Using a metal nut and bolt for the search coil - Problems?

[Tommygunn]

I got my Fisher 1236x2 yesterday and I'm very happy with it except that I scrapped the Nylon bolt and wing nut that holds the search coil in place.
Anyway, I did my best to locate a plastic bolt and nut (toilet seats etc) but ended up having to buy a metal bolt and wing nut.

Now, I have not noticed any difference detecting objects (coins, radiators etc) in the air, or so it seems, but I was wondering whether anyone had some better insight into this and whether it will actually make a difference.

I presumed the theory was that since the MD has to be in motion to detect a target, and since the bolt/nut are as one with the search coil, it wouldn't make a difference.

Your thoughts, please.

 

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[KenPa]

If you have a Lowes or Home Depot near you they have assortment drawers with nylon bolts and wing nuts

 

[Tommygunn]

I'm actually in Italy so Lowes and Home Depot are a bit of a stretch but I tried a couple of the local hardware shops with no luck.

Update:
I've just been on my first trip to the beach and found that the pinpointer would not work, not a peep. I got back removed the bolt and now it works perfectly.
So that's one drawback.

 

[stoney56]

I'd contact the Fisher Co. or order online a few replacements to have on hand. Tesoro had a little time with metal bolts on some of their earlier models and put out replacements in plastic, requiring a careful redrilling of the lower stem and coil ears to 1/4".

 

[The Hunter]

You can also check the local hobby shop for model radio control airplanes, they carry nylon wing bolts in various sizes

th

 

[Tommygunn]

Cheers fellas.
I actually contacted a couple of companies who specialise in plastic fittings and they are sending me some free samples.

Anyhow, something weird has just happened.
I just turned on the MD and the pinpointer is working perfectly even though I've got the steel nut and bolt in place! Maybe it was a loose connection or the magical powers of my German friend who was messing with it last night.

 

[rcasi44]

Tommygunn, this has been covered before and it should make no difference. All the early Whites used metal bolts. I'm looking at an old Whites 6000 DI Series 3 right next to me with a metal bolt and it works fine in all modes as long as it is a motion dependent detector. Good luck, Rob

 

[darkkitten2000]

hi,

yes, it will work, but it will affect its performance. I live in Slovenia, next to you and guess what, plastic nuts and bolts are notoriouslly dificult to find. Lucky me, i have a latice in my celler, so you'll need to measure and draw it down and mail it to me. Don`t forget your address. And yeah, you'll need more than one.....

d.

 

[olepossum]

i had that problem a while back and i used a 2 inch piece of inner tube and pulled it through and tied it off and it worked real good untill i got replacement bolst and wing nut i have a whites dfx 300 with the 12 inch coil

 

[jocap]

years ago all Tesoro's came with a metal metal bolt with nylon nut. A few years ago they switched over to the all nylon versions.

I never had any issues with the metal bolt set up but it does stand to reason that no metal should be near the coil.

HH

 

[Prairie Prowler]

Many older detectors in the 1980's-90's used STAINLESS Steel screws /bolts in their coil stem attachments..The plastic 1/4 inch nylon bolts are 100% anti metal but dont stand up to elements all too well ,..best to have extras.. FWIW.. BtKidd..H-Hing

 

[Willy]

Stainless steel works pretty well as a coil bolt. It also doesn't put off much of a signal (hard to detect in the first place) and will last near forever. ..Willy.