Protecting Your Metal Detector
By JeffT

You probably spent a considerable amount of your hard-earned cash when you purchased your metal detector, right? Well, why not invest a little extra effort and perhaps a few more dollars to ensure that it will remain in tip-top shape?

Your detector is a precise electronic instrument subject to all the ill effects of extreme heat, cold, moisture, severe bumps and jars and dirt and dust. Although today’s detectors are built to withstand certain amounts of exposure to such conditions, reasonable care should still be taken to keep them in peak working condition as well as looking good.

There are several products available that can help you protect your detector. These can be helpful but are not a substitute for good maintenance and common sense. Always wipe dirt and moisture off your detector after every hunt, especially if you have been searching on a saltwater beach. Avoid extreme heat or cold. If you're like me, you never want to be caught without your detector, so you probably carry it in your automobile. Leaving it in a closed car exposed to the hot sun can cause big problems. Years ago, a friend of mine did just that and when he went to retrieve it he was surprised to find that his searchcoil had blown up like a balloon! If you must keep your detector in the car, try keeping it under cover, away from direct sunlight.

As I mentioned earlier, there are several items you can purchase that I think are a good investment for anyone who owns a detector. All of these can usually be purchased through your dealer or a mail order catalog. The first is a combination rain & dust cover. These covers are great. They keep out light rain, dust and dirt, ocean mist, etc., and also protect the finish from scratches and dings. Those of you who hunt the woods as I do know the abuse a detector can take while you're climbing over a wall or moving through the thick under brush.

Keeping the finish looking good can be a big plus when it comes time to sell or trade. Covers are available for most major brands of detectors and usually come in one or two-piece designs (the two-piece being for a detector with a meter separate from its control box). Price can vary depending on what model detector you have, but most seem to be under $30.

Another handy item is the detector carrying bag. These bags are nice for temporary storage. They offer some protection from bumps and knocks, help keep out dirt and dust, and are a convenient way to transport your detector on short trips such as from site to site. Design, features, level of protection, and price all vary depending on what you want and how much you want to pay. I have seen bags ranging from $20.00 all the way up to $150.

The third item is a coil cover. It is the least expensive piece of protection you can buy for your detector, but it can save you from dishing out a good chunk of change to replace a damaged coil. The coil cover (also called a loop cover) is a protective plastic shield designed to fit around the loop bottom. Every so often the cover should be removed, and any sand or salt that could affect your detector's performance should be cleaned out. By using the cover, you protect the coil bottom from abrasive sand and sharp rocks. If the cover becomes excessively scratched or worn, you can easily replace it for just a few bucks. When thinking of purchasing a coil cover, keep in mind the old adage, "Pay me now or pay me later." Coil covers can be found to fit most detectors and are usually priced under $10.00 

The last item is the hard case. (See photo top of page) It offers a lot more protection than the soft case or bag. Hard cases are great for long-term storage and for traveling. Some can even be taken on an airplane as carry-on luggage. Most of the major detector manufacturers offer cases made specifically for their detectors. These cases have foam inside that has been cut out to accommodate a specific model. Everything fits in its own little spot. Hard cases usually require some amount of detector disassembly. If you choose not to buy a specialty case or one is not available for your detector, an all-purpose case can be purchased. These multi-use cases have a foam insert that can easily be cut out to fit the items you wish to protect. Hard cases are available in various styles and sizes. Prices are usually under $100.00   Note* This article was written by me and originally published in the July 1996 issue of Western & Eastern Treasures Magazine.