Metal Detecting Accessories

There are many accessories that can be purchased for metal detecting that can increase the performance of the metal detector and help in finding treasure. Some of the accessories are electronic devices that help maximize the capabilities of the metal detector while other accessories are simple hand tools that help in recovering the detected items.

Metal Detector Accessories - Headphones

One of the most important accessories you can purchase is a good set of high impedance headphones. It does not make much sense to purchase a high-quality metal detector without also purchasing a pair of high quality headphones. Headphones can block out distracting noises and allow you to hear fainter signals better which might indicate smaller items, less conductive metals, or deeper buried items. There are several factors to consider when purchasing a pair of headphones. One factor is to try to match the impedance of the headphones to your metal detector. A good pair of headphones will not do you much good if they don't work well with your metal detector. While there are many quality high impedance headphones designed for musicians, you would want to find headphones designed for metal detecting and work well with your detector in particular. Other factors to consider are comfort and durability. Since you will be wearing the headphones for extended amounts of time, you want to try on the headphones and make sure they fit well on your head and cover your ears comfortably. It is also important to find headphones that are durable enough to withstand the conditions of metal detecting, such as dirt, dust, and moisture. AccuSound headphones designed for metal detectors are used by many metal detectorists because of their high quality and durability.

Metal Detector Accessories - Pinpointer

Metal detectors may detect an item, but they are not always good at showing the exact location. This is where pinpointers can help. Once you start to dig a hole, you place the pinpointer (probe) into the hole and it will help guide you to the item faster. This can save you time and digging when you are searching for coins, relics, jewelry and other small items. There are many manufacturers of pinpointers with a general price range of about $100 to $200 dollars.

Metal Detector Accessories - Search Coils

Search Coils are available in various sizes and configurations depending on the type of items and location being searched. Generally, smaller search coils are best for detecting small metal objects at the greatest possible depth and larger search coils are best at detecting large objects at the greatest possible depth. While larger search coils cover more ground and are capable of more depth, they are also less sensitive to finding smaller items. They are often used by cache hunters, but not by coin hunters or gold prospectors. Gold prospectors usually choose smaller loops to detect even small amounts of gold and work better in tight areas where gold might be buried.

Metal Detector Accessories - Other Items For Metal Detecting

Audio Booster/Signal Enhancer - used to increase faint target sounds, but can also increase background noise.

• Digging Tools - to dig out the items detected by the metal detector, such as picks, scoops, and trowels. A good digging tool (prospecting pick) makes digging easier and quicker.
• Super Magnet - a strong magnet is helpful when searching areas high in iron trash.
• GPS (Global Positioning System) - GPS systems can be used to mark places you want to search, mark a spot you want to search again, and make sure you don't get lost in your adventures. An upgrade from using compasses, that makes metal detecting easier and more fun.
• Gold Prospecting Accessories - gold pans, tweezers, vials, gold test kits, scales. Serious prospectors often use a gold metal detector in combination with a gold dredge, although this is a more serious setup.
• Other miscellaneous metal detecting accessories include carrying bags, pouches, coil covers, coin collecting books, GPS site books, maps.
• Spare Parts - It's always a good idea to carry extra parts and accessories if you have them, including extra batteries. Also, make sure your metal detector is in working order before you leave home and that you have all your gear with you.

Even with all the best accessories, however, it is more important to understand your metal detector and know how it works. It will also take practice to improve your metal detecting abilities. When all is in order, it's off to have fun and find great treasures with your metal detector.