Whether you are using a metal detector to detect weapons, buried gold, or nails in a piece of wood, most metal detectors are designed to work in about the same way. You might use a handheld, ground coil, or walk-through metal detector, depending on the application. For the search to be effective, it is essential to have a basic understanding of how a metal detector operates.

All metal detectors have a search coil or loop, around which there is an invisible field. When a metal objects is within this field, the detector gives an audible, and usually a visual, signal to alert you to the presence of metal. Whether you’re looking for a knife or a silver bracelet, this alert is what you’re waiting for.

There are several different types of metal detector technologies. For example, BFO, or Beat Frequency Oscillator, detectors are simple to use but can only detect objects at a relatively close distance. VLF, or Very Low Frequency devices, are among the most common types, particularly in ground search metal detectors. Pulse Induction, or PI metal detectors, are ideal for searching on salt water beaches or in soil containing a high concentration of minerals. Your metal detector may include features such as the ability to discriminate between different types of metals or different types of objects. Another important consideration is the search depth, whether you’re buying a handheld or ground search detector, as it directly relates to how close the metal detector must be to the metal object.

The size of the metal detector coil affects the size of the area you are able to search with one pass of the detector. Be sure to determine what this range is before putting your metal detector to use. If your passes are too far apart, you won’t be searching the entire area. If too close together, you’ll be wasting your time searching the same area multiple times. You can test your metal detector’s range by placing a penny or dime on the ground or on a table that is clear of other metal. Move the metal detector back and forth across the area to test its range. Repeat your search by raising the metal detector further and further from the coin to see how distance affects the search range. The further the distance between the detector coil and the metal object, the smaller the area of the coil that will pick up the signal from the metal.

Most ground search metal detectors have a circular coil between six and twelve inches in diameter. The size of the search area with a handheld metal detector depends on the size and design of the device; look for one that is relatively lightweight, yet has a large search area. No matter the style, one method for ensuring that you are covering the entire area is to pretend that you are painting the search area using your metal detector as a paint roller. Sweep side to side using your detector, avoiding leaving unpainted spots or painting the same area twice. This is the most effective method for using a metal detector.

When it comes to metal detecting, the two most important factors in an effective and efficient search are knowledge and practice. In order to use the detector properly, it is critical that you understand how the metal detector works and have practiced using it.

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