How Good is the Walabot® Visual Stud Finder?
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- Опубліковано 13 жов 2023
- Stud finders are great for locating studs in a wall, but what about wires, plumbing, ethernet, and even live animals? Now, you can “see” inside the wall BEFORE you drill, cut, or drive a nail!
#walabot #studfinder #radar
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Remodeling, mounting items to our walls, and cutting into walls are all fairly common occurrences around here and I found there are situations where finding objects in the wall, other than wood or steel studs, is highly desirable.
The Walabot® fills that gap by “seeing” objects in the wall such as electrical wires, plumbing, conduit, and communication cables. It does this using a form of radar. The proprietary Walabot® device is a combination transmitter and receiver to find and assign identities to objects in the wall. That device is paired to your cell phone using the readily available Walabot® app.
The Walabot® works best with standard ½” gypsum board (aka “drywall).
You can use the Walabot® in two modes, images and expert. The images mode will produce pictures that represent the typical things found in a wall; wood and metal studs, wires, and pipes. For studs, lines appear indicating the center so you can mark the wall. The sensor is dynamic, so if you move the sensor, or the object being sensed in the wall is moved (such as a speaker cable), it will show on the display on your paired phone.
The images are “best guesstimates” of what the sensor is seeing, based on density and proximity to the back side of the gypsum board. It’s possible for the sensor to get what it is seeing as wrong, so double-check as you can.
The expert mode looks like an infrared image, but it is not. There is no heat or temperature change being sensed - only density. Even so, it can be used to find all of the above-mentioned items, and there will even be centering lines that will appear. This mode is handy for finding non-typical items in the wall, such as a rodent nest!
The unit is well-made and is available with an “authorized” carrying case. It is chargeable with the included USB-C cable. It’s not cheap gear, and neither is the price. At the time of filming of this episode, the unit was $189.95, and the kit that included the case was $239.95.
If you are doing a significant amount of remodeling, this may be a worthwhile investment for you. The same goes for remodelers and handy/repair people who need to be very careful in existing living spaces so as not to take a small project and turn it into a big one by drilling or nailing into something that causes big problems. Avoiding one such mishap would be cheaper than the price of the tool.
We don’t get commissions for Walabot® product sales. The product was supplied to us with the understanding that we would give our honest/authentic review, which we have. If this is a solution for you, we are glad to have brought this device to your attention.
You can check them out at walabot.com/#products.
JUST DO IT YOURSELF!
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Thank you much for this video I had watch 6+ other vids that never really answered the question. Now I can spend my hard earned money knowing that it won’t be wasted.
Glad to be of help. best, dfj
Thanks so much for this demo!
Glad it was helpful!
Cool! Great review! Thanks!
Thanks for watching!
Good morning from Southeast South Dakota
Morning!
great video. question will this work with fiberglass shower surrounds?
I'm unsure. The fiberglass itself is thin enough that the radar signals can pass through. What gives me pause if there are sections where the fiberglass is held off the wall with moldings or spacers and the sensor is then being held significantly away from the drywall behind the surround. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help. Best, DFJ
Low voltage installer here, I am curious how well it would work on an older building with plaster walls, how well would it work with the wood backing used in its construction?
If you are referring to what is commonly called lath and plaster walls, it doesn't work well for that application. They specifically state that in their documentation. I hope this helps! Best, DFJ
Hi Jay, excellent video and detailed explanation of how the unit operates. With regards to Jerry’s question, no I don’t think it is a big deal distinguishing being a pipe and a wire, but more importantly it tells you that something is behind the drywall and be careful in drilling into that area of the wall so you don’t damage the object behind the wall. Excellent tool, like X-ray vision! Bill
Thanks for the info! I agree. Simply knowing something there gives you the "heads-up" that is needed and that you need to proceed with caution.
Hey DFJ. Wife just gave me one so I’m just getting use to it. Sad to report that I was searching for an electrical wire covered up a sheet rock guy. Used it on a known wire and it showed the wire opposite of the stud….? Wire on left walbot said it was on the right. Then used a hole saw for an exploratory hole and found my 2nd missing wire when walbot didn’t reflect a thing. So I’m 0 for 2 at this point. Any help on making it work better?
Will this work on a roof to find rafters thru comp shingles
My issue with stud finders is always paint type and thickness. Old crapy apartments always have this thick coat that messes up the sensors
Indeed. I don't think you'd have a problem with paint thickness foiling the sensors on this unit. Best, DFJ
Do you recommend it? Is this something you can get behind? Thanks and great video
If you are doing a significant amount of remodeling or wiring of any kind in existing walls and construction, then yes. Avoiding one errant screw or whole in to an electrical cable or water line is worth it. Does that help? Best, DFJ
You did a great job with this video. It was expertly presented and to the point. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the kind comment.
@@DirtFarmerJay You are more than welcome sir. Credit is given where credit is due.
My 1930 built house has perforated drywall with a skim of plaster over it. Will this work with a thin layer of plastering?
On thin plaster over drywall, it will work. Best, DFJ
If it is a thin layer, then yes. If it's a style, more common in the 1950's, where the plaster was about 1/2" thick, then it will not do a dependable job. I hope this helps. Best, DFJ
Any idea if this will work on a rough surface, ideal a lot with rough stucco covered walls or in your experience anything that would work for that application?
Thank you for the informative video
Probably not, in all honesty. I've provided you a link in my other response to units that may work better for your application. Best, DFJ
@@DirtFarmerJay thank you
I work on a lot of multi million dollar homes with PSB or plywood behind dry wall or tongue and groove, an inch ir more of wall. Is this device going to see thru it?
How about insulated walls, fiberglass, blown in and spray foam?
@allansmith5192, I don't think it would work well in these situations. There's too much material for the sensor to dependably send and receive a signal. As for insulation again if there is a lot of density to work through then it's going to have problems. If the insulation is fiberglass and allowed to fully expand and not be compacted then it will work more dependably.
thanks jay - gotta pay for the radar -that radar is cool.
How well does it work with 3/4inch thick drywall
It should work just fine. There are videos up showing people using the unit with double-hung 1/2" gypsum board. I hope that helps! Best, DFJ
How does this unit work for detect objects behind the insulation?
Pretty well, especially if the insulation is not overly compacted. Best, DFJ
hi Jay... do you think it would work with paneling on the wall?@@DirtFarmerJay
Yes, indeed.
Does it work with bathroom tile ? Ceramic, quartz, porcelain, or marble ?
Sadly, no. Best, DFJ
In my garage I have steal sheeting as my walls 28 guage. Would it detect my wires , studs, rafters, and pex pipe. Through my metal sheeting. Thanks mate 😊👍
Sorry, but no. Their specifications state that the device won't work through metal skins and foil backed materials. Best, DFJ
@@DirtFarmerJay wonder if a regular stud finder would like a Zircon. I'll try tomorrow ☺️
Am just curious would a nail or a screw in a stud make an indication on the scan?
Not dependably. It is actually a radar transceiver (sender-receiver) that is seeing significant density changes and depending on the density, "forecasts" what it is "seeing" and displays a corresponding dynamic graphic in the image mode. Nails and screws lack the amount of mass for the sensor to pick them up. If it does, you'll see a brief image, but nothing you use to dependably located the object. I hope this helps. Best, DFJ
Not likely. You would likely see a brief indication on the screen telling you the unit "saw" something, but finding individual fasteners is not the strength of this unit. Best, DFJ
I need a wall detector that detects PVC pipe. Does this detector detect? Thanks.
Yes, it will detect PVC, especially if it is full of water. Best, DFJ
Hello Jay, will this bluetooth, so a wifi modem is not required? Thank you - Carl Wood
You got it. No wifi modem required. Your phone and the device "talk" directly. Best, DFJ
Wifi is just another type of wireless connection like Bluetooth. Lots of devices connect direct to others, such as phones, via wifi even though it isn’t an internet connection. That said when you are connected directly to a device on wifi but not through a router and network you may not have internet capability. Some printers use wifi for direct connection printing instead of or in conjunction with network router connections.
You are correct. Using the Walabot app allows your phone and the unit to communicate directly.
Jay, Very good explanation and display. A bit disappointed that it can't distinguish (separately) between wire and a pipe. Do you think this is a disadvantage, or not a big deal ? Thanks for the video and all the best.
Thanks, Jerry. I don't think it's a big deal that there are not separate graphic representations of wire and pipe. It will tell you something is there, and you can proceed with caution from there. I hope that helps - and thanks for watching. Best, DFJ
@@DirtFarmerJay Thank you for taking the time to reply !!😁
@@DirtFarmerJay I have a $20.00 unit that can tell live wires from a pipe. For the price I think its a big deal when cheaper units can do more.
What unit are you using? I'd like to learn more. Best, DFJ
Well explained video and replies in the comments section. I would purchase this as I'm only looking for the stud...anything else is not what I'm after I'm only in search of the stud and what I can mount to it...for others there main usage could be a bit different.
Thanks for taking the time to post this video. Sir you are definitely appreciated.
Anyone know if it detects horizontal members in the wall? Thanks.
I have been able to locate horizontal objects just fine. Hope that helps! best, DFJ
It does. Best, DFJ
Yes, indeed, it does. I've used it that way, works fine. Best, DFJ
Would this work on a wall with plaster and drywall behind it
Probably, it depends on how thick the plaster coat is. If it's a skip coat or simply to add a bit of cover texture, it's highly likely the Walabot will work just fine for you. Best, DFJ
If the plaster is a skim coat, 1/4" or less, it is likely it will work. Thicker than that, really iffy. I hope this helps. Best, DFJ
What if I need an adaptor and want to go hard wired not a plug ?
They are available, and are usually for specific devices. For instance, I found a hard-wired AC adaptor set for electric water valves on high end kitchen faucets. Do you have a regular adapter now and want to convert it (not sure if you can do that safely), or are you looking to see if a product is available for your use? What device are you powering with this AC adapter? Best, DFJ
What happens with a lathe wall or with insulation behind a wall??
It will not work well in this situation. I hope that helps. Best, DFJ
Lath walls are problematic. Regularly placed (not compacted) insulated walls are fine. The unit can still measure density differences. Best, DFJ
Lath walls can be problematic, and if insulation is stuffed behind the wall surface and compressed, this will cause sensor issues. Best, DFJ
Can the walabot detect broken studs
Not that I know of, unless there is a missing section. It is measuring overall density. Best, DFJ
Not dependably. Most studs will still be in line, and the Walabot sees density changes. If there is a section missing, it's more likely to indicate it.
I use a little magnet hanging from a piece of scotch tape. Drag it around over the wall until it finds a drywall screw.
Stud is found. Never fails.
But pipe or wiring still not discovered. So you screw your cabinet in. Your screw penetrates the hidden copper pipe. Now, water everywhere. There you stand, scratching your half-bald head, still holding your little magnet. But its no longer attached to the tape because its soaking wet, just like your shirt. LoL!!!!
@@exproskier I have never had a problem with it.
Thanks for weighing in. I address the type of approach you use in another episode (ua-cam.com/video/KKV-nyr1k9s/v-deo.html). These are great for finding the location of the studs because of the fasteners driven into them, but as has been pointed out, they don't find wires, or various types of plumbing that could cause an issue. Thanks for watching and writing! Best, DFJ
If one doesn't have WiFi in the area?
It creates it's own little WIFI between your phone and the scanner device. Hope that helps! Best, DFJ
What happens if you use this on a tree?
I do believe it would show you it's very dense, but I was curious to know if you could see the movement of parasites. Like, Emerald Ash Borer.
I don't think it will work because it measures significant density differences between areas in an object. I think there would be too many similar densities for it to work properly. Best, DFJ
cant see wire
Wow, that's not helpful. Sorry to hear this. Best, DFJ
My Walabot arrived today. After an hour of trying to get it to work, I've given up. Just trying to juggle the cell phone and the gadget with two hands is hard enough. I bought the plastic clips, but they don't fit my cell phone. Then the Walabot has to recalibrated every single time you want to use it -- while being held in two hands. The gadget demands to be told if it's drywall or plaster every single time, while juggling it with two hands. The UA-cam app for cell phone doesn't work. Need I go on? I just hope I can return this thing. Mine works nothing like the video shows. There is no QR code. It has to be physically connected with a USB cable to the phone at all times.
I'm sorry to hear that you are having such a poor experience with this. The wireless connection between your phone and the unit is key to making this a positive experience. Without that, you indeed will be using both hands to utilize the unit, which is inconvenient and awkward. The QR code is located on the back of the main unit on the white label with the unit model and serial number. Once you install the app, you scan the QR code and allow your phone and Walabot unit to "talk". From that point on, no cable is needed. As for calibration, it can be a nuisance. When marking out a wall for objects behind it, I do the entire wall at one time to be able to use the calibration for the entire scan. Try their customer service support to see if you can it resolved. If not, or you just simply want to return it, please let me know how that goes as well. Sale or use of the product is one facet, how well customer support or returns go are equally important. Best Regards, DFJ
Idea: Buy a cheap vinyl case for your phone, and stick it to the back of the walabot with thick double sided tape. Slip the phone into the case to turn it all into a single unit.
@@snaplashThe original version connected with a short cable and had a sticky surface on the front so that you could move the Walabot and phone at the same time.
That one did not have an internal battery or use WiFi as I recall.
I'll have to dig mine out and try it out again.
Will it pick up dead animals in the wall? 💀
Probably. It works on density differences and how the radar transmission and return is affected. If it's really old and desiccated, probably not. I hope this helps! Best, DFJ
Not dependably. However, it is measuring density changes, so if there is an deceased animal in the wall that isn't entirely desiccated, it could see it.
This is an Israeli company.
Yes, indeed. Thanks for watching!
Oh good! That means it is a quality product that has great r&d and is well made. Thank you for sharing this information!
And Volkswagen was made by Nazis what’s your point?
That means it can detect studs really really well but not children when committing genocide. 😊
So what ?! Does Palestine make anything besides ammunition?
What a joke. In real life, most walls are packed with insulation, which renders that device useless.
Thanks for weighing in. Typical fiberglass insulation, installed as it should be with little compaction, affects this unit very little. Best, DFJ
Prove it@@DirtFarmerJay
James, I've lost the string of responses, but I did see your comment, "Prove it." Tell you what. You start working on proving that it doesn't work, and I'll start the process of demonstrating under what circumstances it does. I have a wall that I will be enclosing in the next month or two, and it will be insulated. I'll mark where the plumbing, wires and studs are, insulate the wall, and then see first hand how well it does. I'll publish the video, whether or not it supports my statement.
In the meantime, I have seen mixed results online, with some videos showing the product working well with insulated walls. I've seen the Walabot company's demo video on a insulated wall, but I don't think it's adequate as the thickness of the insulation isn't a typical real life situation. They should have done that video using full thickness insulation, which would have filled the wall cavity completely, and would have been partially compressed in front of pipes and wires.
I don't agree with your statement that most walls are packed with insulation. Almost all the interior partition walls in the a home aren't insulated, unless there was sound abatement desired, or temperature zoning. Exterior walls, yes, interior not so much.
Additionally, is insulated is not allowed to expand to it's stated size, the R-value drops and the density increases, which could, to your point, reduce the effectiveness of the unit.
Thanks for the challenge, let's see what each other finds out.
Best Regards,
DFJ