Stud finders are a great way to make sure that you're not drilling into the wrong spot when hanging items on your walls. There are many different types of stud finders, but two of the most popular models are the Zircon L50 and E50.
Which one is better? Read this post to learn about their differences!
Zircon E50 Stud Finder Review
Zircon StudSensor E50 Electric Stud Finder is one of the best-selling stud finders of this brand. This device includes 2 scanning modes and an easy to read LCD monitor.
It can detect both wood and metal studs/joists very fast. It also features a Wire Warning detection system that can indicate the presence of live electrical wiring behind walls.
The Pros
The Zircon E50 Stud Finder has many benefits. This product is accurate, mobile, and fast!
It uses an LED that pulses in a rainbow pattern to show where the studs are located. You can also use the movable arm on this tool to find out how thick of a wall you have or if there are any air gaps in the wall.
The Cons
This product is expensive and doesn't work well on ceilings or above a door frame for some reason.
It also has problems with walls that are not plastered, as it gives false readings of where studs might be located. These cons make this tool pretty pricey!
Zircon L50 Stud Finder Review
The Zircon L50 is a cheaper option. But this device also has similar features when compared to the E50 stud finder mentioned above.
The Pros
The Zircon L50 Stud Finder is one of the most popular options currently available because it's affordable yet still offers many features that other brands don't offer at such a low price point.
This includes both magnetic and non-magnetic detection modes (just in case you need to find a metal stud), an audible tone to help guide you, and battery life of up to one year.
The Cons
But what are the disadvantages? Well, it's not as small or lightweight as some other options (but does come with its own carrying case).
Also, if you want something that can detect irregularly shaped metal studs, the Zircon L50 Stud Finder is not your best option.
This is an affordable option for those who want a stud finder that has many features at this low price point, but with the disadvantage of not being as small and lightweight as other options on this list.
It can detect both magnetic and non-magnetic studs, though it's not recommended if you're looking to drill into an irregularly shaped metal stud.
One thing to note about any magnetic-detection device:
Always be sure to test it before you start drilling into a wall or ceiling! The adhesive backing on some of these devices can lose its stickiness over time and they may no longer work as they should.
Zircon StudSensor E50 vs L50 - Which One Should You Choose?
The E50 is a handheld device that emits an electronic signal. This signal bounces back when it hits the wood and pinpoints its location on your wall, allowing you to hang up items properly without having to spend hours searching for studs. It can work with drywall or plaster walls which make it ideal for people who are renting their home and don't want the hassle of drilling holes in their walls before moving out. You'll need two AA batteries (included) and one nine volt battery (sold separately).
The Zircon L50 works similarly but instead uses infrared technology to send out signals from its own sensor tip- this allows users more control over where they drill since they're not relying on sound waves bouncing off of a surface. This is great for people who have plaster walls and are looking to install new drywall. The L50 uses an AC adapter (included).
The Zircon L50 has one less step than the E50 because you don't need to replace your batteries when it's done charging, but this also means that there's a chance of interrupting the charge if you're not careful. With either device, it can be difficult to get accurate readings in areas where there are multiple surfaces which can result in some trial-and-error drilling before finally getting your stud finder set up correctly.
Also, both devices require calibration from time to time which requires going through detailed instructions every single time. On top of that, they only work on drywall and plaster walls so it can be difficult to use them on a sheetrock wall.
Final Verdict
The Zircon L50 is the best stud finder option for people who are trying to avoid drilling holes in their plaster-covered (or recently installed) drywalls, while the E50 would work better for someone renting or looking to drill into existing surfaces.
The battery life of either device could use some work but overall they'll both get you where you need to go!