5 Metal Detecting Tips to Ensure a Successful Hunt

September 16, 2019

Did you know that metal detectors were invented in 1881, by Alexander Graham Bell, the man best known for inventing the telephone? While metal detectors may not have become quite as widely used as telephones, they’re still a valuable invention for hobbyists and outdoor enthusiasts who love the thrill of the search. However, if you’ve never tried it before, you’ll need some metal detecting tips to get the most out of your excursions.

We’ve put together this essential guide to metal detecting tips and tricks to help you out. Whether it’s your first time, or just your first time in a while, here’s how to metal detect successfully!

Choosing a Metal Detector

Often new detectorists seek to minimize the initial investment in the machine, but beware. Going to the least expensive machine can result in frustrating time in the field. Choose a detector best suited for where you search as well as what. If you are searching at the beach, get a machine with a beach mode.

Seek a machine with a variable ground balance which will help it ignore the mineralized portion of the soil. Multi frequency and pulse induction machines can also increase depth. Believe it or not in metal detecting, you get what you pay for… It is not unlikely that someone searching a place you already searched may find things you missed.

Pick High-Traffic Areas

Choosing a location to search is as important as choosing the right detector. Pick a place which has the highest probability of yielding what you seek. The more people have frequented the area where you search, the more likely you are to have great finds.

Of course, you also need to make sure you’re allowed to hunt in a given location. Check with the local regulations and obtain permission from private land owners before you start. At a beach, land is owned down to high tide level. Below that it is usually OK to search. Some higher end hotels are protective of their guest. It is important to be respectful.

Timing is important as well. For example, you’ll have better luck on a popular beach during the busy season than on a secluded beach during the offseason. A high traffic area doesn’t have to be recently used. Research areas frequented in the past. Former locations of beach boardwalks, shores near old Spanish wrecks and more can yield. Metal detectors have even been used to locate trash pits on old farms producing old collectible glass bottles. Know what you want to find, and do the research.

Stick to Your Search and Take Your Time

Even in the best locations, you’re sure to find a lot of junk. It could take time to unveil the good stuff, so don’t give up fast. In fact, the more time you put in, the more likely you are to find more treasures. Stick to a location, you’ll be surprise on what more might uncover. Metal detectors work best when used with a steady swing.

Swing it in an S pattern over lapping half your coil searched area. Once you search an area, search it again, but the opposite way. Your detector might not have enough recovery time to be able to go back to search mode in time to pick up an object that is next to your first detected object.

Bring the Right Supplies

You should always have a digging tool, treasure and trash sack, and a spare batteries source when you go metal detecting.

If your batteries run out, you might have to cut a promising excursion short. Plus, without a digging tool, you won’t be able to dig safely or efficiantlyenough to find much (even in sand). Pack the tool or tools you’ll need for every trip, even when you don’t expect to find anything.

Test Your Detector

To get a better feel for your metal detector, test it out with items you’ve buried yourself. With this method, you’ll be able to see how the detector reacts to specific items. You’ll have a better understanding of what the signals mean, making your hunts more productive.

How to Get the Most Out of These Metal Detecting Tips

These metal detecting tips will help you get better results with any detector. To get the most for your effort, invest in the best detector you can afford.

Not sure where to buy a high-quality metal detector? Try Bill Jacksons, a family-owned store with a knowledgeable staff to help you make the best buy for your money. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.