Found...A Design Flaw!

[romeo-1]

This is why I keep a length of strong cordage in my detecting bag. One single bolt to hold the arm cuff on? There's a lot of torque here so you would think there would be something more substantial. Time to find a new shaft.

Also, my finds before the cuff broke...to stay in line with Today's Finds. Let's hope the post repair finds are better!

 

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[vpnavy]

Nice finds! Just for the heck of it - you should send Garrett an e-mail (with picture) and ask if it is covered under warranty (regardless of how long you have had it) - wonder what they would say (and/or do)? This is their e-mail: sales@garrett.com Who knows - they might send you a free replacement...let us know how it goes.

 

[Mackaydon]

As 'vpnavy' mentioned (BTW, congrats 'navy' on being the newest Moderator) submit a replacement request to Garrett; they may replace it for free--as Minelab did it for me TWICE with my machine.
Don.......

 

[Subterranean]

romeo-1, I went through THREE stock arm cuffs before I said enough...I was put in touch with fellow TNetter "Jeff in North Georgia," a great guy who manufactures METAL replacement cuffs for ATPros and others. I purchased one in 2014 from Jeff and it has been outstanding, and in my opinion, is what Garrett should have sent from the factory in the first place. Happy Hunting, Sub

 

[romeo-1]

Good advice all...may shop around for a replacement but will definitely let Garrett know as the unit is less than 2 years old.

 

[Worm-Slicer]

Like MacGyver, I always carry a roll of duct tape in my backpack just for this reason. It's been holding my coil on for half a year now after a stupid forest dance (This, my friend, is another story. lol) It's got me out of a lot of "sticky" situations. lol

 

[pat-tekker-cat]

I had to repair my Ace250 plastic cuff, a few times. Garrett did send me a replacement or 2.
I think I have 3 plastic cuffs now, lol.



I was told in the past, about fake fingernail acrylic fill kits I know.....
You're wondering, "What would a guy do with that"!? Well.......
Yes, you too, in your spare time, can make plastic, as good as any factory.

I've used to it remake my arm cuff, I think the one with the acrylic is stronger than the molded factory ones. Also, can/will seal those Excal battery packs, when you accidently drop, knick, or get that fracture, on one. Haven't tried it on a coil, yet, but, the uses are endless......
AND, if you order now...... we'll include.......

It's available at walmart, drug stores, amazon, ebay.... look in the fingernail care aisle.
I'm not saying it may woulda fixed that particular break, but it does have it's applications.
And, I'mma duct tape and bailing wire, kinda cat.

 

[kingskid1611]

McGyver would be proud.

 

[romeo-1]

Well, the field repair held but the finds stayed consistent...no coins or buttons...just more lead. Not complaining though...love finding these smooth Enfields and musket balls.

 

[WHADIFIND]

I happened to see that flaw early on. I did a little prevention. The original finally broke and they replaced it with a sturdier
cuff band. The connection point was much stronger! But, still, not enough to hold it on in my opinion.

So, after tightening it down, I did a bit of electrical taping. Akin to the type of taping I used to do on cracked, sandlot, baseball bats when I was a kid. (You oldsters know what I mean. Where dad came around asking "Where the H is my electrical tape!?!?".

Anyway, it is pretty well waterproof and stays in place until taken off. Still, a better design is called for in this case.

 

[Squirrel322]

The cuff wore out on mine after 3 months. Word is Garrett will replace them for free but I didn't want a temporary solution. So, I got a metal cuff from Indian Nation Detectors and have been very pleased with the purchase.

 

[mangum]

I've had to do the same exact thing. I now have a MXT cuff on it. I like the AT PRo but it is cheaply made. I've had the coil & box break on me too...

 

[trapperart]

Looks like a good day except for the cuff break congrats

 

[DownNDirty]

I bet Garrett will send a replacement free of charge even though it's out of warranty. Garrett's service department is second to none.

 

[romeo-1]

You bet right! Sent a pic to Garrett and they responded to let me know that they are sending a replacement. Great service!

I bet Garrett will send a replacement free of charge even though it's out of warranty. Garrett's service department is second to none.

 

[dirtdigginfool]

Ok..
This happened to me...I drove home, removed what parts of the rivets were left, drilled 2 SMALL holes, placed the cuff over the handle and attached it with 2 new stainless screws...put the foam back over the repair, and was back at my favorite soccer field in less than a half hour...good luck! Ddf

 

[rainorshine]

I had that happen twice. I finally made my own out of pvc. Still works great. This year I had my main display box snap off as well. I bought some of that 5 second fix it stuff and glued the heck out of it. It feels stronger now than it did right out of the box. That stuff is amazing! I use it on anything that breaks around the house and also to repair some of those finds I accidentally get a little to rough with

 

[WildWildBill]

Just wondering, how long have you had your Garrett? Wear and tear is inevitable, BUT, I've had my White's for 12 years without defect. I think it's just the comes with the rigors of much usage. If your detector has pretty much paid for itself, then so be it.

 

[Professor of Engineering]

This very thing happened to me. The problem was solved in the field with duct tape two years ago, still have not repaired it...works great! In fact, more stable than the original.

I called Garrett (two years ago) and they sent me a new cuff assembly for free, no issues or non-sense; just have not replaced it! A very good company!!!

 

[WHADIFIND]

Just wondering, how long have you had your Garrett? Wear and tear is inevitable, BUT, I've had my White's for 12 years without defect. I think it's just the comes with the rigors of much usage. If your detector has pretty much paid for itself, then so be it.

Ya know, I was thinking the same thing. I actually have my original Garrett Groundhog I used in the 70's! And, guess what? It still works and has NEVER broken! I wore a coil down once because I hadn't discovered the coil covers yet.

IMHO, the late Mr. Garrett gave us something VERY special ! And at an affordable price!

We need to stop wrapping our detectors around poles on bad days, they last longer.