SHGMEET Stud Finder Wall Scanner & Laser Distance Meter & Digital Level, 3 in 1 Rechargeable Multifunctional Stud Detector with Upgraded Sensor, HD LCD Display and Voice, Laser Distance Measuring Tool

Why I reached for a 3‑in‑1 instead of three separate tools

I’ve been slowly migrating my wall-work kit toward compact, rechargeable devices that do more than one job. The NF-513S caught my eye because it replaces a stud finder, a laser distance meter, and a digital level in a single pocketable tool. After several weeks of hanging cabinets, laying out gallery walls, and doing a small room takeoff, I have a good sense of where it shines and where it doesn’t.

What the NF-513S is designed to do

• Stud/pipe/wire scanning with dedicated modes and a center marker on an HD LCD
• Laser distance measuring to 130 ft (40 m) with 12 modes (single, continuous, area, volume, Pythagorean, add/subtract)
• Digital level/inclinometer with on-screen angle and audible cues
• USB‑C rechargeable battery (390 mAh) rated for roughly 300 minutes
• Memory for 50 measurements and unit switching (m/ft/in/ft+in)

On paper, it’s a versatile carpenter’s helper. In practice, it does enough well enough to earn a place in my bag—if you learn its quirks.

Stud and wire detection: the main event

Most people buy a tool like this to find studs and avoid live wires. In that role, the NF-513S is competent and, with a bit of technique, reliable.

• Wood studs: On standard 1/2-inch drywall over 2x framing, the wood mode consistently found centers within about 1/8 to 1/4 inch. The on-screen bar graph strengthens as you near the stud, and when you’re centered you get a clear center marker and an optional beep. The rated wood depth is 1.5 inches (38 mm), and I had good results through 5/8-inch drywall as well. Over shiplap or tile, expect reduced accuracy—no surprise there.

• Metal: In metal mode, it picks up both magnetic and non-magnetic metals to a claimed 80 mm. Locating furring channel and conduit behind drywall was straightforward. I especially liked using metal mode to verify screw lines when chasing studs in old walls.

• AC wire: The unit warns of live AC within about 50 mm. It’s a helpful check, but I treat AC detection as an alert, not a guarantee. It caught obvious runs near outlets and switches; sensitivity drops if the cable is deep or shielded.

Technique matters. The tool wants a clean calibration at the start of each scan: hold it flat to a known-clear section of wall and let it zero. Then sweep slowly. I also recommend marking both edges and using the center readout as a confirmation. If you try to “drag and hope” at speed, you’ll get jumpy readings.

One caveat: scanning floors for joists through subfloor and finished flooring is hit-or-miss. Between adhesives, underlayment, and varying densities, I only rely on floor scans as a rough hint and confirm from below or with layout knowledge.

Laser distance meter: handy for layouts and takeoffs

The integrated laser measure surprised me with how often I used it on the same job where I’m already marking studs. For interior distances up to 25–30 feet, it was quick and consistent, and the mode set is generous:

• Single/continuous distance
• Area and volume
• Pythagorean (two- and three-point)
• Add/subtract chaining
• Reference switching (front/back of the unit)

I logged wall lengths for baseboard, calculated paint coverage, and set equal spacings without pulling a tape each time. The screen shows the last few results and you can store up to 50 measurements—great when you’re bouncing around a room.

Outdoors, expect typical limitations: bright sunlight washes out the laser dot and can reduce range. I was able to grab reliable readings across shaded exteriors, but long sunny shots weren’t always cooperative. Indoors on reflective or textured surfaces it behaved well.

Digital level: better than a bubble, not a replacement for a torpedo

The level function displays angle in degrees and uses beeps to guide you to plumb or level. It’s especially useful for quickly verifying a cabinet run or setting a mount bracket. I wouldn’t replace my torpedo level for fine finish work, but for general layout it’s accurate and fast. The audible cues are nice when you can’t see the screen.

Screen, controls, and the “feel” of the tool

The NF-513S is compact with a grippy housing. The HD LCD is crisp with good contrast indoors; in bright daylight it’s still readable but loses some punch. Controls are icon-based, and there’s a dedicated mode button to cycle between stud scan, distance measure, and level. Within the distance modes, long-press and short-press logic handles the measurement types.

A few usability notes:

• The audible prompts can be toggled; I kept beeps on for scanning and turned them off for quiet environments.
• The interface has more depth than a simple stud finder, so there’s a learning curve. Once I memorized a couple of long-press behaviors, it clicked.
• The included quick-start material is sparse and the printed diagrams are tiny. Plan to spend 10 minutes pressing through each mode to understand it.

Battery and charging

USB‑C charging is a win—no hunting for a micro-USB cable. The 390 mAh battery delivered a few work sessions between charges. In mixed use (mostly scanning and light measuring), I charged every couple of days. If you’re doing continuous laser measuring, expect shorter intervals. It sips power in stud mode, and there’s an auto-off that kept it from draining in my pouch.

Accuracy and limits I observed

• Stud center accuracy: Good on standard drywall, less certain over textured or multi-layer walls. Reconfirm with a small nail when it matters.
• Depth claims: Realistic for hollow drywall. Lath-and-plaster, tile, or foil-faced insulation complicate readings.
• AC detection: Useful as a caution light, not a definitive map of conductors.
• Laser range: Indoors, excellent to typical room lengths; longer shots work best with a target card or in lower light.
• Leveling: Trustworthy for bracketry and rough-in; for installation tolerance work, I still prefer a dedicated spirit level.

Tips to get the best results

• Calibrate before each scan on a clear area, then sweep slowly.
• Use metal mode to confirm a stud found in wood mode; screws in studs are a great tell.
• Mark edges, then center; don’t rely on a single pass.
• For long laser measurements, brace the tool against a stable surface and switch the reference point to the back of the unit.
• Store measurements as you go; the 50-record memory is better than trying to keep numbers in your head.

What I’d like to see improved

• Documentation: A larger, clearer quick-start with a mode map would reduce the learning curve significantly.
• Outdoor laser performance: A stronger dot or a bundled target plate would help with bright conditions.
• Floor scanning expectations: The tool can suggest joist location under ideal conditions, but I’d rather see the interface set clearer boundaries for multi-layer flooring scenarios.

None of these are deal breakers, but they represent where the product could move from good to excellent.

Value and who it’s for

The NF-513S makes the most sense for DIYers, property pros, and trades who benefit from an all-in-one layout tool without adding bulk. If you already carry a high-end stud finder, a 300-foot laser, and a digital angle finder, this won’t replace them. If you want one compact device that covers the essentials and keeps you from juggling three tools for basic wall work, it’s compelling.

Recommendation

I recommend the NF-513S. It earned that spot by reliably finding studs on standard drywall, providing a genuinely useful laser distance meter for room work, and giving me quick leveling checks—all in a rechargeable, pocketable package. The learning curve and modest outdoor laser performance are worth noting, and I wouldn’t count on it for scanning through complex floor assemblies. But as a versatile, everyday wall-work companion, it’s a practical upgrade that simplifies common tasks without asking you to carry more gear.