by Jared Jeannotte

Created on: January 09, 2009   Last Updated: April 16, 2011

Most of us have heard of metal detecting in the past. But have you ever given it much thought? As a child and even as adults the thought of buried treasure is alluring. Flashy gold and silver in a tidy little chest like the pirates of old, right? It's not quite that glamorous, but it's definitely fun.

Metal detecting requires a tool called a metal detector. One can be purchased for as low as $50.00 and up to several thousand. Basic metal detectors contain two main parts. There is a coil at the bottom and a control panel on the top. The coil detects metals in the ground and the control panel attempts to let you know what kind of object it is.

Now that you have the basics of what a metal detector is, you can begin having fun. Many people believe that you just pick one up, walk into your yard and begin scanning. While this is the best place to start and to learn, it may not net you that buried treasure you are looking for. Begin by deciding what you want to look for, coins, rings or iron objects such as civil war bullets. You want to decide on what to look for first, because you then need to find places in your area to look for those items.

Once you have picked a place to search, obtain permission to search there. Once you get there begin walking and scanning the area. Begin digging up items as they turn up. You will find many things that you don't want so it is always a good idea to carry a small bag for trash. Soda cans and pop tabs are probably the most common things that turn up while metal detecting. Change such as pennies, dimes and quarters are often found, though depending on where you are searching, they may not be very old.

Finding items is a big part of metal detecting; however, it is easy to look over two of the biggest benefits. While you are metal detecting you are walking, bending, digging and moving. It is wonderful exercise that can be fun and exciting. While litter is a major problem everywhere, by taking a trash bag, you can help clean up your area parks as well. Who knew that you could be green and live out a pirates dream all at the same time?

Pick up your metal detector, find a place to go and start walking. Maybe you might find an old coin, a tin can or even a matchbox car. Gold rings, silver jewelry and musket balls are all out there for you to find. Get a couple and take the family for an all day affair. Remember, where ever you go and whatever you do, leave the area cleaner than when you first got there and enjoy the benefits of metal detecting.

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