I’m doing a lot of work in buildings that have1/2″ drywall over 3/4″ poured foam over metal studs. My Zircon pro Stud Sensor isn’t picking up anything reliable.
Does anyone having experience with this type of construction have a recommendation? It would make my job a lot easier.
Thanks,
Shave
Replies
probably your best bet is to use a magnet to find the metal studs.
A rare earth magnet should work fine. Just don't get one too big, or you won't be able to move it when you do find a stud- those things can be strong.
I got lucky using those old (60's) stud finders, the spinning magnet in the plastic gumball machine prize holder looking thing.
A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
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Quittin' Time
I was working on a new Loew's with Gary H. and they were installing the displays and racks including their "stud sensor" display. Gary mentioned to the manager that none of them worked. The manager asked, "What makes you think that?" Gary answered, "Well I walked past them and none of them went off."
~Peter, utterly former Liberal columnist for the San Diego Union
I was putting up some shelves in a city office building using a stud finder ,a young lady asked what the pinging noise was I replied it was the stud finder and the two young guys in the room was setting it off she was not really amused. You can make it fool proof but not idiot proof
There are some units that claim to be able to work deeper. They tend to have a "deep" setting.
With any unit it's important to operate it correctly, which generally means placing it on the surface before pressing the "ON" button. Double-check your instructions.
In any event, it shouldn't be that hard to locate metal studs through 1-1/4 inches of drywall and foam. Worst case you could use a conventional treasure-hunter type metal detector.
Many of the stud sensors now have a metal sensing feature in them.
That's what I would have thought, but it appears not to be the case. Upon a second look, the stud sensor I'm using is appearently good for 1 1/2", which doesn't inspire me with a lot of hope.Still looking for a solution,
Shave
Note that there's a big difference between sensing metal and sensing wood. As Bill says, a unit with a metal sensing setting may be best.
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Use a magnet type. Either the cow magnet on a chain or the Tot Lock Cabinet lock you get at the child proof your house section. It will find the screws/nails in the drywall fast and easy.