Tips on Using a Metal Detector

Learning Signals

• It takes practice to distinguish the signals coming from your metal detector. Most detectors are fitted with features which allow you to bypass small objects of no value, such as pull rings from cola cans, nails and tin foil. Turning on this feature can save you time. However, it may also mean you miss out on valuable objects such as old coins or rings. After a few months' practice, you should be better able to interpret the signals on your metal detector.

Rainfall

• Well-hunted areas often ignored by amateur metal detectors as they assume that any hidden treasures would have already been discovered. Searching these areas after a period of heavy rainfall, however, can be very rewarding. Terrain has much more conductivity when wet, making metal objects easier to detect at deeper levels. It's also good to recheck areas after the ground thaws following a severe winter. The thawing causes to ground to shift, meaning objects that weren't previously apparent may be detected.

Consideration

• Many of the objects you unearth while metal detecting are going to be of little or no value. Old nails, foil or cans are likely to make up the lion's share of your discoveries. Ensure you pack any rubbish away in carrier bags rather than leaving them on the beach or field. This helps the environment and is also likely to give you some leeway with your hunting, should any beach or park wardens pass by. If you dig any holes, fill and even them out before proceeding to the next spot. Joggers or animals could suffer injuries if the holes are left open.

Research

• Knowing how to research potentially lucrative dig sites is a key weapon in the arsenal of any budding metal detector. The Internet is an wonderful place to start your research. Simply type in the name of your local area to find out the history of the place, such as whether any families lived there and whether any recent construction work has been undertaken. The longer an area's foundations have gone untouched, the better chance of valuable artifacts remaining. Check your local library for additional historical information and access to maps of your area.