TACKLIFE Stud Finder, Upgraded Wall Scanner, 4 in 1 Center Electronic Wall Finders with Warning,Wood Stud/Metal/Live AC Wire/Deep Detecting Mode-DMS03

Your browser does not support HTML5 video.  I had been after a replacement for the old draper one I’d had for 20 odd years that finally fell apart a few months ago. I hoped in the decades between things had improved greatly and I spent a little time looking through the options before choosing this as an affordable choice. I only want something for home diy purposes. My thinking was that A, things would have improved, so no need to pay for an expensive professional item, and B, no one would sell a device that couldn’t be trusted, especially if the consequences could be fatal. Appears I might be wrong on both counts.When the detector arrived I thought I would check it out in my own home where I have lived for some time and know where cables joists etc are. I tested on both solid and stud walls and results were equally poor. Inconsistent results on the same wall along with a solid ‘unsafe’ along a whole run of a wall or amber or even ‘safe’, even when I knew I had passed over cables.The instructions are not the clearest and are of a slight pigeon type, which appear to be standard these days. I tried the calibration several times to make sure it was calibrated (there appears to be some type of auto calibration referred to in the illustration - no evidence of that on the device). Also in the description they mention damp metering (which wasn’t on my requirement list - good job as it doesn’t do that function).All in all disappointed, will have to try and find something that does do the job now. I am returning this item.

Pipe, wire and wall stud finders are no substitute for common sense but ultimately we have all drilled into something we had rather not and so any device which gives us an edge is welcome. There are several professional grade detectors out there which work well and really help back up that experience and feel however they come at a price which the average DIYer cannot justify. As a result the DIYer buys something much cheaper and as you would expect pretty unhelpful except in perfect conditions. Similarly the professional is reluctant to leave expensive kit on site, particularly something as small and kickable as this detector.As a stop gap I decided to pay £20 for this detector before replacing £100+ item which seemed to have grown legs, I couldn't bring myself to buy the £10 specials as it is always embarrassing when the householder has the same bit of kit as the professional!I had no great expectations but guess what this little gadget is superb, self calibrating and simple to use. Like more expensive units sweeping backwards and forwards over an area allows the unit to learn and progressively adjust sensitivity until the pipe or wire is pinpointed. Results are consistent provided you use your common sense and the build quality is surprisingly good. Instructions are clear for the novice and the 24mth warranty was unexpected.Finding wooden studs in composite walls is always a bit hit and mis but this unit is as good as any other unit without going NASA style kit.Professional uses will always gravitate to the established units, it makes economic sense but as a stop gap or for the DIYer this unit is difficult to beat.

Your browser does not support HTML5 video.  This Tacklife DMS03 Cable Detector Multi-Wall Detector is perfect in terms of its function. Easily determine electrical wires that are in the wall or other objects such as metal pipes, wooden beams, screws. It is compact enough, easy to use and with a fairly large display showing the result.

A very good product easy to use the instructions are little bit little so may need a magnifying glass to read them but once you get the knack of it is very good and may save your life when drilling into walls opening prayer you do not electric cook yourself or blow the water pipes at the same time this is a fantastic product for detecting RSJ and steel reinforced joists this is a very good product for a person who is in the building trade or a DIY expert

I won't bang on about the features in this review as I'm sure the product page gives enough information. What I will say though is that it's easy to use, build quality is great, the sreen is very clear and that it helped and idiot like me put my TV on the wall with minimum fuss. A useful tool for any DIYer to have in their arsenal for sure. You really can't go wrong with it at this price point.

I just bought a new house and doing all the minor stuff myself and this device comes pretty handy as I don't want to drill through a live wire or a water pipe haha.It's super easy to use and has a nice display with a loud beep sound for the alarm.Overall, its working fine

Bought for son to check walls before hanging pictures, mirrors etc, he's a diy novice but found this detector easy to use and interpret. Well made item that does all that is advertised. Checked how accurate it was by switching to individual modes and it picked up the selected option every time.

Absolutely useless. False reading no matter what you do. I created a stud wall with plasterboard on one side so I could see all the studs. Put the detector on as per instructions and it sensed electricity in my fake wall and didn't find studs accurately and did find some where there weren't any. Most useless stud detector I have ever used. Guess I'll be going back to Bosch or zircon. Cost more you in this case, you get what you pay for.