I am a middle-aged, disabled grandmother married to a man who needs to watch an instruction video to learn how to turn a screw! And I, myself, have no knowledge or experience in matters of construction. (Well, except when I was a new home owner and would occasionally fancy myself a handy-woman. Thus explaining how I drilled a hole right through the middle of our stair case to run cable wire up to the kids' bedrooms) LOL! My point is that I am a novice, and I am writing this review as such. Ok, so here we go!
PROS:
⦁ Easy to use device. Extremely simple and uncomplicated to operate.
⦁ Compared to several other stud finders that are almost identical to this one and offering the same exact features, it is the least expensive (sometimes by far)
⦁ It calibrates itself. It instructs you to do it initially and explains how, but also states that it will calibrate itself when needed.
⦁ Accurately locates metal pipes, live AC wires, wooden frames, rebars and joists behind walls, floors and ceilings.
⦁ Multiple depth detection for all elements. The maximum detection range of metal parts being 3-inches, live AC wires 2-inches, and stud parts 1.5-inches.
⦁ LCD display, large and easy to read (a bonus for middle-aged + eyes, and people like my husband with vision problems)
⦁ Clearly indicates the edge and center of stud.
⦁ Audibly beeps when stud is found.
⦁ Uses a regular 9V battery to operate (which they also include)
⦁ From what I understand in the instructions, the wire warning is always on while you are scanning. This is a nice safety feature if you are just looking for a stud and didn't realize you were even near electrical wires.
Now, before I state the next "pro" I would like to briefly explain why it is a pro to me, personally. On occasion I have run across other instructions that are provided in multiple languages. That's not unexpected given we (in the US) live in a multi-lingual nation. However, these instructions would be formatted in such a way that it would be confusing and difficult to follow along. I wish they would provide separate sheets of instructions for each language making it easier for everyone, regardless of their native language. So, here's the pro:
⦁ The instructions were clear, concise, easy to follow and written in English.
⦁ Should you need it, they clearly list means of contacting them for customer service/support.
⦁ You can use it on ceilings, plaster walls, textured surfaces, drywall, etc. (EVEN POPCORN CEILINGS!)
⦁ Small, sweet bonus - it comes with a handful of picture hangers.
CON:
I really only have ONE.
⦁ The "Scan" button and the button to switch modes are not labeled on the device itself. Though they are clearly indicated on the diagram of the instruction manual it should also be labeled. I know that experienced individuals used to using tools like this would probably have no trouble differentiating which button was which, but a good portion of people purchasing this are not professionals and need to look back in the instructions to determine what the buttons were for.
All in all, I HIGHLY recommend this Stud/Electrical Wire/Metal Pipe/Things You Don't Want To Drill Into Finder! Even with the unlabeled buttons, you can always label them yourself. It's an easy fix. BUY IT! YOU WILL LOVE IT!!
| Manufacturer | FOLAI |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 8.1 ounces |
| Package Dimensions | 7.8 x 3.78 x 1.54 inches |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item model number | SY01-B |
| Color | Green |
| Power Source | AC |
| Included Components | Stud Finder |
| Batteries Included? | Yes |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Battery Cell Type | Alkaline |
