Zircon MultiScanner 740 Electronic Wall Scanner with Built-In Erasable Wall Marker

I would like to preface this review with that I am an average joe that needs the use of a stud-finder about once every 6 months, or whenever the missus buys a new mirror or something. I've had this unit for 4 months now and have used it on two occasions. With other beeping stud finders I would find myself very much second guessing where the studs are, going back and forth, back and forth - really trying to triangulate where that 2x4 is, and with previous units I have missed a stud. I find with the Zircon MS 740 I am far more confident with my results. As expected, I still make a couple extra sweeps to make sure I get it right the first time, but the results have been much more decisive. I don't really have any cons about the unit. I like the built in marker (that ended up being much more handy that I gave it credit for) and the Stud Interface is pretty neat. I like that the unit does not turn on until it is engaged on a flat surface as well. Also I'm still running on the same 9-volt battery that I started out with. So, I'm a happy camper. Hope this review helps the next chap :)

The Zircon MS740 MultiScanner is everything you could wish for and more. It takes one 9V Battery to operate and it has so many features that I couldn’t possibly write about them all. It scans for studs, metal and AC wires to name a few. The screen lights up brightly with easy to read indicators. There’s an integrated marking feature so you don’t have to look for a pencil every time you need to mark the location of studs and the list goes on. You’ll be better off reading the details of what this handy tool offers on the Zircon website or in the description on Amazon. I absolutely love this tool. It feels so ergonomically comfortable in the hand while using it and you simply press it down against the wall to activate the power with automatic shutoff as you release the pressure from the wall. So no more worrying about draining your batteries because you forgot to shut off the device. Loaded with Pros, I can’t think of any Cons, but I’ll update this review if something comes up. Highly recommended MultiScanner. I’m sorry I didn’t get it sooner. It would’ve saved A LOT of time, frustration and descruction of walls that need to be patched up. Just get it and thank me later.

This works as advertised for detecting studs behind drywall. It does not seem to be very precise, but it appears to be sufficiently precise for such jobs as mounting a display, hanging a heavy painting, etc. What I question is whether this device is at all necessary to anyone. I can achieve similar precision by just tapping the drywall with my knuckles and listening for the change in tone as I tap along the wall. Gliding gently the vibrating plastic casing of a working electric razor along the wall achieves the same result - the change in tone reveals where the stud starts and where it ends. Perhaps this device is especially helpful for the detection of deeper studs, metal elements, and so forth. But I am very skeptical whether it is necessary at all for routine stud detection in an average house.

I would grade this new Zircon stud finder at 3.5 for reasons given below in the con section. This is the second Zircon stud finder I have. The first [older] was bought over the last 10 years and is simply labeled as STUDSENSOR. This new product is just as inconsistent as the first. The older model has a vertical set of red LEDs. As you transverse the stud, the LEDs light from bottom one at a time to the top light. The center of the stud is implied by the top light lit. As you pass the stud, the LEDs turn off in descending order from top to bottom. One's job is to judge where center is by picking a point in the middle of the upward and declining LEDs. This new model is more definitive about where it thinks the stud-center is located in scanning from left to right by beeps and when an upward pointing LED light on the wall appears, a 3 bar strength indicator is lit, and the middle of a 4 segmented bar is shown. At times it stays on until it decides to turn it off (perhaps by seeing the right edge being detected. (Scanning from right to left shows the bar, but no beep until the center is detected). As you move along you must watch the segmented, black horizontal bar carefully as it will be the 1st indication of the end of the stud (I believe the second is indicated when the strength indicator bars disappear). Pros: Center indicator of stud is usually right on. The segmented bar helps to understand the studs width if that is important to you. Cons: Inconsistent results when scanning in reverse. The user interface changes slightly. The screen is too small for the amount of information being presented; I surmise to conserve battery power. Bar segments hard to see and questionable in value. The signal strength is too weak to detect foil wrapped Zip power line. In my experience, contractors will use large hole cutters to run power cable. The cable could be resting anywhere in the space of the hole. In my application, I'm wanting the maximum depth screw into the edge of a 3/4. The sensor's limitation (as is also with other sensors on the market) is detection up to 1.5". I have 5/8 drywall. That leaves a screw anchor of only 1 inch. This unit will not see most of the power lines. Nor will it see any low voltage cable used for intranets, appliances, etc. [In some counties, the code requires the contractor to nail across the stud a steel plate to avoid drilling into wiring.] Battery cover is a bit difficult to lock in - wires attached to battery post are in the way. Battery life is not specified. The higher up the wall you use this product, it's more important to have a straight on view of the screen, and the use of a 3rd arm for balance and the use of a marking instrument. I did not validate the detection of non-ferrous metal.

Works very well. Can essentially map a stud from end to end and locate the center of the stud. Only drawback is the the AC detector is so sensitive it seems to confuse the scanner even if no electrical lines are within 6 inches of the stud. I think the manual states something about detecting AC within 12 inches of a live wire, so I recommend multiple scans in a small area to really map a stud.

Pricey but works - used on stud walls to find stud to fix a chest of drawers to the wall as we have young children. I had a strong magnet which i was able to use to find the nails in the studs but this was just a little easier and unlike the previous one I had - it gives the same answer every time. Read the instruction re calibration before us and away you go.

Finding wooden studs in ceiling and walls

This item is very accurate and extremely easy to use. It indicates the center of the stud with a red line that makes it easy to mark. Also very good at detecting live wires.

It didn’t work

Works perfectly, unlike the other cheap brands out there. The display is very intuitive and easy to read. AC detection seems accurate as well. Nice tool to have in the arsenal.