# StudFinder Tool > Mobile stud detector using compass sensor to find metal fasteners in wall studs. (iPhone/iPad app by Landon Mutch.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/studfinder-tool/id902820681 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Landon Mutch](https://appshunter.io/developer/902820684) - Category: Utilities, Productivity - Price: $3.99 - Rating: 1.10/5 from 38 App Store ratings · 35 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 6.1 · 4 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2014-08-01 - Data updated: 2026-06-10 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/studfinder-tool/id902820681/reviews.md ## What is StudFinder Tool? Need to quickly detect wood studs hidden under drywall, plasterboard, or stucco in order to safely and securely hang a picture, shelf, TV or other wall fixture? Studfinder turns your mobile device into a stud detector tool! Studfinder uses your device's compass (magnetometer) sensor to precisely pinpoint metal studs, nails, screws, and other metal conducting fasteners in wood studs located beneath the drywall, plasterboard, or sheetrock in every wall. A stud detector is essential for securely hanging heavy wall fixtures by ensuring the fasteners are well anchored in the wall studs. Studfinder operates in a similar manner to other hand-held stud detector tools: LED lights light up in sequence with proximity to stud as your device's magnetometer passes over the stud. However, because modern mobile devices do not have density sensors (which are used by real studfinder tools) Studfinder uses your compass (magnetometer) sensor to detect subtle changes in the background magnetic fields caused by conductive metal fasteners embedded in all studs. Because of the lack of a density sensor in mobile devices, studfinder apps cannot detect wood studs themselves, but rather, detect the metal fasteners embedded in them. Please keep this difference in mind when using Studfinder. Features: - Automatic sensor check - Active detection button - Stability indicator (Green LED) - 3 detection level indicators (Red LEDs) - 10 sensitivity levels (for various drywall thicknesses) - Toggle-able detection beeper - Easy to follow, in-app instructions Thanks for downloading and using Studfinder. I have constantly been updating and improving it since 2013, based on user feedback, in order to make it the most accurate, responsive, and easy to use stud finder app on the market. Please consider reviewing the app so future versions can be even further improved! ## Key features - Detects metal fasteners in studs - Uses device compass sensor - Automatic sensor check - Active detection button - Stability and detection indicators - Adjustable sensitivity levels - Toggle-able detection beeper ## Recent user reviews (10 of 35) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/studfinder-tool/id902820681/reviews.md ### 1/5 — Doesn’t work refund please! *2023-08-27* . ### 1/5 — No good *2023-01-03* I thought this was a great idea but it didn’t work ### 1/5 — Studstill *2022-10-28* This app is not real please give my money back ### 1/5 — Not able for wood stud ! Liars!!! *2021-11-27* Stealing money! ### 1/5 — stud finder *2021-01-28, version 2.2* junk does not work period ### 1/5 — Studs Finder *2020-10-08, version 2.2* A waste of money. Do not purchase this app. 👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻 ### 1/5 — StudFinder *2020-09-15, version 2.2* This app is crap, crap, crap. ### 1/5 — Wood Stud Finder *2020-01-03* I wish I would have read reviews before buying this, it does not work at all, don’t waste your money ### 1/5 — Can I get a refund please! *2019-09-03* Really doesn’t work. Period. ### 1/5 — Do not waste your money *2019-06-02* This app does not work and don’t waste your money. ## Frequently asked questions about StudFinder Tool ### What does StudFinder do? StudFinder turns your mobile device into a stud detector. It uses your device's compass (magnetometer) sensor to precisely pinpoint metal studs, nails, screws, and other metal fasteners hidden beneath drywall, plasterboard, or stucco. This is essential for securely hanging heavy wall fixtures. ### How does StudFinder work? The app detects subtle changes in the background magnetic fields caused by conductive metal fasteners embedded in wall studs. As you move your device over a stud, LED lights will illuminate in sequence, indicating proximity to the metal fastener. ### Can StudFinder detect wood studs directly? No, this app cannot detect wood studs themselves. Modern mobile devices lack density sensors used by traditional stud finders. Instead, StudFinder detects the metal fasteners embedded within the studs. ### Is StudFinder free to use? Yes, StudFinder is a free application. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements mentioned, making it a completely free utility for users. ### What are the key features of StudFinder? Key features include an automatic sensor check, an active detection button, a stability indicator (Green LED), three detection level indicators (Red LEDs), 10 sensitivity levels for different drywall thicknesses, and a toggle-able detection beeper. It also provides easy-to-follow in-app instructions. ## Version history (last 3 releases) ### 2.2 — 2015-12-01 This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon. -bug fixes ### 1.2 — 2014-08-19 1.2 - Completely overhauling the latest version coming soon... ### 1.1 — 2014-08-01 No release notes. ## More apps by Landon Mutch - [Wall Stud Finder](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wall-stud-finder/id1134572179) - [Wall Stud Detector](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wall-stud-detector/id1134817906) All apps by Landon Mutch: https://appshunter.io/developer/902820684 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*