Franklin 710 Stud Finder

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Occasionally, knuckles and a finish nail don't work so well. Recently, my Hanson Magnetic stud finder, which is usually quite good, failed me miserably.  (Should have trusted my knuckles on that one.)
Well, today, I came across the Franklin Stud Finder which gets great reviews on Amazon. I have to find studs in a wall that feels completely hollow, with only one reading with the Hanson, and I'm thinking of getting this Franklin to help/verify.
Does anyone have experience with the Franklin 710? Thanks.

http://www.amazon.com/Franklin-Sensors-ProSensor-710-Precision/dp/B0064EICKG/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1399416713&sr=1-1&keywords=franklin+stud+finder

 

[P2P]

Bought one of these over a year ago.  Have used it several times and it is way more accurate that any of the many Zircon units I've used in the past.  I've been quite happy with it.

 

[RKA]

Love mine!!  It works exceedingly well on Sheetrock over stick framing.  Plaster and lathe, not so much.  Prior to this tool, I've never trusted electronic stud finders.  I would always take multiple passes, knock test or even a magnet before I trusted what the stud finder was saying.  No more with the franklin!

Edit: also tried it at work with Sheetrock over metal studs.  Worked just fine.

 

[jaymon5]

I have had one for a year and am very happy with it.  For traditional framing and sheetrock applications it can't be beat. 

 

[builderbob]

Have it...love it...not on plaster though. Totally worth the $

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Well, that's good enough for me. You guys are great! Thanks.

 

[Walk On Wood]

I have it too, works great!

 

[alpastor]

I've used mine for over a year and a half and I love it.  It's really just the same kind of detectors used in similar type devices, but it's how they set it up and how you use it that makes all the difference.  When you use it, you get a very good representation of where your studs are.

 

[Sparktrician]

It was recently featured on Ask This Old House and got favorable comments. 

 

[mikeneron]

I asked for one last Xmas.  It's a dream to use compared to the old "slide and beep" style one I used to use 

 

[polarsea1]

Have it...love it...not on plaster though. Totally worth the $

I'd like to find one that works with plaster.

 

[leakyroof]

Have it...love it...not on plaster though. Totally worth the $

I'd like to find one that works with plaster.

  +1 on that, esp. with our almost 100 year old house.... [embarassed]

 

[basimerly]

So then my question is, does anyone know of a worthwhile stud finder over lath and plaster, other than hunting around with a knuckle or finish nail ?

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

So then my question is, does anyone know of a worthwhile stud finder over lath and plaster, other than hunting around with a knuckle or finish nail ?

Couldn't find one. I go off the electrical outlet box...there's a beam there, right? Then, count 16" to either side. Sometimes, my Hanson Magnet works, but make sure it's not a pipe or wire by assuring a gap between readings.

 

[chrisrosenb]

So then my question is, does anyone know of a worthwhile stud finder over lath and plaster, other than hunting around with a knuckle or finish nail ?

Couldn't find one. I go off the electrical outlet box...there's a beam there, right? Then, count 16" to either side. Sometimes, my Hanson Magnet works, but make sure it's not a pipe or wire by assuring a gap between readings.

In many old plaster/lath houses, electric was added after the house was built. Those outlets are very seldom near framing.

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

So then my question is, does anyone know of a worthwhile stud finder over lath and plaster, other than hunting around with a knuckle or finish nail ?

Couldn't find one. I go off the electrical outlet box...there's a beam there, right? Then, count 16" to either side. Sometimes, my Hanson Magnet works, but make sure it's not a pipe or wire by assuring a gap between readings.

In many old plaster/lath houses, electric was added after the house was built. Those outlets are very seldom near framing.

I guess, then the old trusty smiley face always works. [smile]

 

[Knight Woodworks]

No experience with Franklin stud finder, sorry.

I can offer some advice in regards to finding studs under lath and plaster.
Look for the nails in the baseboard. If you're having trouble finding them, perhaps due to putty or paint, a rare earth magnet works well. Note, this works well with the baseboard, not always with the cap, if there is one. Baseboard was usually nailed to the studs, once you locate the nails you should be able to plumb up as needed.

John

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

That's a good tip. This kitchen wall I just looked at didn't have base board. Fortunately, the studs were 16" from the corner.

 

[DaveZ]

I have one too.  It's not perfect, but it's way better than any zircon I've used.  Have only used it on drywall though. I did try it on the floor to see if it would find the joist through carpet and padding and no joy.

With that said, its still good enough that I gave one to my buddy last Christmas.

 

[basimerly]

Baseboards is a good tip !  I usually do some mixture of a magnet, and measuring if I'm trying to avoid the hunt and poke, but in an old home, sometimes trial and error must sometimes prevail.