Zircon Celebrates 50 Years of Electronic Tool Innovation
Zircon, a pioneer in electronic hand tools and a familiar name on the shelves of hardware stores worldwide, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025. Founded in 1975 around a family kitchen table in California, the company has grown into a respected technology manufacturer based in Campbell, Calif., with a product line recognized for its precision and reliability.
Zircon changed the home improvement industry in 1980 with the introduction of the world’s first electronic stud finder. That product set the company on a path of innovation and helped establish the electronic hand tool category for both professionals and DIYers. Today, Zircon continues to focus on sensor and semiconductor-based tools that solve real-world problems on the jobsite and at home.
“Our 50th anniversary represents a significant milestone that reflects our commitment to precision, quality, and customer-focused solutions,” said John Stauss, CEO of Zircon Corporation. “From day one, our philosophy has been simple: ‘We make tools, not gadgets.’”
That approach—emphasizing durability and practical function over novelty—has earned Zircon a strong reputation with contractors, remodelers, and hardware retailers alike. The company holds more than 80 global patents and registered designs and continues to invest heavily in research and development.
Zircon’s current product line includes StudSensor™ stud finders, MultiScanner™ wall scanners, SuperScan® advanced stud finders with Target Control® technology, MetalliScanner® metal detectors, Leak Alert™ water detectors, and Breaker ID circuit breaker finders. Its tools are widely available in independent hardware stores, home improvement chains, and online.
Earlier this year, Zircon’s parent company, ZRCN Inc., began trading on the OTCQX Best Market under the symbol “ZRCN.” The move opens additional opportunities for growth while keeping Zircon’s core values intact, Stauss said.
“Unlike technology that becomes obsolete in a year, our tools stand the test of time—just as reliable as a hammer, but with the technological advantages customers need to complete projects with confidence,” he said.
