Can You Rent a Metal Detector?

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General Metal Detector Tips & Tricks
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Perhaps you have always wanted to own a metal detector, or maybe you just want one for a short time because you want to look for something you recently lost. For either scenario, renting a metal detector would be a good solution. It can also help you decide if you like the hobby and want to pursue it, but can you rent a metal detector?

What Is a Metal Detector?

Metal detectors have been around for quite some time. They were originally created to detect explosives, and while they have evolved since then, their functionality is the same in many ways.

The concepts of magnetism and electricity are what drives the performance of metal detectors. Changes in the precision of these concepts have led to creating different types of metal detectors. Now, you can often see people walking around with metal detectors outdoors and on the beach.

How Does a Metal Detector Work?

The functionality of a metal detector is actually quite straightforward and easy to understand. It works via a search coil, which is attached to the bottom of the detector. That coil transmits an electromagnetic field into the ground. That field then triggers any metal objects.

If found, those objects then transmit a responding electromagnetic field. The metal detector’s coils receive that transmission and make an alerting sound. This is the most basic concept of how metal detectors work in general, but the different types of metal detectors offer variations on functionality.

Three Types of Metal Detectors

Overall, there are three main types of metal detectors: beat-frequency oscillation, very low frequency, and pulse induction.

Beat-Frequency Oscillation Metal Detector

These metal detectors are considered to be the most basic of all types. Usually, with a beat-frequency oscillation detector, you can find items that are up to two feet below the ground.

This detector type has two coils of wire. One is located in the control box of the detector, and the other is found in the detector’s head. They are both connected to an oscillator that can produce several thousand pulses every single second.

As the pulses move through every coil, radio waves are generated. Those waves are felt by the receiver in the control box. The receiver creates a hum when an item is detected.

Very Low-Frequency Metal Detector

This type of metal detector is by far the most popularly used. It is also the preferred type of those who take metal detecting very seriously and consider it more than a hobby.

A very low-frequency metal detector is incredibly sensitive, which gives it great accuracy and precision. It has two coils: the receiver and the transmitter. The transmitter is the outer coil loop. It produces a very strong current that goes in two different directions. The detector’s frequency depends on the number of times the current changes its direction.

In the inner coil loop is the receiver coil. It detects frequencies from the ground and amplifies them. The two coils work together through the transmitter coil, which loops the current above and below the ground’s surface.

When that current founds a metal target, interference is created, which is perceived by the receiver coil. That interference is what sets off the sound that can be heard by the detector’s user.

Pulse Induction

This is the newest type of metal detector currently available. This is the metal detector type you would see used at various events to look for concealed weapons. While it is great for that purpose, it is not particularly useful when it comes to telling the difference between different metals. They are also a bit heavier than the other types of metal detectors.

This type of detector uses just one coil, which functions as both the receiver and the transmitter. That coil pushes electricity pulses into the ground or target to create a magnetic field. When a pulse makes contact with a metal object, that field is reversed, and a signal is made.

Can You Rent a Metal Detector?

Renting a metal detector can be a great way to learn about metal detecting. There are a few other reasons you might want to rent a metal detector as well. The first, and perhaps most obvious, is that you have lost something of value, and you need to find it quickly. However, there are also other reasons:

  • Save money
  • See if you like the hobby of metal detecting
  • Try out different models

Save Money

Some metal detectors can cost a lot of money. While this might be worth it if you plan on using the detector quite frequently, if you are not sure how frequently you will use it, it might not be worth the purchase.

In addition, metal detectors aren’t always available for purchase in every store. That can add to the cost as well, given that they are a specialty item. This makes purchasing one, instead of renting, even more cost prohibitive. You have to add in any shipping charges to the already potentially costly purchase.

Instead, you can rent one for much less money and still enjoy the hobby for a short time. You also won’t have to worry about storing the detector or paying to keep it maintained. In the end, you could spend a whole lot less money renting a metal detector than purchasing one.

Metal Detecting as a Hobby

Many people really enjoy metal detecting. You can rent a metal detector and take it for an overnight trip or for a weekend getaway. Sometimes, you can even find rental deals that provide everything you need to enjoy the hobby thoroughly for days on end.

Most people who enjoy metal detecting in their spare time also enjoy being outdoors and getting a good bit of exercise. Of course, you would be using the detector outside, and in order to find things, you would have to be walking around. With it, you can get your steps in while on the hunt for items.

Try Out Different Models

Metal detectors are often specific to the kind of metal you want to find. Therefore, there are different modes and types available. If you don’t want to always be on the hunt for the same type of metal, trying out different kinds of detectors can be both helpful and fun.


If you were wondering can you rent a metal detector, now you know it is not only possible but advisable. This is particularly true if you are new to the hobby or want to try it out. With rentals, you can test out different types and see if it’s a hobby you want to pursue.

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