Stud finder
![An ordinary multifunction stud finder, as available in hardware stores](/Images/godic/202502/13/Mitsutomo_Intelligent_Multidetector3924.jpg")
![Stud finder that utilizes a moving magnetic piston to locate studs under sheetrock, plaster or tile. Will also locate steel studs.](/Images/godic/202502/13/Stud_finder_with_moving_magnet3924.gif")
A stud finder (also stud detector or stud sensor) is a handheld device used to locate framing studs located behind the final walling surface, usually drywall. While there are many different stud finders available, they all fall into two main categories, magnetic stud detectors and electric stud finders.