Cutting a perfect plug will help you recover your target faster and leave a minimal trace of digging or damage to a lawn so that no one would even notice you’d been digging there. Here’s everything you need to know before you begin cutting a plug.
- Determine the plug size you need: The plug will depend on the size of the hole you are digging and the size of the object you are trying to remove. It’s important to cut a large enough plug to easily remove the object but not so large that it damages the surrounding soil or grass.
- Use the right tools: To cut the perfect plug, you will need a digging tool such as a trowel or a small shovel.
- Mark the outline of the plug: Use your digging tool to mark the outline you will be cutting. This will help you visualize the plug’s size and shape before digging.
- Start digging: Using your digging tool, carefully dig around the outline of the plug, cutting through the grass and soil to create the plug.
- Remove the plug: Once you have cut around the outline of the plug, gently lift it out of the ground. Be careful not to damage the plug or the surrounding soil or grass.
- Examine the object: Once the plug has been removed, carefully examine the object you have found to determine its value or significance.
- Replace the plug: After examining the object, you must carefully replace it in the hole you dug. Use your digging tool to gently tamp down the soil and grass, ensuring the plug is securely in place.
- Dispose of any excess soil: If you have any excess soil left over from cutting the plug, be sure to dispose of it responsibly. Please do not leave it on the ground, as it can damage the grass or other vegetation.
- Clean your tools: After you have finished metal detecting for the day, clean and properly store your tools to ensure they are in good condition for your next outing.
Metal detecting is the hobby of searching and digging for various items like coins and jewelry. To do this, you must search through the dirt, grass, or water until you find something worth saving. Metal detectors send waves through the ground and listen for objects moving within those sounds. These moving objects could be buried treasure or junk.
Metal detectors are fun tools used to find buried treasure. They work like radar; they send pulses through the earth, looking for metals that reflect those signals. Once the detector finds something metallic, it sends a signal to alert you. Metal detectors vary widely in price and complexity.
Beginner models are available at $50-$600, but professional units cost thousands. Regardless of cost, these machines take time and effort to learn how to operate correctly. Here are some tips to ensure you don’t destroy anything valuable during your search.
Cutting Begins
The purpose of cutting a plug is to reduce the damage done to the ground, leaving little to no trace of having cut into the ground, and keep the area as intact as possible. In grass-covered areas, cut a plug by gently creating a circular cut in the top ground to be moved to the side as one piece. A semi-complete cut can be done where the soil is moist enough to fold the cut over as if opening a hinged container.
Find Your Target
After removing the plug, it is time to use a handheld pinpointer. Do this slowly and gently until you locate the exact spot where the metal object can be found. Once all items have been found and carefully removed, it is time to refill the plug with any loose soil and the top piece.
Replacing Your Plugs
Make sure any extra dirt is placed back into the hole. Ensure the sides of the cut plug match up well before putting the top layer down. Firmly press the top layer once in a position to keep it from moving if it is walked on. The roots of the grass will reattach and grow with the neighboring roots as if nothing had ever happened.
Additional Tips
Sprinkle a little water on top of the plug to help maintain the health of the recently cut grass.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to cut your plug and adequately replace it when done, it’s time to go out and have fun on your next hunt. Always practice being a good steward of the hobby so everyone can continue to enjoy their outings and adventures.
