does this stick to the wall by itself when it finds a nail or screw? Can you feel it pull when it is moved over a screw or nail behind sheet rock?

You can feel it right a little and the magnet will pop straight up. I'm not sure if the pull is strong enough to hold it to the wall by itself. I just stick a piece of painters tape where it indicates a screw til I have a line of tape pieces.

Has anyone used this with plaster walls? I am worried about the magnet being strong enough to detect nails behind the thick plaster of my very old apt

I havent used it on plaster - you may want to try " CH Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder " I think they are around 9 bucks.... I have one of these too and think the magnets are stronger....

will this find a stud in a ceiling?

It is a magnet. It doesn't find studs but the screw or nail holding the drywall to the stud. If you have drywall it should be able to find the fasteners in a ceiling.

Brand	Johnson
Material	Acrylic
Product Dimensions	1"L x 1.38"W
Style	Magnetic
Item Weight	0.02 Pounds
Operation Mode	Manual
UPC	049448160013 785533209136
Global Trade Identification Number	00049448160013
Manufacturer	Johnson Level & Tool
Part Number	160
Item Weight	0.32 ounces
Item model number	160
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer	No
Power Source	hand_powered
Item Package Quantity	1
Measurement System	Metric
Included Components	Scanners^Stud Finders and Scanning Tool
Batteries Included?	No
Batteries Required?	No
Warranty Description	1 Year Warranty: Johnson Level warrants this product against defects in material and workmanship for one year after the confirmed purchase date. At its option, the company will replace or repair the product if it fails under normal use.

Level & Tool 160 Stud Finder, Black, 1 Stud Finder

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