Smallest Metal Detector?

[+Tacguy]

Looking for the smallest (handheld would be best) metal detector that I could carry packing to find those overgrown benches. Any thoughts?

[+raouljan]

There was a discussion thread a while back about Becnch Mark hunting equipment and metal detectors got a lot of talk.

 

There was even one that straped to your foot!

 

Try the search engine.

[+Colorado Papa]

There was a discussion thread a while back about Becnch Mark hunting equipment and metal detectors got a lot of talk.

One thread was Metal Detector Recommendations. Edited August 30, 2004 by Colorado Papa

[mloser]

I have seen a couple of BFO (an older type of detector, now nearly extinct) on the web as kits. There are also build-yourself instructions for BFO detectors so you can control the size.

Another option would be a security wand. I tested a Garrett Super Scanner with a benchmark and it detected it from approximately 6 inches, although that was with no obstruction. Most metal detector companies offere a security wand style scanner, although you will feel like airport security walking around with one.

 

Garrett's is at http://www.garrett.com/security/sec-pro-han.asp

 

I will post a couple more links to BFO style dectectors, including one I found for $19.95, later.

 

Matt

[+Colorado Papa]

There are also build-yourself instructions for BFO detectors so you can control the size.

This site claims anyone can build this simple metal detector. No knowledge of elctronics required.

[fixman88]

I remember seeing a really small detector called the Vibra-Tector. It uses a 9 volt battery, and vibrates when it finds something. It's located at KellyCo Detectors . I hope this helps!

[mloser]

Here is the website of a company that sells BFO kits. They also have a wand style detector for $100. XTronics

 

I am tempted to buy one of the smallers kits just to see what they are like. Note that I found these same kits cheaper on another website that I didn't bother to save, so if you are interested you might want to look around a bit.

Also available are numerous plans for detectors.

Personally, I think I am going to get a middle of the road one in the next few days. I am looking at the White Prizm models.

 

Matt

[+Colorado Papa]

Metal detectors appear to be on sale at this Florida location. Anyone have a recommendation?

[mrh - terre haute]

I just got one of these. I chose this one (not wanting to appear cheap) because it doesn't weigh much, the shaft telescopes so it will fit easily into a backpack and because it's, well, cheap . I figure how good does it have to be to find 3" bronze disks 3" under the surface, or 5"metal containers for that matter Any input would be helpful but in the meantime I'll be awaiting the big brown truck!

 

http://www.kellycodetectors.com/alert/alert.htm

 

The model is the Deluxe Coin-Finder

 

p.s, tried the insert hyperlink button but it didn't appear to work. Also, thanks to Colorado Papa for the link.

Edited September 20, 2004 by mrh - terre haute

[Bill93]

I looked at the picture and features at the link and was amazed how much it resembles my RatShack unit.

[mrh - terre haute]

Bill93

Have you used it to locate any buried benchmarks?

[Bill93]

I have the Radio Shack 3001 model which I picked up used for cheap. I don't think it operates like the instructions say, like maybe things have drifted out of calibration, but I have found it very useful. The meter appears useless and I operate only on a change in tone and loudness, while keeping it set just on the edge of losing the tone.

 

It finds a bronze disk at 6 inches depth in moist soil if I have the controls tweaked just right, but I haven't learned how to set it to not find other kinds of metal.

 

On perhaps half the disks I have found that weren't in a bridge railing, near a witness post, or otherwise pretty obvious, I probably would have given up without the detector.

[+Colorado Papa]

I have a Bounty Hunter Quick Draw II that I am totally unhappy with. Acording to the test procedure, it does beep properly over the different coins, but is useless in finding a benchmark. Maybe I'm using it wrong. Anyone else have experience with it?