Coin popping and pinpointing techniques
Woosh….you’ve been swinging that detector for hours now. Your wrist and neck are starting to feel uncomfortable and cramp is setting in. Suddenly, the detector starts to bleep like crazy.
You stop dead and swing again. Yep, you are getting a very clear signal that something is under the soil. Now onto the important task of finding the item without causing damage to the item, or the environment.
However, this is not as simple as you think it is! No doubt, if you’ve done this a million times, you’re probably quite adept at it by now. If that is you well you can just move onto to another post. In my opinion, everyone should read the article just to make sure the methods they are using are the best ones. I honestly believe this topic is important!
There are many techniques for retrieving targets but the two we are going to focus on here is ‘Popping’ and ‘Pinpointing’.
Popping
Popping is an old techniques that was commonly used when the detectors didn’t have the capability to gauge depth like modern day detectors do now and, before the introduction of pinpointers and electric probes. The popping method was necessary to retrieve coins/targets from maybe a depth of say 2 inches.
You’ll find that it is still a popular method amongst the modern day detectorist simply because it causes less damage to the earth and, when mastered, it is therefore an excellent way to recover items that are just below the surface. Although it is quite difficult to master, seasoned detectorists say that, with practice you will learn to tell rubbish from a tree root or a coin. I’ve been reliable informed that the way to ascertain if you’ve found a coin is by the sound it makes a typical ‘tap tapping’ that a rock just doesn’t apparently make.
If you are serious about metal detecting it is vitally important that you master these techniques and I highly recommend Robert Sickler’s book ‘Detectorist’ for the best diagrams and explanations of this.
I also found this video for you to watch which describes the process really well and demonstrates how to pop a coin from the grass using a screwdriver. You’ll find metal detecting in a similar vein to this skill will save you a ton of time.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=58e1XNIoKDE&hd=1
Pinpointing
Pinpointing is a much more modern method. It is basically, an electronic probe that that provides for pinpointing the item with accuracy. It literally does what it says. Some modern detectors have built-in pinpointers which are very useful indeed. However, I understand it can be difficult to get to grips with at first and I strongly recommend you read the manual for your own make and model of the detector as well as taking tips to be found on forums.
If you don’t own or cannot afford a pinpointer the following method can be used and is quite accurate. I call it ‘making an X’. This is a simple way to isolate the target. When you get a really clear sound, note in your mind’s eye where the sound was most clear and imagine a vertical line. Now move the detector to a 90 degrees angle and when you get another clear sound again, make another image a horizontal line. Where the two lines cross it where your target should be. Like anything to do with detecting; practice makes perfect. I know some people don’t use a pinpointer and swear by using the “X spot”.
This is an excellent video to teach you how to retrieve items causing minimal damage to grass or environment. He uses the ‘probe & popping’ method and for deeper finds the ‘slit’ method. Check it out here
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzEZNWMXKDE&hd=1
The above mentioned book, as I said, has some great diagrams for you to study.
I find that a traditional asparagus knife is as good as any tool as it is serrated on one side and smoothly sharp on the other.
I personally use an old knitting needle as my probe and a 10 inch round shaped screwdriver with the end filed down so it is smooth. Hey why buy other items when you can utilize household goods you’ve probably got or can get cheaply. Incidentally, I also use a bum bag for my little finds. It goes around your waist and always comes in handy.
The final thing I want to share with you regarding this subject is about something I read that I call ‘coin trickery’. Sometimes a coin can give you a false reading; if the coin is laying on it’s side or on an angle it made well give off a reading as if there are two targets or bleep to the side instead of the centre of the target. You may find a pinpointer is really important tool to have if you really want to to, not only accurately find the item but also minimize damage to the environment.
Read about the Best Detectors for Coins
Best Ways to Display Your Coins and Treasures
I’ve done some research on the forums and the following pinpointer the Garret Pinpointer would seem to be a popular favourite to reduce your digging time and make it easier to find targets.
Pinpointer Comparison Table
Bounty Hunter | Minelab Pro-Find 35 | Garrett Pro Pointer |
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Well here ends the lesson on plugging and pointing. I hope you enjoyed the information I’ve shared here.