You can build a sturdy pinpointer holder for under $10 using basic PVC pipe and a few household materials. Start with 3/4″ or 1″ Schedule 40 PVC cut to 6-12 inches, then add T-style fittings to create your mounting system. Secure it to your detector pole using machine screws or zip ties, and adjust the height so you can grab your pinpointer instinctively. The complete guide below covers everything from waterproofing techniques to adjustable mechanisms that’ll keep your setup rock-solid in the field.
Key Takeaways
- Use 3/4″ or 1″ Schedule 40 PVC pipe cut to 6-24 inches with T-fittings and mount to board with screws.
- Secure pinpointer using hex bolts with rubber lining, magnetic mounts, zip ties, or carabiner connections for quick access.
- Seal electronics with marine-grade silicone and waterproof containers like soap dispensers to prevent moisture damage.
- Install copper foil Faraday shielding around circuits while leaving gaps near detection coil for optimal metal sensing.
- Adjust mounting height for comfortable reach and ensure pinpointer doesn’t interfere with detector’s swing arc.
Materials and Tools Required for Your PVC Mounting System
Before you plunge into building your custom pinpointer holder, you’ll need to gather a handful of affordable materials that are likely sitting at your local hardware store right now.
Start with at least four T-style PVC fittings and one end cap—these work perfectly with standard schedule 40 pipe in 1/2″, 3/4″, or 1″ diameters.
Your adhesive options include standard PVC cement for permanent joints.
You’ll also need a ratcheting pipe cutter for clean cuts, a drill with 1/8″ bit, 1/2″ wood screws, and machine screws with nuts.
Don’t forget tool attachments like clips or hangers—you can even repurpose an old lamp holder!
This simple setup gives you complete freedom to customize your mounting system without breaking the bank.
For a solid mounting surface, consider using a 3/4 inch board as your sturdy base to secure the PVC pipe holders.
Remember to take safety precautions while handling your cutting and drilling tools throughout the project.
Selecting the Right PVC Pipe Diameter and Length
The success of your pinpointer holder hinges on choosing the correct PVC pipe diameter—get this wrong, and you’ll end up with a mount that’s either too snug or frustratingly loose.
Precise PVC diameter selection makes the difference between a perfectly functional pinpointer holder and a completely unusable one.
Most pinpointers fit comfortably in 3/4 inch or 1 inch Schedule 40 PVC, with inside diameters of 0.824 and 1.049 inches respectively. Measure your pinpointer’s thickness before committing to a size.
For length selection, you’ll want 6 to 12 inches for compact desk setups, while wall-mounted configurations work best with 18 to 24 inch segments.
Standard 20-foot PVC pipes let you cut exactly what you need, giving you freedom to customize multiple holders from one purchase. Use proper cutting tools to ensure clean edges that will fit together seamlessly.
Square your cuts properly—it guarantees solid fitting assembly and professional results you’ll proudly share with fellow detectorists.
Preparing Your Household Container Housing
Repurposing an empty soap dispenser transforms everyday household items into surprisingly effective pinpointer housing—and you’ve likely got one sitting under your sink right now.
These household containers offer waterproof protection for your NE555 circuit, buzzer, and battery connector while keeping costs near zero.
Start your repurposing techniques by removing the pump mechanism and rinsing thoroughly.
Dry completely—moisture shorts circuits fast. Wipe interior surfaces with isopropyl alcohol for residue-free assembly.
Test-fit your components: the 9V connector, circuit board, and quartz watch coil should nestle inside without forcing the lid.
Enhance waterproofing by applying silicone sealant around lid edges and sealing wire entry points with hot glue.
Run a submersion test before installing electronics.
The circuit requires one 4.7 kOhm resistor alongside your capacitors to complete the NE555 configuration.
Once assembled, you’ll need a shaft holder designed for secure attachment during actual metal detecting sessions.
This simple conversion delivers professional-grade protection without the commercial price tag.
Installing Electronic Shielding and Circuit Protection
You’ll want to protect your pinpointer’s electronics from both electromagnetic interference and moisture damage to guarantee reliable performance in the field.
Start by constructing a simple Faraday shield using copper foil or conductive mesh around the circuit compartment, then seal all enclosure seams with silicone gasket material to keep out dirt and water.
Remember to leave strategic gaps in your shielding near the detection coil—this balances EMI protection with the sensor’s ability to detect metal targets effectively.
Consider adding ESD protection circuits near input points to safeguard the sensitive components from voltage spikes caused by static discharge during field use.
Route ground paths close to your signal traces within the PCB layout to minimize electrical noise and enhance the overall shielding effectiveness of your pinpointer assembly.
Faraday Shield Construction Methods
When building electronic shielding for your pinpointer holder, you’ll need to understand how conductive materials block electromagnetic interference through electron migration. Your Faraday cage creates opposing fields that cancel external signals, providing superior shielding effectiveness when constructed properly.
Essential Construction Techniques for Maximum EMI Prevention:
- Size mesh openings to 1/10th of your target wavelength—use 6.25mm holes for 2.4 GHz protection methods.
- Layer three sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil for reliable cellular signal blocking.
- Guarantee continuous edge contact throughout your conductive materials for peak performance.
- Integrate ground connections to your PCB using low-inductance connector shells for signal filtering.
Copper mesh delivers outstanding results, achieving 100 dB attenuation against EMI, RF, and EMP threats.
Remember: smaller holes block higher frequencies effectively, giving you complete control over your device’s electromagnetic environment. All bonding areas must be free of paint or coating to ensure the metallic surfaces make proper electrical contact for effective EMI containment. Calculate skin depth based on operating frequency to determine the minimum thickness required for your shielding material.
Moisture-Proof Enclosure Sealing
Your electromagnetic shielding won’t matter if water seeps into your pinpointer holder and destroys the electronics inside.
Selecting proper gasket materials makes the difference between a weekend project and a reliable field tool. Silicone, neoprene, and EPDM rubber offer excellent sealing properties that withstand outdoor conditions. Choose gasket thickness based on your mating surface tolerances—too thin won’t seal, too thick prevents proper compression.
Master sealant application by covering every potential water entry point: seams, joints, and fastener areas. Marine-grade silicone or RTV sealant works perfectly for wire passage glands and enclosure openings. RTV silicone creates an effective moisture barrier that supplements your primary gasket seal.
Don’t over-tighten fasteners; you’ll distort the gasket and compromise your seal. For added protection, consider conformal coating on your circuit boards. This community-tested approach keeps your electronics dry during those muddy treasure hunts.
Gap Placement for Sensitivity
- Position gaps near fault points where 2500-volt square-wave pulses penetrate every 3-4 seconds.
- Adjust your potentiometer to set full-scale output with shorted gaps for baseline calibration.
- Apply heat shrink tubing around circuit gaps to maintain protection while preserving sensitivity.
- Test with your sensitivity control to verify the detector responds only to genuine targets.
You’re now building professional-grade equipment that rivals commercial models—all on your terms, with complete customization freedom.
Assembling the Adjustable Pole Attachment Mechanism
The magic of this pole attachment lies in its trigger-locking mechanism, which transforms a simple telescoping pole into a precision tool you’ll actually want to use.
You’ll find the bottom trigger’s U-shaped design interlocks perfectly with the top trigger, creating your adjustable locking system. When you depress that bottom trigger, it closes the gap against the collar, pushing the top trigger outward and retracting the locking pin from the inner sleeve’s aperture. This gives you instant pole stability at any length you need.
Release the trigger, and the pin snaps back into place, securing your setup. The bore in the collar lets the locking pin slide freely during adjustments.
It’s straightforward engineering that puts you in control—no fumbling, no frustration, just reliable positioning exactly where you want it.
Securing Your Pinpointer to the Mount
You’ve built the perfect mount, so now let’s lock that pinpointer in place with hardware that actually works!
The right attachment method—whether you’re using zip ties with goop adhesive, quick-snap brackets, or adjustable tension clips—makes the difference between a secure hold and losing your gear in the field.
Focus on creating adjustable tension that grips your pinpointer firmly while still allowing quick release when you need to pinpoint a target.
Attachment Methods and Hardware
Once you’ve built the mount itself, selecting the right attachment method becomes your next critical decision. Different fastening solutions offer varying levels of security and convenience for your detecting adventures.
Popular Attachment Techniques:
- Hex Nut and Bolt Systems – Wing nuts attach to bolts protruding from your holder, with rubber lining protecting your shaft from compression damage. No tools required!
- Magnetic Mounts – These eliminate traditional hardware entirely, offering lightning-fast access while preventing loss during water hunts.
- Zip Tie Solutions – Thread ties through lanyard loops for cost-effective, customizable securing that works with any pinpointer style.
- Carabiner Connections – Clip your lanyard to your digging belt for hands-free carrying and instant availability.
Choose based on your hunting style and terrain preferences!
Adjustable Tension Mechanisms
After selecting your attachment method, you’ll need a reliable tension mechanism that keeps your pinpointer firmly in place during vigorous digging and hunting.
Wing nut systems offer excellent tension adjustment—simply tighten or loosen the bolt for your preferred grip strength.
Clip-based mechanisms provide instant securing with snap-in designs that lock through built-in tension.
Velcro straps deliver customizable hold strength, letting you dial in perfect tension stability for your specific pinpointer diameter.
Friction pinch designs work brilliantly for tapered models, creating secure holds through slot-and-hump geometry.
Locking channel mechanisms combine downward pressure release with interlocking grooves for rock-solid tension maintenance.
Choose a system that matches your hunting style—you want quick access without sacrificing security.
Test your tension adjustment thoroughly before heading out to guarantee your pinpointer stays put when you’re working ground.
Testing and Adjusting Height Settings for Optimal Performance
Before you head out to the field, take a few minutes to dial in your pinpointer holder’s height setting—it’ll make a world of difference in your detecting efficiency.
Height testing starts by positioning yourself in your natural detecting stance and reaching for where your pinpointer would sit during actual use.
Performance adjustment checklist:
- Position the holder under your upper pole for XP DEUS and ORX setups.
- Test your reach while holding the detector—you shouldn’t strain or bend awkwardly.
- Swing your detector through its full arc to check for interference.
- Secure the bracket groove at your ideal height and verify the wing nut locks firmly.
Your setup should feel instinctive, letting you grab and return your pinpointer without breaking your hunting rhythm or compromising your freedom of movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can This PVC Mount Design Work With Commercial Pinpointer Models?
You’ll find excellent pinpointer compatibility with this PVC mount! Most commercial models like the XP MI-6, Garrett ProPointer AT, and Gold Hunter TM fit perfectly. Just make certain you’re accounting for battery access and proper drainage for waterproof models.
How Does Weather Affect the Mount’s Durability During Extended Outdoor Use?
Weather resistance depends heavily on your material choices! UV rays degrade standard PVC, while moisture causes expansion and contraction. You’ll want marine-grade or UV-resistant materials plus proper sealing to guarantee your mount withstands extended outdoor detecting adventures.
Will the Mount Interfere With My Metal Detector’s Signal Detection?
Ironically, your DIY mount won’t cause signal interference—it’s the pinpointer itself that’ll mess with detection accuracy! You’re free to build away, but remember: lower your pinpointer’s sensitivity and adjust frequencies to keep your detector running smoothly, friend!
What Weight Capacity Should the PVC Pole Support for Safety?
For your intended use, 1-inch PVC easily supports a pinpointer’s negligible weight. Following safety standards, it’ll handle 150 pounds—far exceeding what’s needed. You’re building something reliable that’ll serve you well in the field!
Can I Disassemble the Mount for Compact Storage and Transportation?
Yes, you can! Fellow detectorists often break down their mounts for road trips. Following disassembly tips like reversing assembly steps and using slots for alignment creates excellent storage solutions. You’ll maintain freedom to explore anywhere without bulky gear!
References
- https://www.instructables.com/DIY-Simple-Sensitive-Pinpointer-Metal-Detector/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43kj3Lf5mb8
- https://golddetecting.forumotion.net/t6394-grant-s-diy-pi-detector
- https://www.treasurenet.com/threads/diy-pinpointer.683238/
- https://metaldetectingforum.com/index.php?threads/attaching-pin-pointer-to-a-pole.179151/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYIeGJvYapE
- https://www.prospectingaustralia.com/threads/surf-pi-build-inbuilt-pinpointer.4852/
- https://www.hackster.io/mircemk/diy-pin-pointer-metal-detector-1391ff
- https://www.instructables.com/Tool-DIY-Helping-Hands-Tool-and-Material-Holder-/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZQ-TmCVMrM
