Craftsman Center Finding Depth Point Stud Finder With AC Detection

Stud finders have become indispensable tools for anyone looking to hang pictures, mount TVs, or undertake more significant home improvement projects. The Craftsman Center Finding Depth Point Stud Finder with AC Detection (CMHT77621) caught my eye due to its affordability and the promise of Craftsman's reputable brand. After spending some time with this tool, I’ve gathered my thoughts on its performance, usability, and overall value.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that struck me about this stud finder was its compact and ergonomic design. Measuring just 10.3 inches in height and weighing a mere 0.5 pounds, it felt comfortable in hand and easy to maneuver. The thin profile allows for convenient storage, and its bright red color makes it easy to spot in a cluttered toolbox. However, the plastic build does give it a somewhat flimsy feel, which raised concerns about its long-term durability.

Initial Setup

Setting up the stud finder is straightforward, thanks to its auto-calibration feature. However, I did encounter an immediate inconvenience: the lack of an included battery. The packaging indicated it should come with a 9V battery, but mine was missing, requiring an extra trip to the store. This oversight was frustrating and not a great start.

Performance

Once powered up, the Craftsman stud finder did a decent job of detecting wooden studs behind standard drywall. The tool's ability to detect studs up to 1.5 inches deep is commendable, and the LED arrows, along with audible notifications, make it relatively simple to pinpoint the center of the stud. However, I found that the beeping can become quite annoying, especially since it sounds off during calibration and when it identifies studs.

The accuracy of the stud detection was hit or miss. While it did locate studs consistently most of the time, there were instances where it gave false positives or missed studs altogether. I found that multiple passes over the same area were often necessary to confirm the presence of a stud. This inconsistency can be frustrating, particularly if you’re relying on the tool for precise measurements.

Usability

One of the more significant drawbacks is the need to hold the power button continuously while scanning. If you accidentally release the button, the device resets, requiring recalibration. This design flaw can lead to false readings and makes the scanning process more cumbersome than it should be. Additionally, the thin synthetic felt pads on the back of the device are meant to protect your walls, but they are so thin that the tool often feels like it’s scraping against the surface.

Another usability issue arises when working on rough surfaces. The instructions suggest using a piece of pasteboard between the sensor and the wall, which complicates the process. Holding the cardboard in place while sliding the stud finder and keeping the other hand away to avoid interference is not an ideal scenario. This one-handed operation is awkward and detracts from the overall user experience.

Detection of Live AC

The Craftsman stud finder does offer the capability to detect live AC wires, which is a crucial safety feature. However, this feature is not as reliable as one might hope. During my tests, the tool failed to consistently differentiate between studs and live wires, which could lead to potentially dangerous situations if you’re not careful.

Overall Value

For its price point, the Craftsman stud finder provides basic functionality that may suffice for occasional, light-duty use. It’s a significant step up from magnetic stud finders, saving you from the tedium of locating drywall nails. However, it falls short compared to higher-end models that offer more reliable detection and additional features such as distinguishing between different materials behind the wall.

Conclusion

Would I recommend the Craftsman Center Finding Depth Point Stud Finder with AC Detection? It depends on your needs. If you’re an occasional DIYer looking for a budget-friendly option that offers basic stud detection, this tool might serve you well. Its compact design, ease of use, and the Craftsman brand's reliability are notable positives. However, if you require a more accurate and consistent tool for frequent or professional use, I would suggest investing in a higher-end model.

The Craftsman stud finder’s inconsistent performance, annoying beeping, and lack of included battery are significant drawbacks that hinder its overall appeal. In the end, you get what you pay for. For a few dollars more, you could find a stud finder that offers better accuracy, additional features, and a more user-friendly design. In summary, this tool is suitable for occasional, light-duty tasks but falls short for more demanding or frequent use.