Magnetic stud finders found in box lots over the years

[coolford]

Forgot I had these, from the left, Lawrence Bros Pat Pend, Ullman Pat Pend, Dresden mfg co. Pat Pend, Stanley 2 Pat No's and a Stanley in the original package.

[Lostmind]

Do ANY of them work. I have no luck

[Bill Houghton]

Do ANY of them work. I have no luck

Maybe you're just not magnetic enough.

I've not had much luck, either, over the years; but it may be because we live in an 1895 house, with lath and plaster walls.  Small nails holding the lath on, and thick plaster over it.  Even the inductive stud finders that supposedly can sense the wood framing don't do well.  I do best with the traditional knocking on the wall, seeking the place where the sound moves from hollow to solid; and, even then, I have to drill 1/16" holes to find the studs.

[coolford]

They all work, but you have to be persistent and move slowly. However, not on lath and plaster.