Treasure hunting and metal detecting can be fun and rewarding hobbies. Different places hide many secrets beneath the ground, and you’ll often find valuable treasures. Metal detector enthusiasts discover interesting items every day.
Before you start, though, you’ll need to understand how metal detectors work, choose the right one, learn the relevant laws, and familiarize yourself with important metal detecting tips and information.
If you are new to metal detecting, here is a beginner’s guide to help you get started:
- Research the hobby: It’s smart to research metal detecting before you start the hobby. You’ll find plenty of resources – including books, websites, and forums – that’ll teach you about techniques, equipment, and the laws you’ll need to follow.
- Choose the right metal detector: You’ll need to select the right metal detector to find metal objects. Think about which type of metal you’re most interested in finding, where you’ll be searching, and how much you’re willing to spend when choosing your detector.
- Adjust the settings: You’ll need to adjust your metal detector’s settings to get the best performance. Set the sensitivity, ground balance, and discrimination levels to optimize your ability to find metal.
- Use the right search coil: You’ll improve your chances of finding metal objects by choosing the right search coil – that circular device at the end of your metal detector’s stem – based on the type of metal you’re looking for and the terrain you’ll be searching.
- Sweep slowly and methodically: It’s important to move slowly and methodically when you’re using your metal detector. Sweep your search coil back and forth, and make sure you’re covering the entire search area.
- Look for areas with a high likelihood of containing metal: You’ll find metal objects more easily in areas where there’s higher foot traffic, like beach entrances or popular walking paths. Start your search in these crowded spots.
- Use proper digging tools: When you’ve found a metal object with your metal detector, you’ll need to use proper digging tools to remove it carefully and respectfully from the ground. A small trowel or digging tool will work well for this task.
- Have fun and be patient: It’s fun to detect metal. People of all ages enjoy this hobby, and finding hidden treasure makes for a thrilling and rewarding experience.e all, remember to have fun when detecting metal. This is a hobby that people of all ages can enjoy, and the thrill of finding a hidden treasure can be a rewarding experience.
I’ve written an extensive guide to help you start metal detecting. Each chapter dives deeper into specific topics. While it’s not a complete exhaustive guide to metal detecting, it’ll help you begin your journey.
Click each chapter link to begin. You’ll find a link to the next chapter at the end of each section. Below, I’ve summarized the content of each chapter.
Chapter 1 – What Do You Need To Start Metal Detecting?
You’ll need a metal detector to start metal detecting. There are plenty of metal detectors on today’s market, and if you’ve got one, it’s important to know its features and functions. You need to learn how your specific model works to use it effectively.
You’ll need proper tools when you’re digging a hole, and you should take care of them so they’ll last longer. A pinpointer can help you avoid digging huge holes. Start by respecting the surroundings: ask permission from the owner if it’s private property or the government if it’s public land. Keep the area clean and fill in any holes you dig.
Chapter 2 – Key Factors To Consider When Buying a Metal Detector
You’ll need to consider several factors when buying a metal detector: your budget, where you’ll use it (such as parks, fields, or beaches), who’ll be using it, and what you’re searching for (like jewelry, coins, gold, or relics). It’s essential to evaluate your available money, the people who’ll share the detector, and your specific plans for using it.
Chapter 3 – Metal Detectors – A Must For Treasure Hunting
We learned in Chapter 1 that you’ll need a metal detector to get started. In this chapter, we’ll explore this topic more deeply. We’ll cover various types of metal detectors and where you’ll find them. We’ll also address potential legal issues and the code of conduct you should follow while metal detecting.
Chapter 4 – The 3 Types of Metal Detectors Explained
The three main types of metal detectors are Pulse Induction, Very Low Frequency (VLF), and Specialty Detectors. Pulse Induction detectors use a single coil to transmit and receive signals. They’ll process hundreds of pulses per second, and they’re ideal for river banks and beaches since they’re completely immune to soil mineralization.
VLF metal detectors are the most common ones for good reason. They’re perfect for beginners since they’re affordable, lightweight, and easy to use, plus they’ve got great battery life. Specialty detectors come in three categories: Multi-Frequency detectors, gold metal detectors (used specifically for finding gold nuggets), and waterproof metal detectors.
Chapter 5 – How Does a Metal Detector Work?
A metal detector’s a great tool for detecting metal objects like coins, gold, and jewelry beneath the ground’s surface. It works by transmitting an electromagnetic field from its search coil into the ground, and if there’s metal within the field, it’ll send a signal or tone back to the detector. The returning tone has unique sounds and properties depending on what kind of metal lies underground.
Chapter 6 – How To Use a Metal Detector
Using a metal detector isn’t hard, and beginners can master it by practicing in local areas and small yards to learn proper methods and techniques. To get started with a metal detector, you’ll need to assemble it, add batteries, and power it on.
You’ll need to select your mode setting to specify what you’re searching for, whether it’s silver, iron, or gold. Next, adjust the advanced settings on your detector, and once you’ve completed ground balance, you can start metal detecting.
Chapter 7 – What Are The Metal Detecting Laws?
You’ll need to follow either the ARPA Act of 1976 or the Antiquity Act of 1906 when metal detecting in any US state. States also have their own laws and rules that may restrict metal detecting activities and require additional permits. Since regulations vary by state, it’s essential to get permission before metal detecting on private property or public lands.
Chapter 8 – Can You Metal Detect in National Parks?
In the US, they’ve declared many destroyed and abandoned cities as national parks because the ruins have deteriorated badly, and no one lives there anymore. It’s unfortunate for treasure hunters and metal detectorists that national parks are entirely off-limits.
It’s illegal to use metal detectors on federal properties, including national parks. If you’re caught, you’ll face penalties that can include imprisonment and fines up to $10,000. Metal detecting in these areas isn’t just illegal – it’s a felony since the law bans digging up or removing artifacts, historical objects, and hunting for relics.
Chapter 9 – Can You Metal Detect in a Cemetery?
A cemetery’s a special, quiet resting place for loved ones who’ve passed away, and visitors shouldn’t disturb this place except during special occasions. State laws differ on whether it’s legal to metal detect in cemeteries.
It’s not okay to go metal detecting in cemeteries. Most metal detectorists agree that we shouldn’t disturb resting grounds out of respect for those buried there. People who metal detect in cemeteries give our community a bad reputation and act immorally.
Chapter 10 – Can a Metal Detector Find Gold Coins?
Metal detectors’ll find all coins, whether they’re gold or not, making coin hunting a guaranteed success. You’ll have the best luck searching in common areas like parks, playgrounds, beaches, sidewalks, and public buildings. Since all coins contain metal, your detector will beep when it finds one.
You’ll find coins with any metal detector, whether you’re using cheap or costly equipment. You don’t need a gold detector to find gold coins since they’re recommended for nugget hunting, not coin hunting.
Chapter 11 – Can You Make Money With a Metal Detector?
You’ll make money using a metal detector if you’ve got patience and put in effort, starting with research and hard work. Before profiting from your finds, it’s important to learn where the best treasure spots are and how to use your detector effectively.
Once you’re familiar with your metal detector, understand what the sounds mean, and master its sweeping techniques, you’re closer to finding treasure.
Chapter 12 – How Do You Choose The Right Metal Detector?
Each person has their preferences and needs when choosing the right metal detector. To select the right one, you’ll need to consider your land’s composition, climate, and whether you’ll use it on land or in water.
Choose a detector that’ll fit your preferred type of hunting – whether it’s relics, coins, land-based items, underwater treasures, gold, or precious gems. You’ll want adjustable length and height if you’re short, tall, or plan to share the detector with someone else. It’s vital to select a detector that matches your specific needs and desires.
