My old kicker always slipped on that loop pile commercial stuff.

Yeah exactly, @king.lisa. It's like saying using a telescope is cheating because your eyes can't see it that way. The data is right there on the sensor, just too faint. Stretching the levels in GIMP is no different than turning up the volume on a quiet song. I had the same thing with Orion's Nebula, just a tiny green blob until I pulled the curves. Calling that cheating is wild.

Honestly, this is the perfect example of a cheap tool costing you more in the end. I've seen this with so many things, where the bargain version just creates more work and waste. For studs, a simple strong magnet is my go-to. It finds the drywall screws and never lies. You just slide it around until it sticks hard. That $12 finder probably cost you another $20 in spackle and frustration.

You mentioned the key feels flimsy, and that's the real weak spot. The chuck body might hold up, but a worn or broken key leaves you with a useless press. It's worth having a spare key on hand just in case.

Honestly, that's a cool find, it's more about the memory than the hours. Paulperry, I get your point, but sometimes a tough week is just part of learning a real job.