CH Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Item Weight: 0.13 pounds
- Color: Multi
- Battery Cell Type: Mercury Oxide
Last refreshed Sep 7, 2026 · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
A no-frills magnet finder that earns its high rating by doing one simple job reliably: pointing at the fastener holding a stud in place.
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ASIN: B000IKK0OIModel: 03040Category: Stud Finders
Overview
The CH Hanson 03040 is a magnetic stud finder built around a sweep-and-stick design: a magnet inside the housing pulls toward the metal screws and nails fastening drywall to studs, with no batteries, buttons or calibration involved.
It skips every feature found on electronic scanners in favor of one job done simply: locate the fastener, mark the spot.
- Magnetic, batteryless design
- Sweep-and-stick fastener detection
- Compact, pocket-friendly size
Who it's for
Renters, apartment dwellers and anyone hanging a shelf, mirror or curtain rod who wants a small, cheap tool that never needs a battery swap. Less suited to anyone chasing exact stud edges or working on plaster walls.
Pros and cons
- No batteries or setup required
- Small enough to keep in a drawer or toolbox
- Finds fasteners, not the stud edges directly
- Relies on screw or nail spacing, which can be sparse
- No depth or live wire sensing
Performance notes
Magnetic stud finders work by sensing the ferrous screws or nails that anchor drywall to the framing behind it, not the wood or metal of the stud itself. Sweep it slowly across the wall and the magnet noticeably pulls or clings when it passes over a fastener, marking the stud location. Because it reads fasteners rather than the stud, spacing between screws determines how easy a stud is to pinpoint.
Specifications
| Brand | CH Hanson |
|---|---|
| Model | 03040 |
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Item Weight | 0.13 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 1 × 1 × 1 inches |
| Size | One Size |
| Power & efficiency | |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Battery Cell Type | Mercury Oxide |
| Construction & materials | |
| Color | Multi |
| Material | Plastic |
| Finish | Brushed |
| Included components | |
| Number Of Pieces | 4 |
| Included Components | Magnetic Stud Finder |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Warranty & support | |
| Warranty Description | 1 year |
| Other details | |
| Part Number | 03040 |
| Item Model Number | 3040 |
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Usage | For identifying studs during remodeling, new construction, DIY projects |
| Pattern | Solid |
| Style | Classic |
Closest rivals on specs
Klein Tools MSF100 Magnetic Stud Finder- Item Weight 0.13 vs 0.11 pounds (+18%)
The StudBuddy Original Magnetic Stud Finder- Item Weight 0.13 vs 0.1 pounds (+30%)
eOUTIL ST100 Stud Finder Wall Scanner- Item Weight 0.13 vs 0.2 pounds (-35%)
Frequently asked questions
Does the CH Hanson 03040 need batteries?
No. It is a purely magnetic tool with no electronics, so it never needs batteries or calibration.
How does the CH Hanson 03040 find a stud?
It uses an internal magnet that pulls toward the metal screws or nails fastening drywall to the stud behind it, marking that spot as you sweep the wall.
Will this stud finder show the edges of a stud?
The listing does not describe edge detection. It locates the fastener point rather than mapping the full width of the stud.