What metal detector search coil size to get?

[zdanman]

What size should I get in inches? This will be my first metal detector.

I want to find small nails, staples and some property marker rebar along my fence line...

Please answer in inches (5", 8", 9x6", 11.5", 15", etc....)

Asking the metal detector pros here.

Thanks!

 

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[darktower007]

Smaller the better. Look for a sniper coil.


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[luvsdux]

5 to 7 inches should do well.
luvsdux

 

[cudamark]

Which detector do you own? You really WANT to find nails, staples, and other small iron targets?? The smallest coil is usually best for tiny targets. They're also best for hunting next to large iron (like chain link, metal fence posts, shed, pipes, etc). If you have a large area to search, a big coil would save you lots of time. Some of the large coils are also very sensitive to small targets too if they're not very deep. The large coils don't work well next to large metal objects though.

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

If you are worried about surface fence staples and nails (and other ferric bits) have you considered a magnetic sweeper instead of a detector? Hang it in front of your tractor or mower to pick up the bits before they hit the tires or mower blades; or the cows eat them.

I searched out the survey markers (rebar) for my property and two neighbors with an 8" coil. Was small enough to get in among the brush here needed. Most were eyeballed but a couple were doozies to find (up near the road under roots and gravel from decades of plowing and such).

 

[zdanman]

If you are worried about surface fence staples and nails (and other ferric bits) have you considered a magnetic sweeper instead of a detector? Hang it in front of your tractor or mower to pick up the bits before they hit the tires or mower blades; or the cows eat them.

I searched out the survey markers (rebar) for my property and two neighbors with an 8" coil. Was small enough to get in among the brush here needed. Most were eyeballed but a couple were doozies to find (up near the road under roots and gravel from decades of plowing and such).

+1

i want a metal detector because it will detect aluminum whereas a sweeping magnetic would miss it.

 

[Mzjavert]

Nails, staples, and especially aluminum are EXTREMELY easy to find. An 8" or 5×7 coil will love this stuff. Should get the repar unless its really dry and deep.

 

[zdanman]

i ended up getting a garrett ace 250