Getting Started with Metal Detecting: How to metal detect?

You've bought a metal detector (or are thinking of buying one) and want to get started right away, without fighting your way through endless menus? Good news: for most devices, getting started follows a very similar, simple procedure. If you adapt the basic settings to the local search conditions, you'll have fewer false signals and a quieter device. And that means significantly more fun with your first finds.

Important beforehand: only search where you are allowed to, and always leave the search site tidy – that means: close holes again!

The 10 most important steps to get started (works with almost all detectors)

1. Go to the search location first, before making any settings.
   It's best to set up the detector where you actually want to search. Many false signals occur if you make settings at home. Houses have many electrical interference sources and generally very different conditions than on site.
   
2. Select a search mode that suits the location.
   Many metal detectors have programs like Park, Field, Beach, Gold, or "All Metals." For starters, choose a suitable standard mode.
   
   
3. Perform ground balance
   Ground balancing is one of the most important steps to prevent false signals. Press the ground balance button and move the coil up and down a few times steadily – just above the ground. Some detectors also perform automatic ground balancing continuously, which is called "tracking." The goal of ground balancing: the detector should "filter out" the ground (conductive minerals in the soil) and only react to metal.
   
   
4. Test swing: Do you hear a lot of crackling/popping?
   Swing the coil back and forth a little at a normal pace, just above the ground. If you hear many small noises or crackling without a clear reason, the detector is not yet perfectly adjusted. Depending on the model and local conditions (interference sources), slight crackling may not be preventable.
   
   
5. Reduce sensitivity until the device runs smoothly.
   Set the sensitivity so that the detector is stable. Many beginners leave it too high because more sensitivity theoretically means better depth. In practice, you often find more with a quiet detector because real signals aren't lost in the noise. In many search locations, the sensitivity has to be set below 75%, but even then, brand-name detectors still find many good objects.
   
   
6. Optional: Activate discrimination (filter out iron)
   If you want fewer false signals at the beginning, activate "discrimination." Different metal objects have different "conductivity values," which provide an indication of the electrical conductivity of the material. More conductive metals like silver are usually more interesting for detectorists than poorly conductive ones like iron. Discrimination "filters out" the lower range of the conductivity scale, meaning that the detector will not emit a signal for finds with a conductivity value between 1 and 15 out of 100, for example. The majority of iron objects fall within this range.
   You can find more information on false signals in our blog post on the topic.
   
   
7. Swing evenly and parallel to the ground
   Keep the coil as parallel to the ground as possible and swing in a controlled, unhurried manner. Slightly overlap your passes (like mowing a lawn). Wait for a clear, reproducible signal: if it comes back multiple times in the same spot, there's very likely an object there. It's important to swing as close to the ground as possible to achieve maximum depth.
   
   
8. Dig and locate with a pinpointer
   Dig out the earth cleanly (ideally by inserting your trowel on three or four sides around the find) and then use a pinpointer. This will help you find the target much faster and protect the find. Especially for beginners, a pinpointer is almost indispensable because it saves a lot of time and prevents frustration.
   
   
9. Close the hole and leave the area clean
   Put the earth back, press everything down, and take any trash with you. This is how detectorists clean the ground of rubbish and leave it without tripping hazards for animals and people. This is the best way to maintain the hobby's image. In the scene, leaving holes open is generally frowned upon.

Mini checklist if your detector is "too sensitive":

• Slightly reduce sensitivity
• Perform ground balance again
• Increase discrimination (mineralization usually has low conductivity)
  
• Change search mode (e.g., Park instead of Field)
• Check distance to sources of interference (fences, power lines, cars, cell phone near the control unit)
• Reduce swing speed slightly and consistently keep the coil parallel

Accessories that make getting started significantly easier

These accessories are particularly useful:

• Pinpointer: find faster, dig less
• Robust shovel/digging knife: cleaner excavation, less effort
• Find bag/pouch: collect trash and finds separately
• Gloves: comfort and protection
  
• Headphones: better signal detection, less distraction

Conclusion:
The most important beginner's tip is: Set up your metal detector so that it runs smoothly. A clean ground balance and realistic sensitivity will bring you more finds at the beginning than "maximum performance." Also, false signals can be very discouraging at first. It's tempting to follow every signal, but you should wait for a clear, unambiguous signal, as something tangible is very likely hidden there. Following a weak signal and realizing after a few minutes of searching that there's only a slightly conductive stone or nothing at all is frustrating.

If you consciously go through the explained steps a few times, setting up will quickly become routine – and you can concentrate on what it's all about: stable signals and thus good finds!