Over the years I’ve published a wide range of articles and practical tips covering metal detecting, research, field techniques, finds, and responsible practice.
This page brings those articles together by topic, so you can easily find what you’re looking for — whether you’re just starting out, returning to the hobby, or refining an approach that already works for you.
If you’re new here, this is the best place to begin. The sections below group related articles and tips, allowing you to explore specific subjects without having to search through posts by date. Where appropriate, I’ve also indicated books that explore these topics in greater depth for readers who want to go further.
Use this page as a guide rather than a checklist. You don’t need to read everything at once — dip into the sections that match your interests, and come back to others as your experience develops.
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Research & Preparation
Good detecting starts long before you switch the detector on. Understanding where to go, what once happened there, and whether detecting is appropriate at all often makes the difference between a quiet day and a productive one.
In this section you’ll find articles covering:
* researching locations and site history
* understanding local laws and permissions
* using maps and historical sources effectively
* learning from local knowledge and detecting clubs
Recommended Articles:
- Research Locations – Learn the history of the area to find promising spot.
- Check Local Laws – Ensure metal detecting is allowed and get necessary permits.
- Understand Historical Context – Study maps and historical documents to identify potential treasure sites.
- Talk to Locals – Gather information from local residents about old landmarks and historical events.
- Join a Metal Detecting Club – Get insights and tips from experienced detectorists.
Related reading: Site Research for Detectorists, Fieldwalkers & Archaeologists · Internet Site Research for Detectorists · How to Research Farm History for Metal Detecting · Permission Impossible
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Equipment & Setup
Choosing equipment doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive, but it does need to be appropriate. Just as important is learning how to use what you already have properly.
These articles focus on:
* selecting and understanding metal detectors
* setting up machines for different conditions
* essential accessories and tools
* power management and waterproofing
Recommended Articles:
- Learn Your Detector – Read the manual and practice to understand its functions.
- Use Proper Settings – Use Proper Settings: Adjust the sensitivity and discrimination settings for optimal performance.
- Bring a Pinpointer – Use a handheld pinpointer to locate targets more precisely.
- Carry Spare Power – Always have spare power for your detector and pinpointer.
- Use Headphones – Headphones help you hear faint signals better and conserve battery life.
Related reading: Metal Detecting Made Easy
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Field Techniques & Methods
This is where most improvement actually happens — in how you work the ground. Small changes in approach, patience, and observation often lead to better results than changing equipment.
Here you’ll find guidance on:
* systematic searching and gridding
* sweep technique and coverage
* target recovery and hole checking
* adapting to soil and site conditions
Recommended Articles:
- Go slow and steady – why patience matters more than power
- Grid the area – working a site methodically rather than randomly
- Overlap sweeps – improving coverage without extra effort
- Investigate signals thoroughly – avoiding missed targets
- Check your holes – why one extra scan often pays off
Related reading: Metal Detecting Made Easy
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Responsible Detecting & Environmental Care
Metal detecting depends on trust — from landowners, farmers, and the wider public. Responsible behaviour in the field protects not only individual permissions, but the reputation of the hobby as a whole.
Articles in this section cover:
* permissions and private land
* filling holes and leaving no trace
* avoiding protected or sensitive sites
* removing modern rubbish responsibly
Recommended Articles:
- Respect private property – why permission and boundaries matter
- Fill your holes – leaving land exactly as you found it
- Avoid sensitive areas – understanding protected and unsuitable sites
- Remove junk – improving land and relationships at the same time
Related reading: Permission Impossible · Metal Detecting Made Easy
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Health, Safety & Practicalities
Detecting should be enjoyable, not uncomfortable or risky. Simple preparation and awareness can prevent small problems from becoming serious ones.
This section includes articles on:
* clothing, weather, and terrain
* hydration and basic first aid
* navigation and visibility
* detecting safely alone or with others
Recommended Articles:
- Watch weather conditions – why planning matters as much as detecting
- Stay hydrated – avoiding fatigue and poor decisions
- Be aware of your surroundings – machinery, wildlife, and other hazards
- Use GPS or maps – staying oriented on large or unfamiliar sites
Related reading: Metal Detecting Made Easy
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Advanced Skills & Interpretation
As experience grows, detecting becomes less about equipment and more about judgement. Understanding signals, patterns, and context allows you to make better decisions in the field.
These articles explore:
* interpreting different signal types
* using detection modes effectively
* improving recovery efficiency without damage
Recommended Articles:
- Understand signal types – learning what your detector is really telling you
- Experiment with different modes – using features deliberately rather than randomly
- Practice target recovery – improving efficiency without unnecessary disturbance
Related reading: Metal Detecting Made Easy
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Going Further
If you’d like to explore any of these subjects in greater depth, you’ll find my books listed alphabetically in the bookshop. They expand on the ideas discussed here with more detailed examples, background research, and long-form guidance.
You don’t need to read everything at once — many readers dip in as questions arise or interests develop over time.
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If you’re unsure where to begin, start with Research & Preparation or Field Techniques & Methods, then return to this page as your experience grows.
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