Are you new to metal detecting and want to improve your skills? Not a problem! You came to the right place.
So, here are the five useful metal detecting tips you should know by now:
1. Use the Metal Detector Correctly
After you purchased a metal detector (if you don’t know which detector to choose, read this best metal detectors for beginners article), the first step you should do is to read the user manual.
You have to learn the different alert sounds and settings and care for the device.
Below are several ways on how to use the equipment correctly:
Get Help
If you know someone with experience using a metal detector, you can ask for help from him or her for your first hunting trip. If not, you can join metal detecting clubs online.
Learn the Alerts
A metal detector makes different alerts, and you need to get familiar with each of them. Do this by putting a gold ring and coin on the ground and then swing your detector over them. That way, you will determine the specific alert for each metal sounds like.
Pinpoint Targets
Ensure to narrow down the exact location of the target. Move the device from side to side and front to back.
Utilize All the Settings
Using all-metal settings will give you more chances to dig for targets. It also helps find more valuable objects like gold.
Get Familiar with the Salt Inference
If you are hunting on beaches, salt can interfere with the signals of the detector. So, you have to turn the sensitivity adjustments to ensure stabilized signals.
2. Practice Digging Etiquette
You can consider metal detecting like other outdoor activities like camping. Once you dig for objects that the detector finds, ensure to fill in holes and replace sod. If not, the area will appear as if you have never been there. Plus, the caretakers or landowners might get angry.
From the start of your first metal detecting trip, ensure to follow simple rules of digging etiquette. These rules will help leave the search location with no trace.
- Use the right digging tools and stick with easy to carry and small ones to cause less damage to the search area;
- Whether it is grass, dirt, or sand, do not forget to return the site to its original look and shape;
- Ensure to dig straight down when digging in through sod to reduce the amount of damage to the roots;
- Cut into the grass in a “U” shape helps to easily fold the flap over and leave the cut part still attached;
- Use a piece of cloth or cardboard to replace the sand and dirt neatly and thoroughly as it puts the dug-out dirt and sand on with ease;
- Bring water to rehydrate the grass once done digging, especially during hot summer months.
3. Try Some Unconventional Metal Detecting Methods
In some instances, bringing out your creativity when searching for targets is an excellent idea. Here are some of the unconventional metal detecting methods you can try:
Dig Three Additional Holes
Digging three extra holes will help you have additional finds. If you are digging in a location with a lot of targets, the extra holes are an advantage.
Use A Pinpointer
Once you find a spot with a deep bullet spill or pocket spill, you have a better chance to find more relics. That is the perfect time to dig out the area and only use a pinpointer. This will help you to ensure that you will not miss anything.
Do Not Hesitate to Get Dirty
If you search in an area with unpredictable weather, get ready for a rainy metal detecting trip. If you are willing to go out despite the rain and mud, you can find some real keepers.
4. Do Not Be Afraid of Some Trial and Error
The world of metal detecting is exciting. However, mastering the skills takes time. You also need to embrace the concept of trial and error. If you are not yet confident about your knowledge and understanding, consider the following:
- Even if you are on a tight budget, ensure to purchase the best metal detector you can afford;
- Practice and be more familiar with the device by hunting in your own backyard;
- Expect to find some trash, such as nails, pull tabs, bottles, and more, but do not be discouraged as it will help you become more alert the next time you hunt;
- Dig every signal from the device so that you will not miss anything.
5. Know the Common Metal Detecting Mistakes
As a beginner, you are prone to many mistakes. However, it does not necessarily mean that you will not avoid them. Below are the common metal detecting mistakes you should avoid:
- Trespassing;
- Not conducting enough research;
- Not bringing extra parts like straps, coil bolts, batteries, etc.;
- Using inappropriate or ineffective search patterns;
- Building unrealistic expectations
- Cleaning old coins and relics;
- Not spending enough time;
- Not using a pinpointer when narrowing down targets.
Conclusion
Most people who are less familiar with metal detecting wonder, “what is so exciting about metal detecting?” or “why do people do it?”
Individuals who love this hobby have many reasons why they keep doing it.
Some love the thrill of finding something that exists for almost hundreds of years, while others love to collect coins, whether they are modern or colonial silver coins.
Others love the outdoors and being active, so they enjoy the concept of this hobby.
No matter what your reason, the tips above will help you advance your mental detecting skills in no time. Happy hunting!
