Detecting Tips

This page contains valuable tips related to treasure hunting, in general, and metal detecting, specifically.

Members and website visitors are invited to send tips that they feel are valuable to know about the hobby of metal detecting to a website contact, or bring them to a club meeting.

Please send all suggestions and tips to MidwestCoinshooters@gmail.com

Categories will be developed depending on the types of tips received, i.e. equipment tips, target recovery tips, safety tips, target cleaning and preserving tips, and any other categories that are deemed necessary to cover everything.

This will be a good page to visit often as new information will be added as it is received and it should prove to be a valuable resource for both the beginner and experienced detectorist.

Equipment Tips

1.   Always take extra batteries with you.

2.   If you have a second detector, take it with you as a back-up in case your first detector stops working.

3.   Sharpen your digging tools before you head out to make digging targets easier.

4.   Knee pads make kneeling to dig targets easier on your knees.

5.   Using a drop cloth or other similar device to put dirt on when recovering a target makes it easier to replace it in the hole.

6.   Putting all your detecting accessories into a carrying case makes it easier to transport them and insures you have everything you need when you leave.

7.   Take clear plastic wrap to cover your detector housing in case of an unexpected rain.

Safety Tips

1.   Always take a first aid kit with you when out detecting.

2.   Tell someone where you will be detecting before you leave, especially if hunting alone. Stick with your travel plan.

3.   Take your cellphone with you in case of an emergency.

4.   Always be aware of your surroundings and of other people nearby when out detecting.

5.   Hunt with a buddy if possible.

6.   Do not enter unstable structures, wells, caves, or other areas where you might get into a dangerous situation.

7.   Watch for broken glass or other sharp objects in the ground when digging targets.

8.   Take drinking water with you and use it to avoid de-hydration.

9.   Dress appropriately for weather conditions.

10.   Take insect repellent and use it to deter insect bites.

11.   Watch for snakes when detecting in the woods.

12.   Use sunscreen when beach hunting to avoid sunburn.

13.   When water detecting, avoid deep water and have a buddy with you.

14. Take extra Shoes/Socks/Pants/Shirt,in case you run in to Bad Weather

Read your Manual

1.   Always read and understand your detector manual before heading out to detect for the first time.

2.   Keep your detector operating well by cleaning after each use-especially after using in or near salt water.

3.   To reduce arm fatigue while detecting, be sure the detector shaft length is set properly.

4.   Make sure you are inserting the batteries properly to avoid potential damage to your detector-most will only go in one way to prevent improper insertion.

5.   Handle your detector with care-excessive dropping or banging against objects could cause damage.

6.   Protect the housing with plastic wrap or some other appropriate material when hunting in inclement weather.

7.   Keep the coil head attachment tight to keep the coil from flopping around which could damage the cable.

8.   Remove the batteries if the detector will be stored for a long time to avoid battery leakage damage.

9.   When travelling, carry the detector in a protective carrying case.

10.   When water detecting, be careful not to get the control housing wet unless the detector is designed for underwater detecting.

11.   When using headphones, use a twist tie near the headphone connector to relieve stress on the cord thus avoiding internal wires to break prematurely.