Pinpointers & Accessories

The Handheld Pinpointer

If there is one accessory that completely transforms the metal detecting experience, it is the handheld pinpointer. While your primary detector coil will tell you that a target is within a 6-inch radius, locating a dark, dirt-encrusted coin in a pile of soil can be incredibly frustrating and time-consuming.

A pinpointer is a miniature metal detector shaped like a wand. Once you dig your initial plug of dirt, you probe the hole and the removed soil with the wand. The pinpointer emits an escalating audio tone or vibration as it gets closer to the metal, allowing you to zero in on the exact location without scratching the target with your digging tool.

When selecting a pinpointer, look for fully waterproof models (IP68) so they can be washed off easily. Some modern pinpointers even connect wirelessly to your detector's headphones, muting the main machine when powered on.

Specialized Digging Tools

Never use a standard garden trowel for metal detecting. They are prone to bending and snapping under the leverage required to pry out compacted soil. Instead, invest in a dedicated detecting tool, often referred to as a "Lesche" style digger.

These tools feature heat-treated carbon steel blades that resist bending. More importantly, they feature serrated edges along one or both sides of the blade. This serration is critical for sawing through grass roots to create a clean, hinge-style plug that can be replaced seamlessly, leaving the park or lawn exactly as you found it.

For field and relic hunting in woods or pastures, a small, T-handle shovel with a narrow blade is preferable to save strain on your knees and back.

Headphones: Audio Nuance

While most detectors have external speakers, serious detectorists rely on headphones. Headphones isolate the faint, deep signals from wind noise, traffic, and the surf. They also prevent you from annoying bystanders.

If you choose wireless headphones, ensure they utilize low-latency technology (such as aptX Low Latency). Standard Bluetooth has a noticeable delay. By the time you hear the beep on standard Bluetooth, your coil has already passed over the target, throwing off your pinpointing.

Pouches and Gear Management

A dedicated finds pouch is necessary for separating your good targets from the trash you dig. Modern pouches feature heavy-duty cordura nylon, mesh bottoms to allow dirt to fall out, and multiple compartments to keep sharp rusty nails away from delicate silver coins.

Proper accessory management streamlines your recovery process, allowing you to spend less time on your knees in the dirt and more time swinging your coil over the next great find.