How to Use a Metal Detector

Most importantly, make sure that you feel comfortable using your metal detector. Put the metal detector at the right length (if it's adjustable), and adjust the coil to be perfectly parallel with the surface of the ground. For optimized performance, keep the coil half an inch above the ground. VLF detectors only work while the metal detector is in motion. This means always keep your metal detector moving.

Swing the metal detector from shoulder to shoulder in a smooth, crisp manner. When doing this, you should create an arc rather than a straight line motion. Please refer to the picture below.

Find what works for you and be constant with your actions. Pick an area of ground and stay here until you've worked the whole area. After you have finished one spot, move on to the next. This creates an efficient and constant method of going about your search.

When you have detected an item, perform short, quick sweeps over that spot. If you an encounter a weak signal that doesn't respond in a tone every time you pass over the spot, it is usually trash metal. Once you have found an object that has been detected with a strong signal, dig it up and find out what it is!