Metal detectors are devices used to find hidden metallic items. an electronic instrument that detects the presence of metal nearby. These items range from old coins to gold nuggets and metal trinkets, and they are commonly found at beaches and historic sites.
Learning how to use a metal detector properly takes skill, patience, practice, and determination.
All metal detectors operate by sensing changes in magnetic waves caused by metal. However, some types are more sensitive and expensive than others.

 

Metal detectors are useful for finding metal inclusions hidden within objects, or metal objects buried underground. They often consist of a handheld unit with a sensor probe that can be swept over the ground or other objects. If the sensor comes near a piece of metal this is indicated by a changing tone in earphones, or a needle moving on an indicator. Usually, the device gives some indication of distance; the closer the metal is, the higher the tone in the earphone or the higher the needle goes. Another common type is stationary “walk through” metal detectors used for security screening at access points in prisons, courthouses, and airports to detect concealed metal weapons on a person’s body.

 

There are so many places to try it out but the key to metal detecting is knowing the location and knowing your detector.
The simplest form of a metal detector consists of an oscillator producing an alternating current that passes through a coil producing an alternating magnetic field. If a piece of electrically conductive metal is close to the coil, eddy currents will be induced in the metal, and this produces a magnetic field of its own. If another coil is used to measure the magnetic field (acting as a magnetometer), the change in the magnetic field due to the metallic object can be detected.
Metal detectors are also used to detect foreign bodies in food, and in the construction industry to detect steel reinforcing bars in concrete and pipes and wires buried in walls and floors.

 

This step-by-step guide will make it easier for you to enjoy metal detecting and hunting activities. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Get a Detector That Suits You.

 

2. Decide Where to Hunt.

 

Some of the most common places to start detecting include:

 

Public parks

 

Beaches

 

Woods

 

Private property

 

Public schools

 

There is one huge piece of metal detector etiquette that is important to learn at this point. You should never use your detector somewhere without permission! Even if you think that you are allowed to metal-detect in a public park, it is essential always to check as some places specifically ban this hobby.

 

That being said, using old maps, records, diaries, or even local lore can help you get an idea of where there might be fun treasures just waiting to be discovered.

3. Swing Low and Slow.

 

Once you’re on location, it’s time to start using your detector! Turn it on, and then stick to the hunting mantra: low and slow.

 

Remember that metal detectors work by creating a small magnetic field under the coil in your metal detector. For best results, then, you want to keep this coil low to the ground, but not touching. Then, you want to slowly move it from side to side in a gentle swinging motion.

 

The low and slow method is important because it gives the detector enough time to process and read any signals that it picks up. If you move over an area too quickly, you and the detector might both miss something!

4. Be Methodic.

 

As you swing from side to side, you will want to come up with a walking pattern. Even if you aren’t trying to cover an entire area, having a set walking pattern will help prevent you from wasting time. If you don’t pay attention, you could accidentally end up searching the same places over and over again while you are hunting.

5. Dig Carefully.

 

When your detector indicates a find, you will need to dig a little bit to find out what it is. When digging on any property, you need to be respectful and dig carefully so that the appearance of the land is not ruined.

 

Most hunters will cut the top layer of the land (such as grass sod) using their diggers. They will do this in a horseshoe shape. Then, they will lip the top piece out of the hole. It should still be attached to the land on one side.

 

After digging, you can then flip this “lid” back down and push it into place so that the land is as good as new!
So how else can you learn how to metal detect? Read the manual, browse forums, check out YouTube, and most importantly, get out there and try it yourself! You can only get so much information from reading, you have to get out there and get comfortable with your detector