Stud finders and detectors

[LiamJ]

Hi all,

Just moved in to our first house a couple weeks ago and now looking to start with DIY stuff, putting up stuff on the walls, shelves, blinds, curtains, TV mounts, all that. Need a stud finder/wiring detector for said activities.

Cheaper types ~£20-30 all have awful reviews. More expensive ones for £100+ have slightly better but still awful reviews. Is it just a high rate of user error?

For someone doing only doing DIY is it worth investing in something like a Bosch GMS 120? Or just some cheap stud finder and use common sense for wiring as it's a new build?

Thanks.

 

[LiamJ]

New builds is usually dot and dab. So good luck finding studs.

Not quite sure how dot and dab works? It seems like plasterboard is glued straight on to the masonry but does that mean there's no cavity for insulation etc? Forgive me if this is a stupid question I have zero clue on this. Also is there a way to find out which I have?

Best stud detector was a couple of strong magnets someone bought for me after the electronic ones kept getting it wrong! Probably the best stud / nail finder you will ever own !

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CH-Hanson-...ocphy=9046659&hvtargid=pla-576006931152&psc=1

So this works just by looking for the nails used to attach plasterboard to studs? Seems simple enough although I imagine it takes a while to find the nails if they're at an awkward or random height!

I'm assuming that I can then just use my common sense as to where wiring and pipes are? I'd hope with a new build that this stuff is kinda predictable but you never know.

 

[LiamJ]

Thanks for the suggestions.

Just doing some old fashioned knocking on the external walls, seems like there's studs at regular intervals along the wall. All the internal walls seem hollow but I guess that's normal, I'll pick up some of the wall plugs recommended.

I'll pick up a Bosch Truvo, mainly for peace of mind I think! Can always return it if I don't get on with it.

 

[LiamJ]

When was the house built? The below will apply to anything relatively modern, certainly from the last 20-30 years or so.

External walls are highly likely to be dot and dab if they have plasterboard on them over block. The things you are finding may well be the lumps of adhesive.

Internal walls on the ground floor could either be stud or block, the thickness is normally a giveaway, thicker walls tend to be block. Upstairs walls are likely to be stud.

It's a new build.