This Magnetic Stud Finder is very helpful in locating metal materials embedded in structures.

Penetrating surfaces of buildings, especially painted walls, creates risk, in particular, electrical and plumbing and repair risks. Older buildings could have had anything done to them by previous owners who don’t know and don’t care about building codes.

Climbing up into the ceiling cavity to identify metal studs in walls or metal batons in ceilings also creates risk. For many homes, the electrics are always live in the roof space unless terminated at the street by the energy company, not flicking a switch at the circuit board. This is important. Ceiling cavities are dark and dangerous.

Now for the good news. A good quality magnetic stud finder is a non-invasive method of identifying metal plates, metal studs, metal noggins and metal fasteners. Good quality stud finders will also, depending on the type of fastener, pick up metal fasteners in timber studs and joists.