Overall, this is an effective stud finder that beeps when you reach a stud on the wall. The machine beeps a few times when you turn it on by holding the center button, but once you slowly start sweeping the wall, it will work effectively at showing you where wood studs are located. You will need to use the machine to check a few times (going left to right and then right to left), as sometimes the identified location of the stud is inconsistent by an inch or so, depending on the speed and direction of your measurements.