Tweet
I recently purchased a metal detector through Harbor Freight, item #67378, listed as a 9 function metal detector. I bought it new for only $45.99 (including sales tax, and shipping costs) - as I had a 20% off coupon.
For the price I figured it would be fun to experiment with and have a back-up for friends and family to play with in the backyard. In the last few years all the reviews really rave about how well it works for the price so I couldn't resist.
It arrived safe and sound and looked like this...
It took 6 AA batteries and was ready to go. After using it in the backyard I quickly learned it had more potential that it was given credit for! Indeed the plastic armrest is flimsy, and is strange to hold/use (due to the grip design) - but it was doing some great depths and had excellent discrimination (it can even disc out nearly all trash and clad coins, if wanted, except a quarter and half-dollar).
Here are the air tests of the stock HF 9 function metal detector, also known as the manufacturer number MD6008 - with the detector set in DISC mode with the DISC knob at 10:00 o'clock with maximum sensitivity...
I took many other air tests, with 19 different objects (as I always do), in the different settings and DISC positions. I decided it was worth customizing the detector to see what I could do with it.
Well here are my results...
Not only is the detector now much easier to use and set-up properly, it also gets much better depth! Here are the new air test depths with the detector set in DISC mode with the DISC knob at 10:00 o'clock with maximum sensitivity...
Here is a list of changes and modifications I did to the detector - as it is rather extensive I plan to release detailed instructions/how-to's on the different mods. I have plenty of images and full details saved, and I will release the instructions later on as I have the time.
For the price I figured it would be fun to experiment with and have a back-up for friends and family to play with in the backyard. In the last few years all the reviews really rave about how well it works for the price so I couldn't resist.
It arrived safe and sound and looked like this...
It took 6 AA batteries and was ready to go. After using it in the backyard I quickly learned it had more potential that it was given credit for! Indeed the plastic armrest is flimsy, and is strange to hold/use (due to the grip design) - but it was doing some great depths and had excellent discrimination (it can even disc out nearly all trash and clad coins, if wanted, except a quarter and half-dollar).
Here are the air tests of the stock HF 9 function metal detector, also known as the manufacturer number MD6008 - with the detector set in DISC mode with the DISC knob at 10:00 o'clock with maximum sensitivity...
Stock detector air test depths -
14K Gold Ring - 6.25"
Penny - 6.75"
Nickle - 6.25"
Clad Dime - 6.25"
Silver Dime - 6.50"
Clad Quarter - 7.50"
Silver Quarter - 7.25"
Half-Dollar - 8"
14K Gold Ring - 6.25"
Penny - 6.75"
Nickle - 6.25"
Clad Dime - 6.25"
Silver Dime - 6.50"
Clad Quarter - 7.50"
Silver Quarter - 7.25"
Half-Dollar - 8"
Well here are my results...
Not only is the detector now much easier to use and set-up properly, it also gets much better depth! Here are the new air test depths with the detector set in DISC mode with the DISC knob at 10:00 o'clock with maximum sensitivity...
My custom detector air test depths -
14K Gold Ring - 8"
Penny - 8"
Nickle - 7.75"
Clad Dime - 7.75"
Silver Dime - 8"
Clad Quarter - 9.25"
Silver Quarter - 9"
Half-Dollar - 10.25"
14K Gold Ring - 8"
Penny - 8"
Nickle - 7.75"
Clad Dime - 7.75"
Silver Dime - 8"
Clad Quarter - 9.25"
Silver Quarter - 9"
Half-Dollar - 10.25"
- Custom straight shaft that is weight balanced to the handle, with most of the weight under the arm/elbow to make it feel lighter and easier to swing
- Shaft uses a locking spring clip with 10 adjustment holes (stock shaft is plastic cam-lock only)
- A metal twist cam-lock for the lower rod
- Custom detector stand - keeps it out of the dirt and makes it near impossible to knock/roll over
- Search coil no longer hard-wired and uses a standard detector screw-on connector
- Search coil was sealed with pure silicone (aquarium grade) to prevent water damage
- Padded armrest added with a armrest strap
- Headphone jack changed to standard metal detector 1/4" size (6mm) and added to the end to prevent tangles/problems
- Added headphone switch for Mono or Stereo headphone cables
- On/Off switch wired separate to prevent having to change the volume each time
- Volume control works with mono or stereo headphones, and has smoother increase/decrease
- Sensitivity potentiometer changed to 100K to allow more power/greater depth
- Dual DISC/TONE knobs added to make changing detecting targets easy - also aids in easier identification of object in the ground by switching the DISC back and forth as needed
- Ground control added - and I included a course and fine knobs to allow accurate control/set-up
- Battery type switched to 9V batteries - as I have many great 9V rechargeable's I wanted to use from my other detectors; however, it can easily be switched to 6 AA batteries again if I prefer.
- Battery tray is water resistant, has a simple latch to allow easy battery changes when detecting, and holds three 9V batteries for longer detecting time. Also this allows me to continue detecting even if I only have a single 9V battery as only one is required to power the detector.
- A custom control box was created above the handle to house the meter (which does work to display strength/depth of a found target), On/Off switch, DISC 1/DISC 2 switch to change discrimination settings, and toggle pinpoint switch so I do not have to hold the button -- all within easy thumb reach while detecting
- ...And many other things "under the hood"
Comment