# Choosing a metal detector for finding buried stuff **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 8, 2024, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choosing-a-metal-detector-for-finding-buried-stuff/1003902 "2024-07-08T18:36:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Napier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ce73a5/32.png) [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2024, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choosing-a-metal-detector-for-finding-buried-stuff/1003902/1 "2024-07-08T18:36:41Z")
I think I want to get a metal detector, the kind you walk around with to find buried treasure. Teach me about them please??? The first treasure would be the second hatch on my septic tank. I’ve never seen it opened, and it’s VERY difficult to dig in our rocky soil. I hear the hatches have steel in them and should be detectable. I’m having it pumped in about 3 weeks. But I’ve also thought it would be interesting in general, and sometimes useful for finding infrastructure and whatnot on my land. I gather their use is not allowed in many parks, on many beaches, etc, so I’m anticipating it’s mostly for home use. I’m hoping they’re available with headphones and some kind of sounds that are meaningful, for example big versus small objects, how deeply buried, maybe whether ferromagnetic or not. But maybe they just give a beep or whatever. Tuppence is tuppence, of course. But I’m not too worried about price. Glancing at Amazon I see they all seem to be below $200, which would be fine. How do I choose? Thanks!! ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2024, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choosing-a-metal-detector-for-finding-buried-stuff/1003902/2 "2024-07-08T18:58:25Z")
> [@Napier](#): > > The first treasure would be the second hatch on my septic tank. I’ve never seen it opened, and it’s VERY difficult to dig in our rocky soil. I hear the hatches have steel in them and should be detectable. I’m having it pumped in about 3 weeks. The septic tank pumping company probably has a metal detector. Sometimes they’ll do the digging for you. Still could be useful to have around even if they don’t help. I don’t remember where I got my basic unit, probably Amazon. It does find large chunks of metal out in the yard, and I determined a bump on my best friend was a BB and not a cyst. > [@Napier](#): > > I gather their use is not allowed in many parks, on many beaches, etc, so I’m anticipating it’s mostly for home use. I haven’t heard of that. Haven’t really been interested in doing that kind of thing though. I am tempted to look in some local areas where Colonial era coins and other artifacts turn up occasionally. There’s also plenty of iron ore around here, including our own town mineral Cumberlandite. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2024, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choosing-a-metal-detector-for-finding-buried-stuff/1003902/3 "2024-07-08T19:01:06Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > I haven’t heard of that. I have. For some strange reason they don’t want people digging (and usually leaving) holes on public property. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2024, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choosing-a-metal-detector-for-finding-buried-stuff/1003902/4 "2024-07-08T21:06:13Z")
> [@Napier](#): > > Tuppence is tuppence, of course. But I’m not too worried about price. Glancing at Amazon I see they all seem to be below $200, which would be fine. I haven’t bought a metal detector since they sold them at Radio Shack, but I do know that metal detectors sell for a _lot_ more than $200 now. One that cheap may or may not be considered a cheap toy and may or may not be good enough for your needs. > **[Metal Detectors & Accessories - Metal Detecting Shop](https://www.metaldetectingshop.com/)** > > Shop our huge collection of metal detectors from top brands like Garrett, Minelab, Nokta, Fisher, Bounty Hunter, and Teknetics. Voted #1 For Customer Service. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2024, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choosing-a-metal-detector-for-finding-buried-stuff/1003902/5 "2024-07-08T21:18:03Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > The septic tank pumping company probably has a metal detector. Sometimes they’ll do the digging for you. If they can even give you a rough idea of where they think it might be, a heavy, pointed metal rod can be dropped/pushed into the ground in hopes of hitting it. > **[Amazon.com: GADFISH Stainless Steel Soil Probe Rod,32-48 Inch Hight Adjustable...](https://www.amazon.com/GADFISH-Stainless-Adjustable-T-Handle-Underground/dp/B0BZWF9W57)** > > Amazon.com: GADFISH Stainless Steel Soil Probe Rod,32-48 Inch Hight Adjustable Ground Rod Tool with T-Handle for Locating Septic Tanks,Underground Pipes,Water Lines,Graves and Gopher Runs : Patio, Lawn & Garden ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2024, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choosing-a-metal-detector-for-finding-buried-stuff/1003902/6 "2024-07-08T22:57:53Z")
I bought a White’s Spectrum in 1997. Great detector, and it still works. Sadly, it appears White’s is out of business. I think Garrett is still in business. They have been around for a long time. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2024, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choosing-a-metal-detector-for-finding-buried-stuff/1003902/7 "2024-07-08T22:59:08Z")
I can understand that in a lot of places but I was thinking of those guys on the beach where people dig holes all the time. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2024, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choosing-a-metal-detector-for-finding-buried-stuff/1003902/8 "2024-07-09T00:13:14Z")
> [@Napier](#): > > The first treasure would be the second hatch on my septic tank. Don’t mean to ThreadShit, but this made me laugh till I crapped my pants! 😆 ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2024, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choosing-a-metal-detector-for-finding-buried-stuff/1003902/9 "2024-07-09T06:39:56Z")
Just in case, any excuse to plug one of the great recent TV shows: [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/NgN7z0SD8v8/maxresdefault.jpg "Detectorists TRAILER") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgN7z0SD8v8) ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2024, 11:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choosing-a-metal-detector-for-finding-buried-stuff/1003902/10 "2024-07-09T11:31:15Z")
Metal detectors are one of those things that people buy, use a few times, and then it gathers dust. I’d look for a high-end model that is used. ---
**Author:** ![ZonexandScout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zonexandscout/32/544_2.png) [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2024, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choosing-a-metal-detector-for-finding-buried-stuff/1003902/11 "2024-07-09T12:37:10Z")
Excellent advice! I myself have a fairly nice one sitting around that I got as a Christmas gift from my step-daughter a couple years ago. I will pass it on through eBay after an appropriate time. One problem I have is that most parks and seashores here don’t allow metal detectors. And private land owners are very leery of letting you use one on their property. Unfortunately, there are too many “detectorists” who are bad guests. ---
**Author:** ![Napier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ce73a5/32.png) [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2024, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choosing-a-metal-detector-for-finding-buried-stuff/1003902/12 "2024-07-09T13:56:04Z")
Lots of great info and advice, thank you! I just bought a Garrett ACE 300, used, on Ebay. I downloaded the manual and checked it out; looks like it should work well for me. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2024, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choosing-a-metal-detector-for-finding-buried-stuff/1003902/13 "2024-07-09T14:15:29Z")
I used to have a White. After finding a whole lot of poptops and other junk, I gave up on it. I would get one that can discriminate between what is junk and what is valuable. Historic sites also prohibit metal detectors. There were signs to that effect at historic battlefields in Virginia. ---
**Author:** ![VOW](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/vow/32/3043_2.png) [@VOW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VOW)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2024, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choosing-a-metal-detector-for-finding-buried-stuff/1003902/14 "2024-07-20T23:04:12Z")
People who search with metal detectors find a LOT of “leaverite.” As in, “leave 'er right there.” Look around for clubs for enthusiasts. Along with knowing where it’s okay to search, they also do public service work, such as helping to find a lost engagement ring, or sweeping a playground to remove needles and rusted nails. You won’t become rich or famous, but you’ll have a lot of fun! ~VOW ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2024, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choosing-a-metal-detector-for-finding-buried-stuff/1003902/15 "2024-07-20T23:19:05Z")
I gotta get the [GPX 6000](https://www.metaldetectingshop.com/products/minelab-gpx-6000) to find the gold that I _know_ is buried on the property, somewhere. When I find a couple chests full of coins, it’ll have paid for itself many times over! I recently found the septic tank outtake, so I don’t need a special detector setting for that. ---
**Author:** ![Napier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ce73a5/32.png) [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2024, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choosing-a-metal-detector-for-finding-buried-stuff/1003902/16 "2024-07-20T23:41:58Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > I recently found the septic tank outtake I want to do that! Any tips? ---
**Author:** ![Galactus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/galactus/32/3581_2.png) [@Galactus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Galactus)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2024, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choosing-a-metal-detector-for-finding-buried-stuff/1003902/17 "2024-07-21T16:22:44Z")
I have a Garrett GTI 2500. Detecting can be fun and it can be boring. Old farmhouses are a good place to hunt. Always leave the ground as you found it.