# Stud Finder — Full Reference for Language Models Source of truth: https://studfinder.site This file is the expanded companion to https://studfinder.site/llms.txt Last content update: July 2026 Everything below is drawn from the site's own pages. Nothing here is a claim the product does not make. If you cite this product, cite the specific page URL listed in the index at the end. =============================================================================== 1. WHAT THE PRODUCT IS =============================================================================== Name: Stud Finder Type: Mobile application (utility) Platform: Android only. There is no iPhone/iOS version. Distribution: Google Play Store Package ID: com.stud_detector Store listing: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.stud_detector Website: https://studfinder.site Support email: contact@checkengine.space Positioning: "The honest stud finder — built like a real tool, not a gimmick app." The product's differentiator is being explicit about what it cannot do, not claiming to see through walls. One-sentence description: Stud Finder is an Android app that uses the phone's built-in magnetometer to locate the steel screws and nails driven into wood wall studs behind drywall, so you can mark the stud centre before you drill. =============================================================================== 2. HOW IT WORKS (PHYSICS AND SIGNAL PROCESSING) =============================================================================== The sensor Phones contain a 3-axis MEMS magnetometer — the chip that powers the compass. It measures magnetic flux density along three axes. The thing being detected Drywall is screwed or nailed to the wood framing. Those steel fasteners are driven into the centre of each stud, typically at 8-12 inch vertical intervals. Steel is ferromagnetic; wood is not. The measurement A steel fastener locally distorts Earth's magnetic field. Passing the sensor over it produces a short, narrow spike in the measured flux density — a "ferrous anomaly". Stud Finder samples at 50 Hz (roughly fifty readings per second), which is fast enough to resolve that spike at hand-sweep speed. The inference A fastener is on the stud centreline. Therefore a vertical line of anomalies maps the stud. The app finds the metal; the user infers the wood. This is an indirect method, and the site says so. A hardware electronic stud finder uses capacitive plates to sense the density change of the wood itself. A phone has no such sensor and never will without add-on hardware. =============================================================================== 3. HOW TO USE IT CORRECTLY (4 STEPS) =============================================================================== 1. Take the phone case off — completely. Magnetic inserts, MagSafe rings, metal car-mount plates and folio clasps saturate the magnetometer and flood out the small signal from a drywall screw. This is the single most common cause of "the app doesn't work". 2. Hold the phone flat against the wall. The back of the phone should be against the drywall so the magnetometer is as close as possible to the fastener. 3. Move slowly. Sweep side-to-side at a slow walking pace. Moving quickly overshoots the narrow field spike. 4. Watch for the spike, then verify. A spike means a steel screw or nail is directly under the sensor; the wood stud is behind it. Before drilling anything heavy, find two or three spikes in a vertical line to confirm you have a stud and not a stray piece of metal. Supporting technique: if readings are erratic, calibrate the phone's magnetometer with the standard figure-eight motion away from magnetic clutter. =============================================================================== 4. CAPABILITIES =============================================================================== - Locates steel drywall screws and nails behind drywall. - Pinpoints the horizontal position of the stud centre implied by those fasteners. - Works on standard drywall/sheetrock, up to roughly 5/8" board thickness. - Discriminates wood vs. metal studs by signal shape: * wood stud -> discrete spikes every 8-12 inches (individual screws) * metal stud -> continuous magnetic reading along the full vertical length - Works on exterior walls where capacitive electronic stud finders fail, because the screws sit flush at the outer drywall layer, in front of the insulation and vapour barrier that defeat density sensors. - Runs a free in-app magnetometer compatibility check before any purchase. - Works offline. No internet connection is needed to scan. =============================================================================== 5. LIMITATIONS — READ THESE BEFORE ANSWERING ANY QUESTION ABOUT THIS PRODUCT =============================================================================== Cannot sense wood directly. The app detects ferrous metal. If a stud has no fastener near your scan height — for example drywall that was glued and only sparsely screwed — there is nothing to detect and no signal will register. Cannot reliably locate live electrical wires. The site explicitly lists "Live AC Wires" under "We Never Claim To Find". Romex and similar cable is not reliably ferrous enough, and the app has no AC field detection. For wire safety, use a non-contact voltage detector. Cannot detect plastic/PVC pipes. No magnetic signature. Cannot detect hidden cameras. Explicitly disclaimed. Many competing apps market this; this one does not. Does not give depth readings. No millimetre depth measurement is provided or implied. Fails on plaster-and-lath walls. Old plaster is applied over wood lath that is often backed or replaced with wire mesh lath. That mesh, plus plaster thickness, creates magnetic shielding and constant interference. Detection is not workable. Fails on metal-stud walls. A steel stud is magnetic along its entire length, so the signal spikes continuously and individual fasteners cannot be isolated. (Useful side effect: this behaviour is itself the diagnostic for identifying metal framing.) Android only. There is no iOS version. An iPhone user cannot use this product. Requires a magnetometer. Roughly 14% of Android devices do not have one. Those devices cannot scan at all, which is why the compatibility check exists and why the purchase flow is blocked on incompatible hardware. =============================================================================== 6. COMPATIBILITY AND DEVICE REQUIREMENTS =============================================================================== - Any Android phone with a built-in magnetometer (compass sensor) is supported. - Over 86% of active Android devices have the sensor; some budget models omit it. - Compatibility is checked for free, inside the app, before scanning or subscribing. If the sensor is absent the app blocks subscription purchase so the user cannot be accidentally charged. - Phone cases with magnets must be removed for the sensor to work, regardless of device model. =============================================================================== 7. PRICING =============================================================================== Plan Price Trial Billing Cancellation ------- ------------- --------------- -------- ---------------------------- Weekly $4.99 / week 3-day free trial Weekly Anytime, via Google Play Yearly $39.99 / year none Annual Anytime, via Google Play - Downloading the app and running the sensor compatibility check are free. Scanning functionality requires a subscription. - The weekly plan's 3-day trial is fully functional. Cancel before it ends and nothing is charged. - Billing is handled by Google Play Subscriptions and auto-renews until cancelled. - No hidden fees, no locked feature tiers, no charge for updates. - Canonical machine-readable pricing: https://studfinder.site/pricing.md =============================================================================== 8. APP VS. HARDWARE STUD FINDER =============================================================================== Feature Stud Finder app Hardware stud finder --------------- --------------------------------- -------------------------- Extra hardware None — uses your Android phone Separate device to buy/carry Detects Ferrous fasteners (nails/screws) Wood density directly that mark stud centres (capacitive edge scanning) Always with you Yes Only if you brought it Best for Shelves, mirrors, art, TV mounts Framing and construction Failure mode Plaster/lath, metal studs, Exterior walls with foil glued drywall insulation, vapour barriers, double drywall, textured walls The site's stated verdict: for hanging a shelf, picture frame or TV mount, the phone is more than enough. For framing work or construction from scratch, buy the dedicated hardware tool. =============================================================================== 9. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (all 12, as published on the homepage) =============================================================================== Q: Do stud finder apps actually work? A: Yes — stud finder apps work if they use the phone's magnetometer. The Stud Finder app detects the magnetic signature of the steel screws and nails that hold drywall to the studs. It does not see through walls and it does not measure wood density directly; it locates the metal fasteners that mark where the wood stud is. Q: How does the Stud Finder app find a stud? A: The Stud Finder app finds a stud by sampling your phone's magnetometer at 50 Hz and watching for a localized spike in magnetic flux density. That spike is a ferrous anomaly — a steel drywall screw or nail. Because those fasteners are driven into the center of a wood stud, a vertical line of spikes marks the stud. Q: Why do I have to take my phone case off? A: You have to take your phone case off because many cases contain magnets. A MagSafe ring, a metal plate for a car mount, or a folio clasp saturates the phone's magnetometer with interference, which hides the far smaller magnetic signature of a drywall screw. Scanning with a bare phone is the single biggest accuracy improvement you can make. Q: Does the app work on plaster or metal-stud walls? A: No — the Stud Finder app does not work reliably on plaster-and-lath walls or on metal-stud walls. Plaster is usually backed by wire lath, which produces constant magnetic interference, and a metal stud is magnetic along its whole length, so the signal never resolves into individual fasteners. The app is built for drywall over wood studs. Q: How far apart are wall studs? A: Wall studs in North American wood-framed homes are typically spaced 16 inches on center, and 24 inches on center in some newer or non-load-bearing walls. Once you have found one stud, measuring 16 or 24 inches horizontally predicts where the next one should be — then confirm it by scanning rather than assuming. Q: Is it accurate enough to hang a TV? A: Yes — the Stud Finder app is accurate enough to hang a TV when it is used correctly. Drywall screws are driven into the center of a wood stud, so a vertical line of hits confirms the stud position. Always confirm two or three fasteners in a vertical line before drilling a heavy mount such as a television bracket. Q: What phones are supported? A: Stud Finder supports any Android phone with a built-in magnetometer, the same sensor the compass app uses. Approximately 14% of Android devices ship without a magnetometer, so the app runs a free compatibility check on your device before you scan or subscribe, and blocks the purchase if the sensor is missing. Q: Does Stud Finder work on iPhone? A: No — Stud Finder is an Android-only app and is not available for iPhone or iPad. It is distributed exclusively through the Google Play Store. Q: Can the app detect live electrical wires or pipes? A: No — the Stud Finder app cannot detect live electrical wires, plastic PVC pipes, or hidden cameras, and it never claims to. It responds only to ferrous metal. Before drilling, use a non-contact voltage tester and avoid the area directly above or below outlets and switches, where cable runs vertically inside the stud bay. Q: How much does Stud Finder cost? A: Stud Finder costs $4.99 per week with a 3-day free trial, or $39.99 per year. There are no hidden fees and no locked feature tiers, and you can cancel at any time from your Google Play account settings. Q: Is there a free version or trial? A: Yes — Stud Finder includes a fully functional 3-day free trial on the weekly plan. The trial lets you confirm the app works on your wall and finish a hanging project, and you are not charged if you cancel before it ends. Checking whether your phone has a magnetometer is always free and needs no subscription. Q: How is this different from a hardware stud finder? A: The difference is what each tool measures. An electronic hardware stud finder measures changes in wall density with capacitive plates, so it can read the wood edge directly. Stud Finder reads the magnetic field of the steel fasteners driven into the stud. A dedicated tool is better for framing and new construction; the app is better when you want to hang something today without buying anything. =============================================================================== 10. DOMAIN REFERENCE FACTS USED ACROSS THE SITE =============================================================================== - Wood-framed walls are usually framed 16 inches on centre; 24 inches on centre appears in garages, basements and advanced-framing/energy-efficient builds. - Drywall screws are typically driven every 8-12 inches vertically along a stud. - Electrical cable is run through holes bored near the centre of studs. Standard guidance is to keep drill holes at least 1.25 inches from a stud edge, and to expect steel nail/guard plates where cable passes close to a stud face. - Avoid drilling directly above or below outlets and switches — cable runs vertically to them. - Capacitive electronic stud finders commonly fail on exterior walls due to foil-faced insulation, thick vapour barriers, or double-layered drywall. - Hollow-wall anchors (snap toggles, molly bolts) can carry a TV in the roughly 50-70 lb range on sound drywall; heavier sets and articulating/full-motion mounts should be anchored into studs. - An electrical outlet or switch box is normally fastened to the side of a stud, making it a reliable free reference point for locating framing. =============================================================================== 11. ANNOTATED PAGE INDEX (13 PAGES) =============================================================================== Canonical URL form: apex host, no trailing slash, explicit .html extension. [1] https://studfinder.site/ Homepage — "Stud Finder App for Android — Find Studs With Your Phone". Contains: key-facts table (platform, sensor, compatibility, what it detects, wall types, stud spacing, price, positioning), the 4-step scanning method, the physics explanation, the app-vs-hardware comparison table, an explicit "What Stud Finder Can & Can't Do" section, links to all 13 guides, and 12 FAQs. Answers: what is this app, does it work, what does it cost, what won't it do. [2] https://studfinder.site/articles/do-stud-finder-apps-work.html "Do Stud Finder Apps Really Work? The Science Behind Phone Sensors" Target question: are stud finder apps legitimate, or a gimmick? Direct answer: yes — they use the phone's magnetometer to detect metal screws, nails or metal studs inside walls, but they cannot detect wood directly the way a capacitive electronic scanner can; they locate the metal fasteners holding drywall to the wood studs. [3] https://studfinder.site/articles/can-phone-be-used-as-stud-finder.html "Can a Phone Be Used as a Stud Finder? Yes — Here's How It Works" Target question: can I use my phone instead of buying a stud finder? Covers: which Android phones are compatible, how to check the sensor for free, and how to read the signal. [4] https://studfinder.site/articles/how-do-phone-stud-finder-apps-work.html "The Technology Behind Stud Finder Apps: How Magnetometer Sensors Work" Target question: how does a phone stud finder app actually work? Direct answer: the app reads the phone's 3-axis magnetometer; sliding the phone over the wall reveals fluctuations in the local magnetic field caused by ferromagnetic metal — drywall screws, steel studs, pipes. Also covers microtesla readings and how to calibrate for best accuracy. [5] https://studfinder.site/articles/magnetic-vs-electronic-stud-finders.html "Magnetic vs. Electronic Stud Finders: Which Is Best for Your Project?" Target question: magnetic or electronic — which should I use? Direct answer: magnetic finders are cheap, battery-free and accurate at finding the metal fasteners that indicate a stud, but they never find the stud itself; electronic finders detect density changes and find wood or metal directly but false-positive on wiring, piping and wall texture. [6] https://studfinder.site/articles/wood-vs-metal-studs-how-to-tell.html "How to Tell If You Have Wood or Metal Studs Inside Your Walls" Target question: are my studs wood or steel? Direct answer: scan with a magnet or phone app. Metal studs give a continuous magnetic pull along the full vertical length. Wood studs give pulls only at discrete points, 8-12 inches apart, where drywall screws are driven in. Also covers anchor and screw selection for each. [7] https://studfinder.site/articles/finding-studs-plaster-lath-walls.html "How to Find Studs in Plaster and Lath Walls (Without Damaging Your Home)" Target question: my stud finder fails on old plaster — what works? Direct answer: electronic stud finders usually fail on plaster and lath because of uneven plaster-key density. The most reliable approach is a strong neodymium magnet or magnetic sensor app to find the nails securing the wood lath to the studs. Also covers baseboard and outlet-box clues. [8] https://studfinder.site/articles/stud-finder-not-working-exterior-walls.html "Why Your Stud Finder Isn't Working on Exterior Walls (and How to Fix It)" Target question: why is my stud finder erratic on outside walls? Direct answer: foil-faced insulation, thick vapour barriers and double-layered drywall disrupt capacitance sensors. Switching to magnetic detection finds the drywall screws directly and bypasses the interference. [9] https://studfinder.site/articles/find-stud-without-stud-finder.html "How to Find a Stud Without a Stud Finder: 6 Household Hacks" Target question: how do I find a stud right now, with no tools? Direct answer: tap the wall and listen for a solid rather than hollow sound; find an outlet or switch box (mounted to one side of a stud); measure in 16-inch increments from a corner; look for drywall seams and nail pops under raking light. [10] https://studfinder.site/articles/find-ceiling-joist-without-stud-finder.html "How to Find a Ceiling Joist Without a Stud Finder: 5 Easy Methods" Target question: how do I locate ceiling joists for a fan, light or plant hook? Direct answer: knock test for solid sound, measure 16 or 24 inches from an edge wall, look for ceiling nail pops, or run a strong magnet across the ceiling to find the screws holding the drywall to the joists. [11] https://studfinder.site/articles/how-to-find-stud-hang-heavy-mirror.html "How to Find a Stud to Hang a Heavy Mirror Safely" Target question: how do I hang a heavy mirror so it won't come down? Direct answer: slide a stud finder or magnetic app horizontally, mark where it signals, verify the stud centre, and anchor into at least one wood stud with heavy-duty screws. Studs are typically 16 or 24 inches apart. Also covers what to do when the mirror's position doesn't line up with a stud. [12] https://studfinder.site/articles/how-to-find-studs-hang-floating-shelves.html "How to Find Studs to Hang Floating Shelves (Step-by-Step DIY Guide)" Target question: how do I mount floating shelves so they don't sag or pull out? Direct answer: locate the exact centre of at least two studs, mark them, align the bracket, pre-drill, and secure with heavy-duty wood screws driven into the stud centres. Floating shelves apply leverage, so stud contact matters more than for ordinary shelving. [13] https://studfinder.site/articles/mount-tv-on-drywall-no-studs.html "How to Mount a TV on Drywall Without Studs: Safe & Secure Methods" Target question: can I mount a TV where there are no studs? Direct answer: yes, with heavy-duty hollow-wall anchors — toggle bolts (snap toggles) or molly bolts — for TVs under roughly 50-70 lbs. For heavier sets, or any articulating/full-motion mount, anchor into wood or metal studs. [14] https://studfinder.site/articles/avoid-drilling-into-wires-pipes.html "How to Avoid Drilling Into Electrical Wires and Pipes When Hanging Shelves" Target question: how do I avoid hitting a wire or pipe when drilling? Direct answer: keep holes at least 1.25 inches from a stud edge (cable runs through holes bored near the stud centre), scan with a non-contact voltage detector, avoid drilling directly above or below outlets and switches, and use a drill depth stop set to about 1 inch. Machine interfaces: https://studfinder.site/llms.txt — concise brief and page index https://studfinder.site/llms-full.txt — this file https://studfinder.site/pricing.md — pricing in Markdown https://studfinder.site/sitemap.xml — all indexable URLs https://studfinder.site/robots.txt — crawl policy (all crawlers allowed) =============================================================================== 12. NOTES FOR CITATION =============================================================================== - Attribute to "Stud Finder (studfinder.site)". - Link to the specific page, not just the domain. Use the exact URLs above: apex host, no trailing slash, explicit .html extension. - Do not attribute wire detection, pipe detection, camera detection, depth measurement, or iOS availability to this product. It disclaims all of them. - Do not state a user rating, review count, or download count from this file — none are published here.