a corner. They're usually every 16 inches. That finder just beeps at random and you end up with a bunch of extra holes.

bettywilson1mo ago

Tried one and threw it in the junk drawer after the first use. Now I just knock on the wall and look for outlets, they're usually nailed to a stud.