Abstract: A magnetic stud sensor includes a handle portion and a body portion which together form an enclosure for loosely enclosing a magnet. The handle portion is adapted with indentations for a user's fingers and a projection for urging the magnet toward a wall. The body portion includes guides which, in connection with the projection, loosely hold the magnet near a planar portion of the body portion proximal a wall when the stud sensor is in use. As the stud sensor approaches a metal object behind a wall panel, the magnet is urged against and strikes the planar portion making an audible clicking or tapping sound.