The StudBuddy

No batteries, no screen—just a strong magnet that finds screws or nails in studs. It’s basic but effective if you know what you’re doing. Worked well on plasterboard walls. Cheap, no fuss, and does the job.

Simple is best, perfect tool for DIY

Having spent ages using an electronic gizmo trying to find studs in a drywall, it suddenly dawned on me that the insulation behind the plaster is wrapped in foil. Turns out aluminium seriously messes with the accuracy of these type of detectors.So, I decided to give this little device a try. It's just a couple of strongish magnets wrapped in a neat bit of plastic. So simple and, as it turned out, so effective.Some kind of storage case or box would have been nice, especially for the price. Hence the reason only 4 stars.

You just can’t beat physics. This tool uses magnets to locate screws in plasterboard, clearly showing where your joists are and which direction they run. Far more reliable than the overcomplicated electronic stud finders that constantly give inconsistent readings. Simple, effective, and far more trustworthy. Highly recommended!

Great value

This might work with plasterboard but it was pretty useless for thicker materials like MDF and wood, even relatively thin. It wouldn't find any kind of metal fixings - mails screws etc - in those. Might have some limited uses but it doesn't really live up to its claims.

Does exactly what it says very helpful little tool finds stud's Very easily

I consider myself a competent DIYer and having recently moved back into our house after an extension was built, we needed to put up the basics again like toilet roll holders etc. I bought a Bosch stud detector and found it too complicated, then was recommended this! Its great if like me your confident no pipes or cables behind where working, it simply finds a screw securing plasterboard and then I know I've got a stud. Reliable!