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Bosch GMS 120 Professional Digital Multi-Scanner vs C.H. Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder

A sourced, side-by-side comparison. C.H. Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder is cheaper at $14.99. Every spec and price links to its source.

Which is better: the Bosch GMS 120 Professional Digital Multi-Scanner or C.H. Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder?

On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The C.H. Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder is the cheaper at $14.99.

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Full spec sheet

marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.

Spec Bosch GMS 120 Professional Digital Multi-Scanner C.H. Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder
US price $109.48 $14.99
BrandBoschC.H. Hanson
Released
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)

Sources — Bosch GMS 120 Professional Digital Multi-Scanner: boschtools.com (verified 2026-08-05). C.H. Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder: acehardware.com (verified 2026-08-05).

What's the difference between the Bosch GMS 120 Professional Digital Multi-Scanner and C.H. Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder?

Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (7 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.

  • 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)

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