Recommendations for nail finder?

[mrodent]

There a thread here recommending "Little Wizard" (or another, "Lumber Wizard") ... but it dates from 2005, and as far as I can make out this doesn't appear to be available in the UK any more.

I have already tried one device from Amazon: Silverline 3-in-1 detector. This has two sensors which you can switch between: one for "stud", one for "metal or A/C wire". Have tried to get it to work and it's really not fit for (this) purpose, so am returning.

So I thought ask the chippies because I'm only interested in the one function: hopefully to detect concealed nails/screws in wood (pine).

Any recommendations for kit currently available in the UK? Thanks.

 

[Mntgmry]

I’ve had the same situation with those combo detectors, they’re usually too vague to be useful. If you’re just after finding nails/screws, I suggest you look at a handheld magnetic nail finder (Stanley still makes a good one) or a rare earth magnet on a stick

 

[d@rkr00m]

Any recommendations for kit currently available in the UK? Thanks.

I used to live in the UK for a couple of years. I can tell you that you need to forget the 3 in 1 detectors, they are notoriously useless for this job.
If you want something currently available and reliable in the UK, check out the Zircon MetalliScanner m40.
It's designed to find metal and is known to be much better than the multi function units

 

[w0odshap3r]

There a thread here recommending "Little Wizard" (or another, "Lumber Wizard") ... but it dates from 2005, and as far as I can make out this doesn't appear to be available in the UK any more.

I have already tried one device from Amazon: Silverline 3-in-1 detector. This has two sensors which you can switch between: one for "stud", one for "metal or A/C wire". Have tried to get it to work and it's really not fit for (this) purpose, so am returning.

So I thought ask the chippies because I'm only interested in the one function: hopefully to detect concealed nails/screws in wood (pine).

Any recommendations for kit currently available in the UK? Thanks.

The multi-purpose detectors usually aren't sensitive enough for concealed nails in dense wood.
Maybe you can find a high-quality pinpointer metal detector like the Garrett Pro-Pointer AT?
They're usually sold through metal detecting or security suppliers.
If your budget is higher, professional builders' Bosch D-TECT scanners also have superior metal modes that penetrate deeper than cheaper models.
What's crucial is to look for specified metal detection depth and accuracy over general stud finding!