Frequently Asked Questions on Metal Detectors

Our selection of FAQ’s for your most common metal detecting questions!

1. Technical questions:

1.1 How deep can metal detectors detect?

This is a difficult question and there are so many factors affecting this (Minerals in soil / type of soil / type of metal / size of metal / size of coil / slope of ground etc). Although 90% of finds will be close to the surface many people still want to know details. Click here to learn all about depth and hobby Detectors

1.2 Can metal detectors detect deep raw gold?

Although all detectors can detect gold some are designed specifically for gold prospecting. People often ask how deep a gold detector like the Minelab GPX 5000 can detect. Learn about how deep raw gold can be detected here.

1.3. What will a hobby detector detect?

Your hobby detector will pick up all types of metal including gold, silver and other jewelry  raw gold nuggets, coins and relics! All metal detectors can identify and distinguish between types of metals and you can set your detector to ignore specific metals. Some detectors and coils are specially made to do a better job at raw gold prospecting.

1.4. What is discrimination?

It is the ability of a metal detector to eliminate or “ignore” specific types of metal. For example you may want your detector to ignore all iron targets in an area full of junk. Or you may want to have your detector set to only find silver to go after valuable old SA coins. Thus your detector can ignore junk items like bottle caps and also tell you what type of metal is under the coil.

1.5 What is the Difference between Pulse Induction and Beat Frequency Oscillator?

PI sends a high voltage pulse into the ground, where metal is absent the spike in voltage decreases at uniform rate. If metal is present it would conduct some voltage within the metal object itself and the time taken for the pulse to decrease to zero would decrease which indicates the presence of metal. Beat frequency is the simplest form where an alternating current is sent through the coil into the ground, metal in the ground creates eddy currents from this alternating current and produces a magnetic field of its own which can be detected by the second coil in the detector. Learn more about the two types here.

1.6 Can metal detectors find my lost ring or house keys?

Yes they can – but only if they were lost outdoors and you know the general area where they were lost. Metal Detectors will not work indoors as metal in the house structure and electrical currents are everywhere rendering the detector useless. Find out more about renting here.

1.7. Will I strike it rich or start digging out things of high value right away?

People can get lucky as can be seen by these valuable finds, however as with everything in life practice makes perfect! You will need to work at it and stay motivated to be successful. Lots of hard work and research is required to get the most out of this rewarding hobby. Take a look at our Metal Detecting Tips section for more advice.

1.8 What is ground mineralisation?

Ground minerals can cause havoc with certain metal detectors in certain conditions. Find out all you need to know about ground minerals. Click here for more.

1.9 What does frequency have to do with metal detectors?

Frequency of metal detectors play a key role in the technology. Learn all about this key consideration when you make a purchase. Click here for more.

1.10 Security Metal Detectors Pregnancy and your health.

Metal Detectors show now negative effects on the human body at all. Find out more about the effects of security metal detectors and their impact on health and pregnancy here.

2. Purchasing and advice questions:

2.1 How do I order a metal detector?

Go to the contact us page or email: metaldetectorsa@gmail.com and request a formal quote. We will contact you as soon as possible during weekdays.

2.2 Do you sell genuine brand name products?

Most definitely! Metal detector SA works with a Certified Minelab South Africa dealer as well as the only authorized Garrett Dealer in South Africa. Be wary of Chinese made fakes and ensure you buy genuine with warranty, service and support in South Africa.

2.3. Do the products come with a warranty?

Yes they do. All products come with standard warranties. Warranties may vary from product to product but all are covered to give you peace of mind.

2.4 Why are there no prices on the website?

Prices are not shown so that we comply with rules set by metal detector suppliers. If we put prices on the website we will be asked to remove them. We understand the frustration this may cause. However a quick email on the contacts us page will get you your prices in a flash! Learn about the true cost of a metal detector here.

2.5 What info must I include on my request?

If you do not use the contact form be sure to include your name, contact number (optional), email address, product you wish to purchase as well as the town and province and country in which you live (so the correct branch in the right province contacts you and you don’t waste time speaking to a branch which will have to pass you on the next one.)

2.6 Can I come in, view the product and collect myself?

Absolutely! If you are close to a branch you can come in and view the machines and get advice. You are also welcome to pay cash in one of our branches. We do however offer speedy delivery anywhere in Africa for a very low rate. Branches for Garrett include Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg (Randburg) and Port Elisabeth. Branches for Minelab: Johannesburg.

2.6 Do you provide advice?

We have a comprehensive Tips section. But you are more than welcome to send us your question via email or ask on our Facebook page. You can even get in touch via Twitter, Google Plus, Pinterest and more.

2.7 Do you have a club?

Yes we do. The Metal Detector SA Club is a free platform that allows members to showcase their finds by getting their own finds pages, allows members to mingle and get in contact with each other, send out invites to the group, form sub groups, chat and more. Most club related activity may be found on the MDSA Facebook Page. Find more club info here.

2.8. Legal stuff?

Please read our terms and conditions page for details on Metal Detector SA’s commitment to work with the Erfenisstigting. Metal detector SA does not provide legal advice and is not responsible for the actions of “club members” or any member of the public. Metal Detector SA urges everyone to act responsibly and within the law of South Africa.

Was your question not answered? Tell us about it and we will add it here for everyone else to benefit from! Thanks!