Craftsman Center Finding Stud Finder

In the world of DIY and home improvement, having a reliable stud finder is a must. Recently, I had the opportunity to test out the Craftsman Center Finding Stud Finder (model CMHT77620). This compact, red gadget promises to detect both wood and metal studs and even live AC wiring. Let's dive into how it performed during my various projects.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the Craftsman stud finder is quite appealing. Its compact size and ergonomic design make it easy to handle and store. The tool weighs only 0.4 lb and measures 9 inches in length, making it a convenient addition to any tool bag. However, the build quality left something to be desired. The plastic construction felt somewhat flimsy, and I had concerns about its durability over time, especially with frequent use.

Power and Calibration

One of the immediate drawbacks I noticed was that the stud finder requires a 9-volt battery, which is not included in the package. This necessitated an extra trip to the store, adding to the initial setup hassle. Once the battery was installed, the device needed to be calibrated by holding down the power button. Unfortunately, the power button must be kept pressed throughout the scanning process, which can be quite cumbersome. If your finger slips off the button, the device resets and needs to be recalibrated, often resulting in false positives.

Performance

The Craftsman stud finder claims to detect studs up to 3/4-inch deep, which is suitable for most drywall applications. In my experience, the tool did manage to find studs, but not without some effort. It often required multiple passes to get an accurate reading, and even then, the results were inconsistent. The device frequently beeped in areas where no stud was present, causing some frustration.

The stud finder features LED arrows and audible notifications to indicate stud location. While the visual indicators were helpful, the constant beeping was quite annoying. There’s no way to turn off the sound, which can be distracting, especially in a quiet working environment.

Accuracy

One of the most critical aspects of a stud finder is its accuracy. Unfortunately, the Craftsman model fell short in this department. The tool often indicated studs that were not there, and when it did find a stud, the indicated center was sometimes off by an inch or more. This inaccuracy can lead to multiple holes in the wall, which defeats the purpose of using a stud finder in the first place.

Additional Features

The Craftsman stud finder also claims to detect live AC wiring, which is a valuable safety feature. However, during my tests, its ability to detect live wires was inconsistent. On some occasions, it correctly identified the presence of live AC, while on others, it failed to register any signal. Given the importance of this feature for safety, this inconsistency is a significant drawback.

Usability on Different Surfaces

The tool comes with thin synthetic felt pads on the wall-facing side to prevent scratching. However, these pads are so thin that they often made a scraping sound against the wall. The instructions suggest using cardboard as a buffer on rough surfaces, but this makes the tool awkward to maneuver. The one-handed operation required to hold both the cardboard and the device while keeping the power button pressed is far from ideal.

Value for Money

Priced under $15, the Craftsman stud finder is undoubtedly one of the more affordable options on the market. However, the saying "you get what you pay for" rings true here. While the low cost is appealing, the performance and reliability issues make it hard to recommend, especially for those who need a dependable tool for frequent use.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Craftsman Center Finding Stud Finder has its merits, primarily its compact size and affordability. However, the tool's inconsistent performance, cumbersome power button, and lack of included battery make it less appealing. Its inability to reliably detect studs and live AC wiring undermines its primary purpose, causing more frustration than convenience.

If you are a casual DIYer looking for a budget-friendly option for occasional use, this stud finder might suffice. However, for those who require a reliable and accurate tool for regular projects, I would recommend investing in a higher-end model. The additional cost will save you time, effort, and the frustration of dealing with inconsistent readings and multiple wall holes.

Overall, I cannot wholeheartedly recommend the Craftsman Center Finding Stud Finder. While it has potential and a few useful features, its shortcomings outweigh the benefits, making it a less-than-ideal choice for serious DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.