# Need help replacing my friend's metal detector **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 10, 2014, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-replacing-my-friends-metal-detector/698053 "2014-09-10T03:23:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2014, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-replacing-my-friends-metal-detector/698053/1 "2014-09-10T03:23:07Z")
OK, so I borrowed my friend’s metal detector last January. then I forgot I had it and left it in the trunk of my car for months. He reminded me about it today and I went out to get it and found it is mangled between the back seat and a box. The detector is bent beyond recognition and the control box is crushed. I have to replace this thing, preferably by Saturday. Let’s all just stipulate to the fact that I am a rotten friend and nobody should trust me with their belongings. Trust me, I feel plenty lousy about this. So, how can I tell what would be a fair replacement for it? I tried looking on line and found prices from $49 to $899.00. Yikes! It was very old and not in perfect shape but I still want him to walk away with a usable, comparable unit. It being newer will perhaps provide partial recompense for my neglect. I can’t find anything online which looks anything like it. It had a white plastic molded cover on the detector part, and a huge black box on the top. I think it must have been really quite old. What do I need to know to try and get him a decent unit? Or should I not even try, and give him a visa gift card instead? For what amount? He is a really super-sweet guy, and will try to refuse all recompense, and I expect zero luck in getting him to tell me what would be fair. Help me think this through/understand the options? Thanks in advance! ---
**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2014, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-replacing-my-friends-metal-detector/698053/2 "2014-09-10T03:31:43Z")
Does the detector have any identifiable name? ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2014, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-replacing-my-friends-metal-detector/698053/3 "2014-09-10T03:36:31Z")
Like an idiot I threw it in the recycling bin without checking or writing anything down. I was just so upset with myself and didn’t want Celtling to see it mangled. I went back but of course it was gone. So no, I have no markings to go on. ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2014, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-replacing-my-friends-metal-detector/698053/4 "2014-09-10T03:37:02Z")
Somewhere on this, there has to be a manufacturer’s label with the make, model and model number. You can Google this and find out what it is. Maybe you can find the unit on eBay, and if not, maybe the manufacturer still makes a comparable model. Get the current one that is closest to what he had, unless it was the $899 model, but he bought it used 20 years ago for $100. You still have some info to go on. You can find out what the unit in “average” condition (or whatever you estimate it to have been in when he lent it to you), and what the resale value of that would be, and add about 20% to that, since he isn’t technically selling it to you, and use that as you approximate amount to spend. What I mean is, if the unit in “very good” condition sells for $120, then $134 is about what you should spend on something with pretty much the same features his has. Barring that, take it to someone who can repair it (“small appliances”), and ask how much, then ask if you could get a newer unit equal of better for the same cost of the repair, and where you can buy that. Or, maybe you will find out that it can be repaired pretty cheaply. Have a little more done over and above what t needs, like having it refinished and repainted, or get him a coupon for “routine service” (basic cleaning and checking for shorts, etc.) that he’ll want again in a couple of years. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2014, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-replacing-my-friends-metal-detector/698053/5 "2014-09-10T03:38:50Z")
Like an idiot I threw it in the recycling bin without checking or writing anything down. I was just so upset with myself and didn’t want Celtling to see it mangled. I went back but of course it was gone. So no, I have no markings to go on. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2014, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-replacing-my-friends-metal-detector/698053/6 "2014-09-10T04:06:08Z")
I have no helpful information about metal detectors. And I don’t want to seem callous when you are truly regretful and wanting to make good for your friend. But I just have to say that it seems strange enough to me for a person to want to own a metal detector. It seems entirely more improbable to me that anyone would ever need to borrow one. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2014, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-replacing-my-friends-metal-detector/698053/7 "2014-09-10T04:34:43Z")
What you really need now is a metal detector detector. ---
**Author:** ![Timetrvlr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/53a042/32.png) [@Timetrvlr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timetrvlr)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2014, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-replacing-my-friends-metal-detector/698053/8 "2014-09-10T04:52:28Z")
Comparable my foot! Stop being a cheap-ass friend an get him the best possible metal detector you can afford to pay off in three years. You should over compensate him for having been a thoughtless friend. Make him deliriously happy and perhaps he will share this next treasure with you or at least give you some credit.😃 ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2014, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-replacing-my-friends-metal-detector/698053/9 "2014-09-10T06:14:19Z")
Get him a hand held metal detector wand: > **[Amazon.com : Pyle PMD38 Portable Battery Operated Super w/Adjustable Sensitivity...](https://www.amazon.com/Pyle-PMD38-Portable-Adjustable-Sensitivity/dp/B00KGDCY7S)** > > The PMD38 Handheld Metal Detector allows for reliable security. Use this handheld anywhere - indoor or outdoor events, schools, cafeterias for food safety, sports events or anywhere you need dependable metal detection. Adjustable sensitivity settings... He might be able to fulfill a TSA role play fantasy. ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2014, 6:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-replacing-my-friends-metal-detector/698053/10 "2014-09-10T06:40:38Z")
Just go to Amazon and pick a popular model: [http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/lawn-garden/554036/ref=pd\_zg\_hrsr\_lg\_1\_3\_last](http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/lawn-garden/554036/ref=pd_zg_hrsr_lg_1_3_last) ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2014, 10:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-replacing-my-friends-metal-detector/698053/11 "2014-09-10T10:08:48Z")
Nah. You might use the Amazon reviews as a guide, but buy it locally, so he can return it to exchange it for a different model if he wants. When you buy it, get a gift receipt. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2014, 11:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-replacing-my-friends-metal-detector/698053/12 "2014-09-10T11:05:23Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > I have no helpful information about metal detectors. And I don’t want to seem callous when you are truly regretful and wanting to make good for your friend. > But I just have to say that it seems strange enough to me for a person to want to own a metal detector. It seems entirely more improbable to me that anyone would ever need to borrow one. My daughter got a ring for Christmas and promptly dropped it in 18" of snow. I was hoping to find it for her. It never turned up. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2014, 11:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-replacing-my-friends-metal-detector/698053/13 "2014-09-10T11:06:32Z")
> [@RivkahChaya](#): > > Nah. You might use the Amazon reviews as a guide, but buy it locally, so he can return it to exchange it for a different model if he wants. When you buy it, get a gift receipt. Good idea, thank you! ---
**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:** [September 10, 2014, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-replacing-my-friends-metal-detector/698053/14 "2014-09-10T12:21:14Z")
> [@TruCelt](#): > > Like an idiot I threw it in the recycling bin without checking or writing anything down. Noooooo!! The ideal thing to do would be to bury it on the beach. Then, hang out and surreptitiously video its inevitable discovery by some metal detecting dude.☹ ETA: seriously, buy the guy a decent unit. ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2014, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-replacing-my-friends-metal-detector/698053/15 "2014-09-10T12:32:13Z")
> [@TruCelt](#): > > Good idea, thank you! Well, then, maybe here’s another one. Places that rent tools sometimes have metal detectors. You might go to one of these places and ask to look at the metal detectors. It might give you a better idea of what you are looking to replace. If you have unlimited funds, I’d say “buy the best one there is,” but I sense that is not the case, so maybe you can get an idea of what options are available, that way when you go looking to buy (or maybe the rental center also sells them) you have an idea what features called “XYZ” actually do, and if it’s something the old one did, or that your friend would want and use. You may end up spending four hours on this, going to a couple of places doing some research, but I think you owe the guy this. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2014, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-replacing-my-friends-metal-detector/698053/16 "2014-09-10T12:33:54Z")
> [@TruCelt](#): > > What do I need to know to try and get him a decent unit? Or should I not even try, and give him a visa gift card instead? For what amount? I think you should do this. Give him cash, a check or a gift card (whichever he prefers) in whatever amount he suggests. Really, you can’t quibble over the amount. ---
**Author:** ![Isilder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/cc9497/32.png) [@Isilder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Isilder)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2014, 6:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-replacing-my-friends-metal-detector/698053/17 "2014-09-11T06:09:25Z")
Even if the metal detector did have a value when it got destroyed, the friend may prefer to take cash so he can buy something more valuable, or something different Just trust your friend to tell you whats it worth, just ask him honestly what the damage is. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2014, 7:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-replacing-my-friends-metal-detector/698053/18 "2014-09-11T07:58:20Z")
> [@Isilder](#): > > Even if the metal detector did have a value when it got destroyed, the friend may prefer to take cash so he can buy something more valuable, or something different > > Just trust your friend to tell you whats it worth, just ask him honestly what the damage is. Yup. Show him this thread. Let him specify the replacement. Guessing might mean replacing it with something inferior. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2014, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-replacing-my-friends-metal-detector/698053/19 "2014-09-11T12:29:40Z")
> [@Mangetout](#): > > Yup. Show him this thread. Let him specify the replacement. Guessing might mean replacing it with something inferior. > [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > I think you should do this. Give him cash, a check or a gift card (whichever he prefers) in whatever amount he suggests. Really, you can’t quibble over the amount. > [@Isilder](#): > > Even if the metal detector did have a value when it got destroyed, the friend may prefer to take cash so he can buy something more valuable, or something different > > Just trust your friend to tell you whats it worth, just ask him honestly what the damage is. If I could count on him to just answer those questions, this would all be easy. He’s the kind of guy who’s going to say “Oh, no, don’t worry about it, it was old anyway . . .” and I predict that no amount of begging will get me any information at all about what it would cost him to replace the thing. There’s such a thing as too nice, and he is, and I love him for it, but it leaves me with this impossible problem. (I mean, entirely my fault, just that much harder to resolve to my satisfaction) I’ve searched quite a bit on line, and haven’t found anything that looks remotely like it. Well, except this one: [http://www.kellycodetectors.com/minelab/minelab\_gpx4800\_buy.php](http://www.kellycodetectors.com/minelab/minelab_gpx4800_buy.php) and he’s not that wealthy. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2014, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-replacing-my-friends-metal-detector/698053/20 "2014-09-11T12:33:46Z")
> [@RivkahChaya](#): > > Well, then, maybe here’s another one. Places that rent tools sometimes have metal detectors. You might go to one of these places and ask to look at the metal detectors. It might give you a better idea of what you are looking to replace. If you have unlimited funds, I’d say “buy the best one there is,” but I sense that is not the case, so maybe you can get an idea of what options are available, that way when you go looking to buy (or maybe the rental center also sells them) you have an idea what features called “XYZ” actually do, and if it’s something the old one did, or that your friend would want and use. > > You may end up spending four hours on this, going to a couple of places doing some research, but I think you owe the guy this. I wish I could just show up with something only the oil companies usually own. LOL! He deserves it for sure. I did review the options at a few rental places )on line) and nothing looks like his. It had a white plastic cover over the detector disc, all these are open antennae. There are also apparently several different types of antennae and different ways to aim the unit in order to find different types of metals at different depths. I have no clue which his was. Argh!!! [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-replacing-my-friends-metal-detector/698053.md?page=2)