17 Best Metal Detector Accessories You Should Know

Metal detector accessories can greatly enhance your treasure hunting experience. Knowing why and when to use these tools can make your searches more efficient and enjoyable. 

Accessories like pinpointers, digging tools, and protective gear help you locate, recover, and preserve your finds with ease. 

Each accessory has a specific purpose, whether you’re searching in challenging terrains or aiming to protect your equipment. In this guide I’ll introduce you to the must-have accessories that every metal detectorist should consider.

17 Essential Metal Detector Accessories

1. Headphones

Headphones are a must-have for anyone into metal detecting. They help you hear the signals from your detector more clearly, so you can tell when you’ve found something. There are different types, so you can find a pair that fits well and works best for the kind of detecting you do.

• • Wired and wireless options for convenience

• • Noise-canceling features to filter out ambient sounds

• • Waterproof designs for aquatic adventures

Benefits: The primary role of headphones is to amplify the metal detector’s signals beep, ensuring you don’t miss any hidden treasures. 

I recommend selecting headphones based on your environment and personal preferences to enhance your detecting experience.

2. Diving Scoops

For those who love searching on the beach, a diving scoop is an essential tool. It helps in:

Designed for scooping underwater in rivers, lakes, or shallow ocean areas.
They are usually made of heavier and sturdier materials like stainless steel to withstand underwater use. May have longer handles for better leverage while underwater.

3. Metal Detector Coils

Coils are a crucial component of a metal detector, just like an engine in a car. The types of coils include:

• • Concentric coils for general use

• • Double-D coils for enhanced depth and coverage

• • Mono coils for specialized detecting

Significance: Different coils can significantly change your metal-detecting capabilities, impacting the depth and scope of your searches. 

You should consider the type of terrain and the targets you are searching for when selecting a coil, as they can dramatically expand your metal-detecting potential.

Also, don’t skip testing your metal detector coil! A quick and easy testing process can identify any potential issues that might hinder your ability to find hidden treasures. Learning how to test your coil properly will ensure your detector is in top shape for every adventure.

4. Pinpointers

• • Functionality: Pinpointers are a game-changer in metal detecting. After your metal detector signals a find, pinpointers take over to:
    
    • • Identify the exact location of the object.
    • • Make retrieval quicker and more precise.

• • Features: Equipped with features like lights, sound alerts, and vibration feedback, I recommend using a pinpointer to streamline the retrieval process and turn potentially lengthy digs into efficient recoveries.

5. Sand Scoops

• • Purpose and Benefits: When it comes to beach detecting, not all finds are easily retrievable. This is where sand scoops come in. They are designed to:
    
    • • Help dig through sand or soil effortlessly.
    • • Filter and isolate finds quickly, conserving your time and energy.

Choosing the Right Scoop: With options like short or long handles and materials like aluminum or stainless steel, you can choose a sand scoop that best suits your beach hunting style and physical comfort.

6. Digging Tools

A variety of digging tools are available, each serving a unique purpose in the treasure retrieval process.

These include:

• • Handheld diggers for precise, small-scale digging.

• • Metal detecting shovels for more extensive excavation.

Metal detector shovels and hand diggers are crucial for efficiently unearthing finds without damaging them. You should always have one of these on hand for responsible and effective treasure retrieval.

Responsible Digging: I suggest using digging tools that are appropriate for the size and delicacy of your find. 

A reckless dig can not only damage your treasure but also disturb the site, which might upset landowners or authorities. 

You should always dig responsibly, preserving both the value of your find and the integrity of the digging site.

7. Extra Coils

Having extra coils enhances your metal detector’s capabilities, allowing for deeper and more accurate detection. It’s like having extra eyes on the ground.

8. Beach Scoops for Treasure Hunting

For beach treasure seekers, a metal-detecting beach scoop is very crucial. It enables you to sift through sand quickly and uncover hidden treasures. I highly recommend this tool for anyone serious about beach metal detecting.

Convenience and Protection Accessories

To make your treasure-hunting trips more organized and comfortable, consider these accessories:

9. Metal Detector Carrying Bags

A good detector carry bag or pouch can make transporting your metal detector and accessories much easier. 

• • These bags usually feature:
    
    • • Multiple compartments for organizing different accessories.
    • • Comfortable designs for ease of carrying.

Choosing the Right Bag: I suggest selecting a carry bag that fits your metal detector and all your essential tools. 

A well-designed bag not only helps you stay organized but also protects your equipment during transport. 

You can find a variety of bags tailored to different detector models and accessory needs.

10. Rain Covers

Mother Nature can be unpredictable, and unexpected rain showers shouldn’t dampen your treasure-hunting spirit.

Investing in a rain cover specifically designed for your metal detector model offers valuable protection.

11. Harness Belt

Metal detectors can vary in weight, and carrying them around for extended periods can lead to arm fatigue and discomfort. A well-designed harness belt can significantly improve your comfort and endurance during long hunts.

Specialty Metal Detector Accessories

12. Underwater Accessories For Metal Detecting

Essential Underwater Equipment: Just as snorkeling gear is vital for diving, underwater accessories are crucial for underwater metal detecting.

These include:

• • Waterproof headphones to hear those elusive signals underwater.

• • Specialized waterproof coils and detectors designed for underwater use.

• • Waterproof Pinpointers for finding the exact location of the object even underwater

• • Waterproof Search Covers protect the internal components of your metal detector from the damaging effects of water.

I recommend investing in quality underwater metal-detecting gear if you’re keen on exploring rivers, lakes, or seas. 

This equipment enables you to potentially uncover treasures that have remained hidden beneath the water’s surface.

13. Gold Panning Kits

A gold panning kit is an essential set of tools for any aspiring gold prospector. These kits typically contain:

• • Pans with different ridges for efficient sifting.

• • Scoops, magnets, and storage vials for collecting gold.

• • Detailed instructions to guide beginners.

Why Use a Gold Panning Kit: You should consider a gold panning kit as a starting point for your gold prospecting adventures. 

These kits are designed to provide you with the basic tools needed for panning and offer a straightforward way to begin your quest for gold.

Sustenance and Safety Tools

14. Extra Batteries

I recommend carrying extra batteries to avoid running out of power during a hunt.

15. Protective Gear

Caps, gloves, knee pads, and sturdy shoes are essential for safety and comfort during your expeditions. You should always wear appropriate gear to protect yourself from various terrains and weather conditions.

16. Hydration and Rest

Always carry a water bottle to stay hydrated, and if you’re on a prolonged hunt, consider the importance of a camp for rest.

17. Maps for Treasure Hunting 

I suggest using detailed maps to plan your metal-detecting adventures. Maps can be invaluable in identifying potential treasure-rich areas and navigating through your chosen terrain.

Choosing the Right Metal Detector Accessories

Factors to Consider in Accessory Selection

When selecting metal detector accessories, it’s not just about the most eye-catching options.

You should consider:

• • Your regular hunting environment (beach, parks, underwater, etc.).

• • The types of metal you are most interested in finding.

• • How often do you plan to use your metal detector?

• • Your budget and how much you’re willing to invest.

• • I recommend carefully evaluating whether you need specialized accessories like an underwater coil, or if a pinpointer would be more beneficial for your style of detecting. 

• • It’s important to ponder and pick accessories that align with your specific metal-detecting goals and conditions.

Quality and Compatibility of Accessories

• • It’s smart to invest in high-quality accessories for your metal detecting; they not only improve your searching but also offer better durability and value over time.

• • Always ensure that the accessories you pick match your detector—just like you wouldn’t try to fit a Ferrari engine in a Mini Cooper, not all gear will work with every detector.

• • Before you buy, always check compatibility to avoid any costly mistakes.

Maintaining Your Metal Detector Accessories

Taking care of your metal detector accessories is crucial to keep them functioning well and lasting longer. Just like any valuable tool, they need regular maintenance.

Regularly clean each item, store them carefully to prevent damage, and check them often for any signs of wear and tear.

Conclusion

Equipping yourself with the right metal detector accessories can improve your efficiency, comfort, and success rate. Start with the essentials like coils, pinpointers, headphones, and digging tools, and gradually expand your kit with other useful items as you gain more experience.