Top 10 Metal Voltage and Stud Detectors
for June 2023

Before you buy that new appliance or new ceiling fan for your Chicago home, you need to know if there's electrical wiring behind your walls. Our home experts agree that the right stud detector can tell you just that, saving you the time and money of digging up your walls after you purchase a new fixture.

While stud finders have been around for decades, our Institute Lab researchers recently tested 10 of the latest models on the market, rating them based on performance, value and ease of use. We evaluate factors like sensitivity, range, battery life, and range of detection. Stud detectors that don't work as advertised are a huge waste of time and money, so we test each model on a range of surfaces, including wood, plastic, metal and drywall. Our picks for the 10 best metal stud detectors of 2022 include options from brands like Bosch and Stanley, as well as budget-friendly picks from Orion and Rockwell.

Different Guide editors independently choose recommendations. Purchases made through our links may earn us commissions.

1
9.8
SCORE
General Tools MSV100 Stud, Metal and Voltage Detector

General Tools MSV100 Stud

by General Tools
What We like

The General Tools stud finder with 3 detection modes and an automatic level can be a life-saver in cramped spaces. It does what its name implies, and is easier to use than other stud finder models we tested. The only downside is its hefty weight and price.

2
9.7
SCORE
General Tools KT100 Restoration Kit with IRT, Moisture Meter and Stud, Metal and Voltage Detector

General Tools KT100 Restoration Kit with IRT

by General Tools
What We like

Scan, detect, and test metal studs in hard-to-reach areas with the General Tools KT100 key tool kit.

3
9.5
SCORE
Handheld 3 in 1 Metal Wood Studs Detector Iron Finder AC Voltage Scanner Wire Tracker

TEKCOPLUS Handheld 3 in 1 Metal Wood Studs Detector Iron Finder AC Voltage Scanner Wire Tracker

by TekcoPlus Ltd
What We like

Without any doubt, is the best metal stud finder, it is the most accurate and affordably priced stud finder we tested. It has many functions and is very easy to use. For beginners, the price is quite reasonable.

4
9.3
SCORE
3-In-1 Electronic LED Stud Finder, Voltage Detector and Metal Detector

Pittsburgh 3-In-1 Electronic LED Stud Finder

by Pittsburgh
What We like

The solid display, lifetime pin warranty, and ability to scan multiple types of metal make this a top pick. It also charges from a standard USB port.

5
8.8
SCORE
Stud Finder, 3 in 1 Multi-Function Wall Stud Sensor Detector with LCD Display and Sound Warning for AC Live Wire, Wood, Metal, Deep Scanning KULED M79

KULED Stud Finder

by KULED
What We like

Great interior and exterior stud finder! Easy to use, with built in flashlight, auto power off function and LCD screen that quickly displays the current setting.

6
8.8
SCORE
Stud Finder, Preciva Wall Scanner Sensor -4 in 1 Multifunctional Wall Detector with Digital LCD Display and Sounding Warning for Studs, Wood, Metal, and AC Wires Detection(9V Battery Included)

Preciva Stud Finder

by Preciva
What We like

This stud finder has 4 modes and can scan through walls. It's just a stud finder without wires, AC wires or metal. It's totally wireless, so snipe a sound, and the display will show the position of studs.

7
8.6
SCORE
Stud Finder Wall Scanner - 5 in 1 Stud Detector with Intelligent Microprocessor chip and HD LCD Display, Stud Sensor Beam Finders for the Center and Edge of Wood AC Wire Metal Studs Joist Pipe

JAXWQ Stud Finder Wall Scanner

by JAXWQ
What We like

This stud finder, in addition to being full-featured, is easy to use. We found that it can cover a wide range of stud depths, and the LED light makes it easy to see in the darkness.

9
7.3
SCORE
Stud Finder Sensor Wall Scanner - 3 in 1 Wall Detector for Wood AC Voltage Wire Metal Studs Detection

Gain Express Stud Finder Sensor Wall Scanner

by Gain Express Holdings Ltd.
What We like

A tiny piece of metal sticking out on your kitchen wall? This gadget will find and mark it. A wall stud? The same. A power line? Uh-huh. This stud finder is a jack of all trades.

10
7.3
SCORE
Stud Finder Wall Scanner, RISEPRO 5 in 1 Electric Multifunctional Stud Sensor Beam Finders, Wall Detector Center Finding with Large LCD Display and Audio Alarm for Wood, Studs, Metal, AC Wire

RISEPRO Stud Finder Wall Scanner

by RISE E COMMERCE
What We like

The Stud Finder Wall Scanner is super simple to use. The LED runs green for studs/minor metal, and red for metal studs.

Top 10 Metal Voltage Detectors - Ways to Find the Hidden Metal Objects

Metal detectors are used to find and detect metals that are buried in dirt. There are many types of metal detectors out there, but for the purpose of this article, we will talk about top 10 metal voltage and stud detectors. Metal voltage detectors are used to locate a metal. There are many types of metal voltage detectors, and all of them work on a different principle. The principle is to detect a change in the magnetic field. The principle of the detector is easily explained by the magnet principle. A magnetic field is created by a magnet. A magnetic field is created around a magnet by iron and steel. The magnetic field is created by a strong magnet placed under the ground. When the magnet is buried under the soil, it creates a magnetic field around it. A magnetic field is always attracted by another magnetic field. For example, when you hold a magnet next to another magnet, the magnetic field of the magnet attracts the magnetic field of the magnet. The magnetic field created by the heavy magnet attracts and detects metals. However, the magnet needs to be strong to detect small metal pieces. A metal voltage detector can detect small pieces of metals from a long distance. Metal voltage detectors are best used for locating buried metal objects like coins and jewelry.

What is metal voltage and how do I know if I have metal voltage in my home?

Voltage is the potential difference in an electric circuit. Voltage is the measurement of electrical energy. The voltage of a circuit is measured at two points; one is the positive terminal, called the source or source line, and the other is the negative terminal called the sink or drain. There are three types of voltage:
Metal voltage: Metal voltage is the voltage that appears in the metal circuit of a copper- or aluminum-clad wire. It is generated by the resistance of the metal and is also referred to as dielectric voltage.
Alternating voltage: The alternating voltage in a circuit is the voltage that is present when a current is alternating. It is also referred to as alternating voltage.
Ground voltage: The ground voltage is the voltage that is present when a current is flowing in the return line or the ground wire. It is also referred to as return voltage.

How do I detect metal voltage in my home?

If a stud is located between two layers of plasterboard, it is generally safe to nail into the stud. However, if the stud is a metal one, you could risk damaging your electrical supply. To find the studs in your home, you can either use an electronic stud detector, which detects electrical current, or use a stud finder, which relies on a magnetic sensor. Electronic detectors are generally more sensitive than stud finders, but the latter does have an advantage in that it can detect metal studs.

What are the different types of metal voltage detectors?

There are many types of metal voltage detectors on the market. Many electricians use them during electrical work in homes and businesses. There are three types of metal voltage detectors that are used by electricians:
Wire detector: A wire detector is a handheld device used to detect live wires. The detector uses a special probe to detect whether a wire is live or dead. The probe has 2 small metal loops that touch live wires.
Ground detector: A ground detector detects whether a wire or circuit is connected to a grounding system. Grounding systems protect buildings from electrical fires. They are especially important in homes since most wiring for appliances, outlets, and computers are connected to the electrical system through grounding systems.
Ground-fault circuit-interrupter detector: A ground-fault circuit-interrupter detector (also known as a GFCI) detects the presence of electricity between ground wires. These wires are connected to a grounding system to protect buildings against electrical fires.

What are the pros and cons to using a metal voltage detector?

A metal voltage detector is a tool that electricians use to find live wires. Metal voltage detectors are similar to other voltage detectors except that they're designed to detect metal wires instead of electrical ones. They are particularly useful for finding live wires in old homes or in locations where you don't have access to power or electricity. Metal voltage detectors are versatile tools that allow users to detect live wires, and can also be used to find metal rods or studs in walls.
Advantages: Metal voltage detectors offer several advantages over other voltage detectors.
* Metal voltage detectors are more sensitive than other types of voltage detectors. This means that they are better at detecting live wires in older homes.
* Metal voltage detectors are also easier to use than other types of voltage detectors. They can detect live wires from 1⁄4-inch to 1-inch in diameter.
Disadvantages: Some metal voltage detectors are more expensive than other types, but they often offer greater utility.

Conclusion

Metal stud detectors are used to detect and locate metal studs. These detectors are mostly used in construction sites. A stud is a small piece of metal that is placed in a wall. A stud detector is used to locate the studs in the wall. Metal stud detectors use the principle of electromagnetic field. A metal stud detector has a coil of wire inside it. A metal stud detector is used to detect a change in the magnetic field, created by the studs in the wall. A metal stud detector can detect studs from a long distance. Metal stud detectors are best used for locating and detecting studs in walls.

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