Metal Detector Care & Maintenance

Dirt, grime, and trash are ever-present elements in the life of an avid metal detectorist. And while coins, buttons, rings, and other valuables often clean up very nicely, it's important to remember that metal detectors need a little care and cleaning, too.

The Basics
Always take due care with your metal detector. Don't lean on it or use it to brace yourself when getting up from a dig. Don't try to shove it into spots where it won't easily fit. Whenever possible, clear away and dispose of debris that could damage or get caught on the search coil.

Cleaning

A metal detector is a sensitive piece of electronic equipment and should be treated as such, whether it's in use or in storage. Wipe your metal detector down with a damp cloth after use, especially if it's been in or near salt water. Give special and careful attention to the control box and metal detector coil or head. Wipe the detector dry after you've finished cleaning it.

Storage
Store your detector in a cool, dry place, and remove the batteries to ensure that no leaking or corrosion occurs.

Protecting the Search Coil
The search coil is the metal-detecting part of your detector. It's also the part that's most prone to damage, especially if you like to scrape the ground in order to maximize your detecting depth. The best way to protect search coils is with search coil covers. These inexpensive covers save detectorists a lot of money by prolonging the life of their metal detector coils, and because the covers are plastic, they don't interfere with the detection signal. When cleaning metal detectors that have a coil cover, always remove the cover in case dirt or sand has gotten into the coil.

Batteries
If your gold or coin detector isn't working, the first thing to check is the batteries. They may be corroded, or they may not be new enough to power the detector. The battery holder and/or contact springs may also need to be cleaned.

Stuck Needlebr> This could be due to static electricity. Wipe the control box down with a damp cloth.