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How to Use an Ace 250 Metal Detector

The Garrett Ace 250 is a lightweight metal detector that will give you the best bang for your metal-detecting buck--if used correctly. The Ace 250 offers five different search modes, a customization mode and a pinpoint feature. It is geared toward finding buried coins, but it will also detect jewelry, gold nuggets and metal junk. You probably won't get rich using your Ace 250 to find buried treasure, but it's a fun hobby to engage in while getting some exercise as well.

Things You'll Need

Quarter
Dime
Penny
Pull tab
Aluminum foil
Nail

Instructions

- 1
  Set your detector to "All-Metal" mode, so you can experience the different sounds that materials make when the Ace 250 gets a hit.
- 2
  Bury a quarter, dime and penny about 4 inches deep in separate holes. Run your detector over each coin, and listen to the tone your detector makes. The tone of a buried coin should result in a clear bell tone.
- 3
  Bury a nail, the tab off a soda can and a piece of aluminum foil 4 inches deep in separate holes. Notice the different tones each material makes. The nail and aluminum foil will give off a scratchy low tone. The pull tab will give off an identical clear bell tone that a coin will make. You will have to get used to digging up these pull tabs while searching for coins.
- 4
  Use the pinpoint feature of the Ace 250. After you get a hit from your detector hold the pinpoint feature down. Run your detector back over the target in the shape of an "X" to approximate the center of the target. The tone will increase in volume when you are directly over the target. Mark the spot to start digging.
- 5
  Use a plastic garden trowel when digging up a target. Wave each scoop of dirt back-and-forth directly underneath your detector head. When your detector beeps, you have the target in your garden trowel. Carefully pour the dirt into your hand to find out what you have unearthed.

Artifacts