Metal Detector Buyers Guide

How to Buy a Metal Detector

Before you buy a metal detector there are a few questions you must ask yourself:

Where will you be metal detecting ?
What will you be searching for?
Will you be detecting on the beach? (wet beach or dry beach)?
What is your budget?
Have you ever detected before?

Getting Started

What to take with you when metal detecting

Always wear suitable clothing for the weather conditions. Remember to take waterproof clothing, just in case.
Take spare plastic bags to keep the detector dry in a downpour as well.
You will need to take a suitable digging trowel or spade to dig up all of those detector finds.
Containers or bags to keep finds clean & safe
Water & brushes to clean mud off finds in the field
Spare batteries, just in case
Headphones are an optional extra which can help to locate targets
For ease of carriage and to help keep your new metal detector clean a carry bag is helpful but not essential
Most detectors have a pinpoint mode but for extra freedom a pinpoint probe can be used.

Click on the image above to see the full range of detector trowels.

Advice

Further Reading available in our book shop

All land in the UK has an owner, whose permission is required before you can use a metal detector.

It is illegal to use a metal detector on a scheduled ancient monument without permission.

To find a metal detecting club in your area see the list on the web site of The National Council for Metal Detecting?

When you are out using your metal detector always follow the code of conduct

You should note the location of any archaeological objects you find and take these to your local Finds Liaison Officer to record it. (Find your local Finds Liaison Officer )

Understand the definitions of Treasure contained in the Treasure Act of 1996 and understand your legal obligations to it.