Zircon MultiScanner i520 Center-Finding Stud Finder

Product Description

, Kreg KHC-RAC Right Angle Clamp , Makita GV-5010 5in Disc Sander ,POWERTEC OS1000 Oscillating Spindle Sander ,Grizzly G0538 1/3 HP Oscillating Spindle Sander , Makita BO5010 2 Amp Palm Grip Random Orbit Sander Product Description i520 Scanning Modes Stud Scan mode for finding studs in drywall. DeepScan mode for finding studs and joists in thicker walls, floors, and ceilings. Metal Scan mode for finding pipes or other metal. Metal Scan mode can also help find studs in lath and plaster walls. Electrical Scan mode for locating live, unshielded AC wires. Watch the i520 in action.See how all the features of an i520 are used.   Zircon's Top-of-the-Line Multifunction Scanner for Finding Studs, Metal, and Electrical
Our Best ScannerThe MultiScanner i520 is the most advanced wall scanner that Zircon makes. It has 4 scanning modes:

• STUD SCAN mode locates the edges and center of wood or metal studs in normal walls up to 3/4 inch (19 mm) deep
• DEEPSCAN mode doubles the scanning depth for walls up to 1 1/2 inches (38 mm) deep, and enables scanning for joists in some ceilings and floors
• METAL SCAN mode detects non-ferrous metal, such as copper pipes, up to 1 1/2 inches (38 mm) deep, and ferrous metal, such as rebar, up to 3 inches (76 mm) deep
• AC SCAN mode finds and traces live, unshielded electrical wiring up to two inches deep

In addition to the scanning modes, the i520 is packed with other original and patented features:

• WireWarning detection indicates the presence of live, unshielded electrical wire up to 2 inches (51 mm) deep in stud and metal scanning modes. Most wires in homes are run along wall studs, causing potential safety hazards.
• ACT (Auto Correcting Technology) automatically corrects common user errors, such as when scanning begins over a stud. The tool constantly scans its surroundings and recalibrates itself if necessary.
• An ultra-bright LCD screen indicates direction, edges and center of studs. Makes the screen easier to see in low-light situations.
• The display screen, SpotLite Pointing System, and audio tone all indicate the location of the target.
• A signal strength indicator lets you distinguish between shallow and deep targets. Weak signal strength can also imply other non-stud objects, like wires and pipes.

The i520 is a perfect choice for serious users, such as home improvement hobbyists and professional contractors. Not sure if the i520 is what you need? See the grid below to decide which center-finding tool is right for you.
Which Center-Finding Stud Sensor is Right for You? StudSensori65 OneStep MultiScanneri320 OneStep MultiScanneri520 OneStep       Why Zircon?
Zircon introduced the first stud finders over 25 years ago. We're a smaller, more focused company than our competitors, but thanks to our reputation for engineering and customer service, our brand dominates the stud finder market domestically and abroad. The Handyman Club of America, and their official publication, Handy Magazine, have awarded Zircon's MultiScanner i520 their seal of approval after a round of extensive member testing. The i520 earned a 9.0 (out of 10) overall rating and a whopping 99% approval rating from Handyman Club Members.



This review is from: Zircon MultiScanner i520 Center-Finding Stud Finder with Metal and AC Electrical Scanning (Tools & Home Improvement)
You may be wondering, why I should pay more for similar featured BOSCH or other major brandname product, when I can have one from Zircon for $40? Believe me, the "big ones", really have advantages over cheaper models.

Some practical results from using Zircon i520:

Metal rods behind the MDF board: Excellent accuracy in finding, good depth.

Metal rebar in concrete wall: Good performance, AC detector feature definetly helps to distinguish rebar from wires.

Wires in plaster wall: Not so good, often misses them, regardless are they hot or cold. If plaster coating is a bit thicker (in range of declared sensitivity), no detection at all. (It should be noted, that manual says, that performance in plaster or gypsum walls may be unsatisfactory)

Wires in concrete wall: Excellent accuracy.

Unfortunately, I don't have any studs behind the gypsum boards, so I can't test detection in that aspect.

Overall, this unit performs ok, just having two VERY BIG disadvantages, besides the ones mentioned above:

1. LCD vertical angles are very limited, so when looking from bottom or top, it appears that it's always on, so for example, if you want to check wires above your head, you have to climb on ladder, otherwise, screen is unreadable.

2. Unit is very sensitive to rotation. If you tilt it slightly over it's axis during the movement, false detection will occur. Altrough this "feature" is mentioned in manual, it makes usage of detector not so pleasant.

Will I continue to use this unit? - Yes.
Will I reccomend it to a friend? - No.