SainSmart ToolPAC SMA19 User Manual

USER MANUAL

ToolPAC Stud Center Finder, Metal and
AC Live Wire Detector (SMA19)

This Item features four scanning modes:

• Stud scan: Locates the center and edges of wood and
metal studs up to 3⁄4 in. (19 mm) deep.

• Deep mode: Locates the center and edges of wood and
metal studs up to 1 1 ⁄ 2 in. (38 mm) deep.

• Metal scan: Detects metal (such as 1⁄2 inch rebar) up to

2.36 in. (60 mm) deep.

• AC scan: Detects live unshielded AC wires up to 2 in.
(51 mm) deep.

1. INSTALLING THE BATTERY

Push in the battery door tab at the bottom of the tool and
open the door. Insert a new 9-volt battery.Snap the battery
into place and replace the door.
Low Battery Indicator: The Low Battery Indicator icon
displays when the battery level is getting low. While the
tool will still operate,the battery will need to be replaced
soon. When the low battery indicator icon appears on the
screen, the battery level is too low and not sufficient to
power the tool for proper operation. Please replace the
9-volt battery with a brand new battery immediately.

2. OPERATING TIPS

For optimum scanning results, it is important to properly
hold the stud finder and move slowly when scanning. The
following tips will provide more accurate scanning results:

• Grasp the handle with your thumb on one side and your
fingers on the other side. Make sure your fingertips are
resting on the handle and not touching the surface being
scanned or the scanning head of the tool.

• Hold the tool straight up and down, parallel to the studs,
and do not rotate the tool.

• Keep tool flat against the wall and do not rock, tilt, or
press hard when slowly sliding across the surface being
scanned.

1. The Marking Point

2. AC Wire Warning

3. Stud Mode Indicator

4. Low battery Indicator

5. Metal Mode Indicator

6. AC Mode Indicator

7. Stud Deep Mode Indicator

• Avoid placing your other hand, or any other part of your
body, on the surface being scanned. This will interfere
with the tool’s performance.

• If you’re receiving erratic scanning results, it may be a
result of humidity, moisture within the wall cavity or
drywall, or recently applied paint or wallpaper that hasn’t
fully dried. While the moisture may not always be visible,
it will interfere with the tool’s sensors. Please allow a few
days for the wall to dry out.

8. Moving Direction Indicator

9. Stud Edge Indicator

10. Stud Center Indicator

11. Mode Switch Button

12. Power Button/Scan Button

13. Battery (Back of unit)

• Depending on the proximity of electrical wiring or pipes
to the wall surface, the scanner may detect them in the
same manner as studs. Caution should always be used
when nailing, cutting, or drilling in walls, floors, and
ceilings that may contain these items.

• To avoid surprises, remember that studs or joists are
normally spaced 16 or 24 in. (41 or 61 cm) apart and are
11⁄2 in. (38 mm) in width.

Anything closer together or a different width may
not be a stud, joist, or firebreak.
Always turn off power when working near electrical
wires.

SCANNING DIFFERENT SURFACES
Wallpaper: SMA19 functions normally on walls covered

with wallpaper or fabric, unless the materials are metallic
foil, contain metallic fibers, or are still wet after application.
Wallpaper may need to dry for several weeks after
application.
Freshly painted walls: May take one week or longer to
dry after application.
Lath & plaster: Due to irregularities in plaster thickness,
it is difficult for MultiScanner SMA19 to locate studs in
Stud modes. Change to Metal Scan mode to locate the
nail heads holding wood lath to the studs. If the plaster
has metal mesh reinforcement, SMA19 may be unable
to detect through that material.

Extremely textured walls or acoustic ceilings:

When scanning a ceiling or wall with an uneven surface,
place thin cardboard on the surface to be scanned and
scan over the cardboard in Deep mode. If irregular
scanning results are received, switch to Metal Scan mode
to locate nails or drywall screws that line up vertically
where a stud or joist is positioned.

Wood flooring, subflooring, or gypsum drywall over
plywood sheathing: Use Deep mode and move the tool

slowly. The Signal Strength Indicator may only display
1 or 2 bars when the tool locates a stud through thick
surfaces.