Best Kept Metal Detecting Secrets

  • By: Admin
  • Date: January 29, 2024
  • Time to read: 16 min.

Have you ever wanted to find out the best kept metal detecting secrets? You’ve come to the right place.

We know all about how to get started with your new hobby, and we have a lot of tips for finding treasure in your own backyard. Whether you want to learn more about metal detectors or just need some pointers on where to start looking, this is the place for you!

The best part is that it doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced detectorist or just starting out – there’s something here for everyone. With our help, even beginners can become experts in no time at all! So what are you waiting for? Start reading now!


Join a Detecting Club, You Won’t Regret It

Have you ever wanted to go metal detecting but didn’t know where to start? Metal detecting can be a very rewarding hobby, and joining a metal detecting club is the best way to get started. There are many benefits of joining a metal detection club including:

1. You get to meet like-minded people 

2. It’s a great way to learn about metal detecting and the hobby in general 

3. There are many different types of clubs, so you can find one that suits your interests 

4. Clubs often have special events for members only, such as field trips or lectures from experts in the industry

5. Metal detector clubs often have monthly meetings where you can learn about the latest technology and get help with any problems you might be having

Metal detecting clubs are a great way to meet people with the same interests and build a sense of community. There are many benefits to joining one, from learning new skills and tips, attending talks on metal detecting and learning from the experts, finding out about new detector technologies, and much more.

You will also find that there is a lot of equipment available for loan which can be really handy if you don’t have your own kit yet or want to try something different before investing in it yourself.

The best thing about joining an MD club (apart from meeting some great people) is that you will gain access to their knowledge base – they’ve been doing this for years so they know what’s good!


Make Sure To Get The Right Metal Detector For The Job

detecting for gold

One of the best kept metal detecting secrets that a lot of people tend to overlook is that the equipment has to right for the job.

There are many different metal detectors on the market today. They are designed to detect different metals and have varying degrees of sensitivity. In order to find what you’re looking for, it is important that you know which type of detector will work best for your needs.

The most important thing when buying a metal detector is to buy the correct one for the task at hand. A person who wants to find gold would not want to purchase an expensive coin hunting machine; likewise, someone who just wants to find coins will not need a machine with high sensitivity settings. 

So before purchasing your next metal detector it’s important that you consider what it is you are looking for in order for you to make an informed decision on which type of device best suits your needs.


Bigger Doesn’t Always Mean Better When Buying A Metal Detector

minelab gpz

It’s true that people might assume something is better because it looks bigger and it is more expensive. However, this isn’t always the case when purchasing metal detectors. 

You may see other detectorists who have these bulky, heavy all-singing, all-dancing top-of-the-range detectors or all sorts of shiny expensive digging tools to help them find their items quickly and efficiently.

Don’t let these discourage you from using a smaller lighter-weight detector when hunting for treasures on your own hunt sites. One of the least talked about best kept metal detecting secrets is that many times technique and persistence will outweigh an expensive machine.


Always Have Extra Batteries With You

Metal detecting can be a rewarding hobby. It is also an activity that requires a lot of preparation and planning to make sure you have the right tools for the job before you head out. 

One important tool that you should never go without is spare batteries.

The most common type of metal detector uses 9-volt batteries, which are easy to find in stores or online at retailers such as Amazon.com or eBay. 

Another area to remember is that if you use cordless headphones, you may need some spare batteries for them as well.

You may also want to invest in rechargeable batteries as these could save you money in the long run, especially if you detect a lot.


You Will Definitely Need A Pinpointer

what you need to begin metal detecting

Not really one of the best kept metal detecting secrets as such, but there is also one piece of equipment you need if you want to do it right: the pinpointer.

What does a pinpointer do? It helps you find your target by pointing out exactly where that treasure is located, making metal detecting easier and more efficient. Plus, they’re small enough that they don’t take up any space in your pack or pocket.

It’s important when out searching that you have the proper equipment. And one thing that many people forget to bring with them is their pinpointer. It can help you find things like small jewelry, coins, and other objects of value quickly and easily. This article will tell you what types of pinpointers are available for purchase as well as how they work so that you know which one would best suit your needs!


Every Hunt Is Different & Every Hunt Won’t Be Great

Metal detecting yields different results on every hunt you go on. You might have a long, fruitless day or one where the Midas touch is just around the corner! Don’t let bad days discourage you; your best finds may be just around the corner or even in the next field.

Because when it comes to metal detecting, the past is only an indicator of how much fun you might have in your future. The sites that a person chooses are all different and so will be the results you get from them. One of the best metal detecting secrets is don’t give up!

It is common for metal detectorists to have great success on their treasure hunting trips, but also spend time looking in areas that are barren. You will need perseverance and optimism even when you’re not successful so it doesn’t discourage you!

I love to go out hunting with my friends and family whenever I get the chance. We all split up into groups so that we can cover more ground in less time- often from sunup till sundown. 

Some days we all experience unproductive hunts, but don’t let that discourage you because they are just a part of this great hobby!

One day you will find yourself on unproductive hunts while other days it feels like you’ve hit the jackpot. 


Sites Are Never Over Searched, It Doesn’t Matter What People Tell You

If you are a detectorist, then do not let the fact that other people have already searched an area stop you from searching again. If they too had missed targets during their search and found them on subsequent searches, it is possible for you to find what was left behind as well!

The thrill of finding something unique is what keeps detectorists searching. You never know if your second search will be luckier than the first, it could lead to a trove that’s waiting for you where many have walked before….so get searching and get digging!

Even if someone else has searched a site before you, don’t be afraid to give it another go. You never know what they might have missed or ignored in their search!


Always Double-Check Your Dig

Digging up old coins is a lot like the lottery. You never know what you’re going to find in that one spot!

You might have already found your target, but be sure to check all the holes you dug up. You never know what else will pop up! If it turns out there was a coin spill or an old farmstead site nearby and that’s why more targets popped-up, don’t forget to dig in those areas too.

After you dig a target, use your metal detector or better still your pinpointer,  to re-check the hole. You might still have targets there.

One of the best metal detecting secrets, or at least bits of advice, is to double-check your dig. Never assume that each target that you find is only one item. This is especially true when your target is an old coin.


Buy A Really Good Quality Shovel

When you are metal detecting, it is important to have the right tools for the job. One of those tools is a good quality shovel in order to dig up targets from the ground. You will be surprised how much easier your life becomes when you can rely on your digging tools not to let you down.

It’s well known that the best metal detectorists have a really good quality shovel. The most popular models of shovels are made by Garrett and Fisher, but there are other brands as well. 

The reason for this is because you need a really strong and sturdy shovel to dig deep holes without bending or breaking – which can be frustrating when you’re out hunting for treasure!

The best metal detectorists will always recommend buying a quality shovel. A good quality shovel won’t just last longer, it will work better too! But make sure to do your own research before purchasing so that you don’t buy an expensive one that doesn’t live up to expectations!


Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions, People Love To Talk And Educate

Metal detecting is a hobby that has been around for years. Many people enjoy hunting for treasures in their spare time. But like any other hobby, metal detecting can be frustrating and difficult to master without some help. That’s why one of the best kept metal detecting secrets is to ask questions and lots of them

The hobby of metal detecting is a niche market for many people. There are those who enjoy the thrill of finding something that’s been lost, and others may find it to be an interesting hobby. Either way, there’s always room for improvement in the field of metal detecting. 

One way you can improve your skills as a detectorist is by taking advice from someone who has more experience than you do. The best way to learn anything is from other people’s mistakes. This will save you time and money in the long run. And on top of that, no matter how much experience you have, you can always learn more.


Make Sure Your Swinging Technique Is Correct – Low And Slow

Slow and steady wins the race. Swinging too fast and too high may mean missing signals on weak targets or a signal that is too brief. This could mean missing out on your opportunity to find deeply buried treasures worth an awful lot of money!

Every metal detectorist has their own technique for swinging the coil, but there are some general things to keep in mind. One is that you need to swing it from side-to-side so that it covers a wide area of ground without missing any areas near the surface or at depth. 

Another tip is to overlap your sweeps, this will improve your find rate with fewer areas being missed.

The other consideration is how fast or slow you should swing your coil: faster swings will be more effective when hunting on land with high mineralization and low trash, while slower swings will be better if hunting in saltwater.

Your technique will develop and improve over time. And one of the best kept metal detecting secrets is that many people have seriously improved their detecting, just by watching others and copying their movements.


Learn The Subtle Art Of Cutting A Plug

Many detectorists have a metal detecting question that they would like to know the answer to. One of these questions is “How do I cut a plug when metal detecting?”

If you don’t know how to cut off a plug correctly, it could potentially ruin your reputation as a detectorist, which has a knock-on effect for all of us.

Cutting a perfect plug will help to recover your target faster and leave less trace of digging or damage on the ground? I’ll take you through how to cut the perfect plug while metal detecting so no one would even know.

  1. Locate what you consider to be the target center.
  2. As you begin to cut do so in a circular shape. This will help maintain your radius from the center of your target
  3. Cut three quarters away around the radius of the target. This allows you to flip the plug over while maintaining a connection to the surface.
  4. Use a towel or a piece of cloth and place the removed soil onto that. This has a couple of advantages. Firstly it will be easier to locate the target should you remove it on the dig. And secondly, it keeps everything neat and tidy.
  5. Then cut down slightly further down than you feel the target is buried.
  6. Use your pinpointer to locate the item. Bear in mind that the item could be in the soil that you have removed
  7. Fill in the hole and flip the plug back into position. Pat down with your hand or trowel and it is as if you were never there.

Take To The Beach And Learn How To Do It Well

beach metal detecting

One of the best-kept metal detecting secrets is to take your machine to the beach. Many detectorists find it enjoyable because it’s a beautiful place with lots of natural treasures to be found, as well as a lot of lost coins and jewelry. 

The problem is that metal detectors are not allowed on most beaches, so if you want to go out there with your detector, you’ll need to apply for permission from the county in charge of that particular beach or area.

The first thing you should do when approaching any government office about this topic is to research their policy on metal detecting at public locations like parks or beaches before actually going in and talking to them about it. You can usually find information online or by calling their office directly. 

So once you have got the permission, what sort of things can you find? Well, most beach-goers are content to lie in the sun and enjoy their vacation. But for detectorists, a day at the beach is an opportunity to find lost treasure!

It’s easy to see why people lose things on the sand. It shifts constantly, and it’s hard to walk on. Add to that the waves crashing against you as you exit the water and you can see why you’ll have a great time finding coins, jewelry, or other valuable objects that may wash up. 

If you want to learn more about it read our in-depth article on beach metal detecting tips HERE


You Should Be Using Small Search Coils For Trashy Sites

small search coil

Even if you use a great detector, hunting trashy sites can be annoying. Trash targets are known to mask good target signals and make it difficult for the hunter to find what they’re looking for. 

A smaller search coil especially one with a DD shape will provide better separation between trash finds and treasures, as well as increased detection on small objects that would otherwise go unnoticed by someone using larger coils or wider shapes like an O-shape design.

Not only do they provide better target separation as well as increased detection, but they will make your treasure hunt easier because these coils have more maneuverability than their larger counterparts. In areas where trees, rocks, or other items may obstruct your way, smaller coils can fit into these hard-to-access areas.

Use Large Search Coils For Greater Depth

large search coil

In order to find more objects, you’ll want a coil with the widest range and best depth. A larger search coil means that there will be fewer sweeps needed and it can detect big items in deep areas of the ground much easier than any other size could manage.

When metal detecting, there is always a  tradeoff between the size of your search coil user experience. The bigger the coil, usually means that it will be able to uncover larger objects at greater depths than smaller ones; however, this also restricts your search area, due to obstacles such as rocks or trees.


Get Yourself A Dedicated Metal Detecting Toolbox

For a person who has metal detecting as a hobby, it is important to have the proper tools for repairs and maintaining their equipment.

You never know what you might need while metal detecting, and with a wide variety of repair tools at your fingertips, there’s no need to stop searching when the unexpected happens.

 A well-organized toolbox should include:  – small screwdriver set (Phillips & flathead)  – a utility knife or box cutter, thin wire cable ties, and plastic zip locks; scissors are perfect! Electrical tape or better still strong adhesive gaffer tape. A small pair of electrical pliers. As well as plasters and first aid items too. Make sure that any required specialty parts for your detector, such as Allen keys or a small wrench, for making adjustments are also in your kit before heading out .


Make Sure You Do Your Research

One of the best kept metal detecting secrets that the successful detectorist won’t tell you about is that research is king! 

The first thing you should do when researching an area for a potential metal detector hunt, is find out if there are any local laws prohibiting hunting in that region. You can use google maps or ask someone who lives locally about these things so they will be able to answer your questions better!

Another good place to start would be looking at aerial photos on Google Earth – but make sure it’s not too recent. If at all possible walk around the perimeter of where you plan on searching with either a friend or partner- this may allow them some insight as well, such as old farm buildings that might have been deconstructed years ago.

One of the most important things is knowing which metals can be found in the area.  So if you were looking for gold and silver coins but there weren’t any nearby then it’s a waste of time or energy focusing on these! Hopefully, this will help keep some people from being disappointed when they don’t find anything because their search was too specific.

When all things are considered, metal detecting is a hobby that requires extensive knowledge and preparation. Knowing where to look, how deep the item might be buried, what type of metal it may have been made from before starting your search can save you time and money while also increasing your chances for success. If at all possible, like any other form of research I would recommend using Google first!

One way to increase efficiency when metal detecting is through targeted searching; this means knowing in advance whether or not there are items worth collecting in an area by looking up information on historic maps or geological surveys as well as any battles that occurred years before.


Always Wear A Good Quality Set Of Knee Pads

YATTICH Knee Pads

One of the best kept metal detecting secrets and one of the most important things to consider when metal detecting is how it affects your knees. That’s why I always wear a good pair of knee pads under all those layers in wintertime or wherever else they’re needed. I don’t want an injury caused by a sharp rock or a pointed branch slowing me down.

And as you get older you will be glad you took care of your knees when you had the chance.


Make Sure You Dig Everything

Metal detector signals can be tricky to decipher, but the most important thing is not missing anything! You don’t want to assume that a signal you found on your metal detector was just an old bottle cap.

If you want to find the most treasure in your hunt for gold or whatever metal you are searching for, it’s important that you dig every signal from your metal detector. You don’t want to miss something great because of a false assumption!

One of the most important skills in using a metal detector is knowing when to ignore a signal and which targets are worth digging. By looking closely at what your device tells you, such as whether or not the signal grows stronger with depth, one can easily figure out if they should be taking their shovels into action! But until you get to this stage of understanding, it is best to dig everything.

With time spent practicing, this skill will become easy enough so you won’t miss any valuable finds underground and you will understand what you need to dig for and what to avoid.


Consider Using  A Professional Coin Cleaner

Have you found a coin that looks old and potentially valuable? Discovering an ancient coin can be quite the thrill.  As tempting as it may feel to clean them yourself, please don’t do it.

 An improperly cleaned coin will decrease its value significantly with little scratches and nicks being made even by gentle cleaning methods such as soap or toothpaste!

We recommend that you consult experts for advice on how best to go about this; they are typically very knowledgeable when handling these kinds of coins!

As tempting as it may be to do it yourself, you have to consider the potential value of the coin. Don’t risk ruining your future fortune by doing so! The amateur cleaning job could potentially damage the integrity and worth of what was once a valuable artifact.

For coins like these, consult with professionals who have expertise in this area; they will most likely recommend not handling them at all if possible or use extreme caution when dealing with them to help preserve their original condition.


And Finally

Pay Attention To Everything While You Are Searching

One of the best kept metal detecting secrets is you should be 100% focused when you are out treasure hunting. Not only to help with your detecting success, but also for your own personal safety. 

It is very easy to zone out when you are detecting with your headphones on, listening to all the signals from your machine. But you should make sure you are aware of your surrounding at all times. 

If possible always hunt in pairs or preferably in a group, so you have safety in numbers. And make sure you have a fully charged cell phone with you at all times. 


Final Thoughts

We hope you enjoyed taking a look at some of the best kept metal detecting secrets and as I’m sure you are aware by now, some of them are not exactly secrets, more like common sense things we should remember when we head out searching. Stay safe and keep digging, because you never know, that next find could change your life!