[RE-wrenches] Milwaukee Sub Scanner versus Bosch D-Tect versus others?

Tue May 12 09:11:03 PDT 2015

August,

Taken today using Seek Thermal for Android.  $249 list.  11:15 AM, light overcast sky, ~80 ambient temp.  Architectural composition shingles on 15/32" OSB (and some plywood stitched in); 2x4 rafters.  Insulated ceilings (not rafters).

Definitely takes some practice to get the color scale correct, and really, you should have a partner so you can mark the rafters in real time by pointing to them in the IR image.  I've never had a chance to attempt the same procedure on tongue-in-groove, with timber frame, through SIP's, or in a cathedral ceiling.

Basically, this is an example of a really fancy, expensive tool working just as well as a hammer on this roof.  I too would like to hear of anyone using IR on a more challenging roof.

Isaac Opalinsky | Technical Trainer | SunPower Corporation

-----Original Message-----
From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of August Goers
Sent: Monday, May 11, 2015 3:46 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Milwaukee Sub Scanner versus Bosch D-Tect versus others?

Wrenches,

We have a Bosch D-tect 100 and Milwaukee M12 sub-scanner. The Milwaukee is one of the most worthless stud finders I have ever used. It might be helpful for scanning concrete but is basically useless for any other scanning task that I've tried. It definitely won't work on a roof.

The D-tect has been helpful for rooftop use over the years. It is also helpful for scanning concrete to find rebar and post-tension cables.
Although I can't say that it should be relied on to find post-tension cables (that is a big liability)!

In order to use the D-tect on the roof you have a use a thin piece of cardboard (like a manila folder) or a thin flexible cutting board to get it to roll properly. It is not easy and takes quite a bit of finesse. It has, however, been able to find rafters in difficult cases where hammers and other tricks aren't working well. There is no question that it is difficult to use on comp shingle or other bumpy roofs and I've found that most of our installers give up before getting any benefit.

The bottom line is that the old fashioned hammer and measuring up from below is the best way to reliably find rafters. You might find an occasional roof where the D-tect will help but for the most part it is more finicky than it is worth on a roof.

Has anyone tried using an infrared camera to see rafters in the morning when there might be a temperature differential? I've been wanting to give that a try but haven't yet.

Best,

August

-----Original Message-----
From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Matt Partymiller
Sent: Sunday, May 10, 2015 6:03 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Milwaukee Sub Scanner versus Bosch D-Tect versus others?

We have tried a number of products.  The D-Tect is in amazing stud finder but did very little on shingle roofs.  The mechanism by which you run it across a surface is clearly not made for shingles.  It is basically a
$1000 sculpture on the top shelf in our shop.

I am still not aware of any great method for identifying rafters.

On Sun, May 10, 2015 12:40 am, SES wrote:
> Pleeeeease don't reply offlist.  I would kill for a rooftop rafter 
> finder that points to anything but me.
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
>
>> On May 9, 2015, at 11:42 AM, Mick Abraham <mick at abrahamsolar.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>
>> Hello, Mechanix~
>>
>>
>> "Sub Scanner" was mentioned a couple of seasons back so I wonder if 
>> those who "bought in" could "weigh in" with their opinions? My main 
>> goal is to scan through composition shingles and find the trusses for 
>> anchor points...with no goofs. Also I'd like to find wall studs when 
>> scanning through synthetic stucco & exterior rigid foam insulation.
>>
>> Bosch D-Tect 150 is a more costly version in this glorified "stud 
>> finder" category; that one seems to have a bigger display and no need 
>> for calibration. Could I get user opinions on that?
>>
>> ...and then DeWalt had their version which picked up some bad reviews 
>> and I think that was replaced with a new model so now I'm thoroughly 
>> confused but looking for installer opinions on these type products.
>>
>> Contact me "off List" if there's an extra scanner-gizmo available for 
>> purchase or for lease. Thanks in advance. The Wrench List is the Bomb!
>>
>> Mick Abraham, Proprietor
>> www.abrahamsolar.com
>>
>> Voice: 970-731-4675
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Matthew Partymiller
Solar Energy Solutions LLC
(877) 312-7456
matt at solar-energy-solutions.com

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