# Bosch GMS 120 Professional Digital Multi-Scanner vs C.H. Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Bosch GMS 120 Professional Digital Multi-Scanner (Bosch) and C.H. Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder (C.H. Hanson) among stud finders. C.H. Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder is the cheaper of the two at $14.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | Bosch GMS 120 Professional Digital Multi-Scanner | C.H. Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $109.48 | $14.99 |
| Brand | Bosch | C.H. Hanson |
| Max scan depth (in) | 4.75 | 1 |
| Sensing technology | capacitive/inductive multi-mode with automatic calibration; illuminated status ring (green/orange/red) | passive rare-earth magnets (no electronics) |
| Detects wood metal live wire | wood studs, ferrous metal to 4.75 in., non-ferrous metal to 3.125 in., live AC wiring to 2 in. | detects ferrous fasteners (nails/screws) marking wood-stud location; no direct wood or live-wire detection |
| Sensor array width (in) | — | 1.5 |
| Center vs edge find | automatic center finder for detected objects | edge find (locates fastener/stud edge via magnetic pull) |
| Display type | illuminated graphical display | none; built-in rotating bubble vial for level/plumb reference only |
| Calibration method | automatic calibration in each of 3 modes (wood/metal/AC) | none required (purely passive magnetic device) |
| Power source | 9V battery (included) | none (battery-free) |

## Key differences

- Max scan depth (in): Bosch GMS 120 Professional Digital Multi-Scanner 4.75 vs C.H. Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder 1
- Sensing technology: Bosch GMS 120 Professional Digital Multi-Scanner capacitive/inductive multi-mode with automatic calibration; illuminated status ring (green/orange/red) vs C.H. Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder passive rare-earth magnets (no electronics)
- Detects wood metal live wire: Bosch GMS 120 Professional Digital Multi-Scanner wood studs, ferrous metal to 4.75 in., non-ferrous metal to 3.125 in., live AC wiring to 2 in. vs C.H. Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder detects ferrous fasteners (nails/screws) marking wood-stud location; no direct wood or live-wire detection
- Center vs edge find: Bosch GMS 120 Professional Digital Multi-Scanner automatic center finder for detected objects vs C.H. Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder edge find (locates fastener/stud edge via magnetic pull)
- Display type: Bosch GMS 120 Professional Digital Multi-Scanner illuminated graphical display vs C.H. Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder none; built-in rotating bubble vial for level/plumb reference only
- Calibration method: Bosch GMS 120 Professional Digital Multi-Scanner automatic calibration in each of 3 modes (wood/metal/AC) vs C.H. Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder none required (purely passive magnetic device)
- Power source: Bosch GMS 120 Professional Digital Multi-Scanner 9V battery (included) vs C.H. Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder none (battery-free)

## Sources

- Bosch GMS 120 Professional Digital Multi-Scanner: https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/products/gms-120-0601081010 (boschtools.com, verified 2026-08-05)
- C.H. Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder: https://www.acehardware.com/departments/tools/hand-tools/stud-finders/2302487 (acehardware.com, verified 2026-08-05)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/stud-finders/bosch-gms-120-vs-ch-hanson-03040/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Bosch GMS 120 Professional Digital Multi-Scanner ($109.48) vs C.H. Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder ($14.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/stud-finders/bosch-gms-120-vs-ch-hanson-03040/
License: CC BY 4.0.