Montana Gold Claims

Metal Detecting Tools

Metal Detecting Tools of the Trade.

By: Brian Atherton

Whether new to the hobby or a seasoned dirt fisher, the tools you use are as important as the machine itself.

The right equipment can make all the difference between a good day and a frustrating one. You don’t have to spend thousands or even hundreds of dollars to equip yourself. A pinpointer and a digging tool can be had for under 20.00 total.

In fact, my first digging tools were a surplus bayonet and a 15.00 pinpointer.

Let’s assume you’ve already gotten your machine and are ready to go detecting.

Pinpointers

 

You don’t NEED a pinpointer, but let’s just say it’s a lot easier and cleaner than the “pick up a handful of dirt and wave it in front of the coil” method.

A pinpointer allows you to keep more soil in the plug (piece of dirt with the grass in it. This was covered in my previous article ‘how to properly dig a plug”) I prefer to use the White’s bullseye only because I trust the White’s name and use their detectors. There are other fine pinpointers out there, Garrett also makes a good one.

Digging Tools

 

A good digging tool is also necessary. I recommend having a good folding shovel and a tool to cut sod with in grassy areas like yards and parks, where it’s good etiquette to leave no trace. The shovel can be used where appearance isn’t as important such as wooded areas.

 

I have used a Lesche digger for a few years now, and it is phenomenal. It is just sharp enough to cut sod and smaller roots and not the user’s hands, and it has a saw edge on one side for tougher roots.

I asked George Lesche why it is only serrated on one side and this was his answer; “Since most users are right handed, we serrated the side that would be pushed away from the user so as not to fling dirt or the tool into the user’s face and body.” Pretty smart if you ask me. His tools are also used by the military, which says a lot.

The price tag on a Lesche is around 40.00, if that’s a little steep for you, you can make your own like I did using a surplus bayonet. But remember to dull the blade or you may injure yourself.

As I started digging in more remote areas, (cache hunting and the like), I realized that a Lesche was just too much work for targets 10” or deeper. I shopped around and found a folding shovel. This one is made by Gerber and is of exceptional quality, it folds up easily and is lightweight.

This cost me around 40.00 as well, is made in the US like the Lesche, and is almost indestructible.

Tool Belts

So, now that you have all of this equipment, where are you going to CARRY it? That’s where the detectorists’ tool belt comes in.

 

When I first started, I would put my pinpointer in one pocket, my digger in the other, and my finds in another. Not a very optimal way to detect.

Then I saw a tool belt at a local hardware store and bells went off. The tool belt cost me 15.00 and is worth every penny. I position it so the pouch is in front and it doesn’t interfere with my movement.

Search Coil Versatility

Much like tools, one search coil can’t possibly do everything. Some search coils will go deeper and cover more ground, but the trade off is just that, it covers MORE ground.

That means that if you have a good target, and a bad target 4” apart, you will get overlapping signals.

 

You can use a smaller coil to prevent this, however a smaller coil will only cover so much ground and not go as deep. And then there is the maneuverability problem. Sometimes you can’t get your coil in between trees or at the base of a structure.

Most machines come with a stock coil in the 9-10” range. This is a pretty good compromise, and will serve you well in most situations.  I will use the White’s machines and coil sizes for an example here, but the same holds true for any good manufacturer’s product.

I use four coils, the 5.3” for trashy or tight quarters detecting, like between trees, the stock 9.5" coil for less trash, the Super 12 for low trash and maximum coverage, and the S.E.F 10×12 for high mineralization and greater depth.

To summarize, metal detecting isn’t just about the machine, it’s about the experience. And the more thought you put into your equipment, the more enjoyment you will get from it.

Happy Hunting.

BD Atherton

 

Priceless

 

AN ACTUAL CRAIG'S LIST PERSONALS AD

To the Guy Who Tried to Mug Me in Downtown Savannah night before last.

Date: 2010-09-27, 1:43 a.m. E.S.T.

I was the guy wearing the black Burberry jacket that you demanded that I hand over, shortly after you pulled the knife on me and my girlfriend, threatening our lives.

You also asked for my girlfriend's purse and earrings. I can only hope that you somehow come across this rather important message.

First, I'd like to apologize for your embarrassment; I didn't expect you to actually crap in your pants when I drew my pistol after you took my jacket.

The evening was not that cold, and I was wearing the jacket for a reason.. my girlfriend was happy that I just returned safely from my 2nd tour as a Combat Marine in Afghanistan .. She had just bought me that Kimber Custom Model 1911 .45 ACP pistol for my birthday, and we had picked up a shoulder holster for it that very evening.

Obviously you agree that it is a very intimidating weapon when pointed at your head ... isn't it?!

I know it probably wasn't fun walking back to wherever you'd come from with crap in your pants.

I'm sure it was even worse walking bare-footed since I made you leave your shoes, cell phone, and wallet with me. [That prevented you from calling or running to your buddies to come help mug us again].

After I called your mother or "Momma" as you had her listed in your cell, I explained the entire episode of what you'd done.

Then I went and filled up my gas tank as well as those of four other people in the gas station, -- on your credit card.

The guy with the big motor home took 153 gallons and was extremely grateful!

I gave your shoes to a homeless guy outside Vinnie Van Go Go's, along with all the cash in your wallet. [That made his day!]

I then threw your wallet into the big pink "pimp mobile" that was parked at the curb ..... after I broke the windshield and side window and keyed the entire driver's side of the car.

Earlier, I managed to get in two threatening phone calls to the DA's office and one to the FBI, while mentioning President Obama as my possible target.

The FBI guy seemed really intense and we had a nice long chat (I guess while he traced your number etc.).

 In a way, perhaps I should apologize for not killing you ... but I feel this type of retribution is a far more appropriate punishment for your threatened crime.

I wish you well as you try to sort through some of these rather immediate pressing issues, and can only hope that you have the opportunity to reflect upon, and perhaps reconsider, the career path you've chosen to pursue in life..

Remember, next time you might not be so lucky. Have a good day!

Thoughtfully yours, Semper Fi,

Alex

 

Western Gray Wolves Coming Off Endangered List

Lots of wolf sightings here in Montana. There was a limited hunting season this fall. No reports yet of the amount of wolves harvested. A lot of local rancher say "Shoot and Shovel" and several wolves that have molested cattle have disappeared. Please post your comments or exteriences with wolves in your area. 

ATLANTA, Mich. — The gray wolf populations in Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin have recovered from near extinction and as a result will be removed from the endangered species list, the Obama administration announced Wednesday.

via www.msnbc.msn.com

A Perfect Christmas Gift

Almost a billion people on the planet don’t have access to clean drinking water. Unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. We're working to change that. Join us and learn how you can help >

via www.charitywater.org

Those of use who have an abundant supply of fresh, clean water often forget those who don't.

National Day Of Prayer

When we get 100,000,000, that's one hundred million willing Christians to BOND together, voice their concerns and VOTE, we can take back America with God's help. Become one of the One hundred million, then let’s get 200 million. It can be done by sending this e-mail to your friends. Do the math. It only takes a willing heart and a fed up soul. God Bless America and Shine your light on Her and the Troops who defend us..

In 1952 President Truman established one day a year as a "National Day of Prayer."    In 1988 President Reagan designated the First Thursday in May of each year as the National Day of Prayer.  In June 2007 (then) Presidential  Candidate Barack Obama declared that the USA "Was no longer a  Christian nation."  This year President Obama canceled the  21st annual National Day of Prayer ceremony at the White House under the ruse  Of "not wanting to offend anyone"  BUT... on September 25, 2009 from 4 AM until 7 PM, a National Day of Prayer FOR THE MUSLIM RELIGION was Held on Capitol Hill,  Beside the White House. There were over 50,000 Muslims in D.C. that day.  HE PRAYS WITH THE MUSLIMS!  I guess it Doesn't matter if "Christians" Are offended by this event -  We obviously Don 't count as "anyone" Anymore.  The direction this country is headed  should strike fear in the heart of every Christian, especially knowing that the  Muslim religion believes that if Christians cannot be converted, they should be annihilated.  This is not a Rumor - Go to the website  To confirm this info: http://www.islamoncapitolhill.com Send this to ten people  and the person who  sent it to you!... to let them know that  indeed, it was sent  out to many more.

 

Cell Phone Dangers

The following article was forwarded by a reader. It contains important information. Cell phones can be lifesavers or a dangerous hazard.

Please send this information to your family & friends, especially those who have kids in the car with them while pumping gas. If this were to happen, they may not be able to get the children out in time. This is important information, even if you don’t own a car. 

Shell Oil Company recently issued a warning after three incidents in which mobile phones (cell phones) ignited fumes during fueling operations. In the first case, the phone was placed on the car's trunk lid during fueling; it rang and the ensuing fire destroyed the car and the gasoline pump. Never use your mobile phone when pumping gas. The vapors that come out of the gas can cause a fire when connected with static charges. 

In the second, an individual suffered severe burns to their face when fumes ignited as they answered a call while refueling their car!  In the third incident, an individual suffered burns to the thigh and groin as fumes ignited when the phone, which was in their pocket, rang while they were fueling their car. 

Cell phones can ignite fuel or fumes. Cell phones that light up when switched on or when they ring release enough energy to provide a spark for ignition. Cell phones should not be used in filling stations, or when fueling lawn mowers, ATVs or boats. Cell phones should not be used, or should be turned off, around other materials that generate flammable or explosive fumes or dust, (I.e., solvents, chemicals, gases, grain dust, etc.) 

Remember the rules for safe refueling. Turn off the engine. Don’t smoke. Don’t use your cell phone. Turn it off before fueling. Never re-enter your vehicle during fueling. 

Bob Renkes of Petroleum Equipment Institute is working on a campaign to try and make people aware of fires as a result of 'static electricity' at gas pumps. His company has researched 150 cases of these fires. The results were very surprising: Out of 150 cases, almost all of them were women. Almost all cases involved the person getting back in their vehicle while the nozzle was still pumping gas. When finished, they went back to pull the nozzle out and the fire started, as a result of static. Most had on rubber-soled shoes. Most men never get back in their vehicle until completely finished. This is why they are seldom involved in these types of fires. Seventeen fires occurred before, during or immediately after the gas cap was removed and before fueling began. were 29 fires where the vehicle was re-entered and the nozzle was touched during refueling from a variety of makes and models. Some resulted in extensive damage to the vehicle, to the station, and to the customer. Never use your cell phone while pumping gas.