Essential Metal Detecting Accessories
The accessories that make a real difference: pinpointers, digging tools, finds pouches, sand scoops, headphones, and more.
Pinpointers
A pinpointer is a handheld detector you use after the main detector has located a general area, to pinpoint the exact spot of the target in the hole or in displaced dirt. It is the single most useful accessory you can buy.
What to look for:
- A waterproof rating (you will drop it in puddles).
- Audible and vibrating alerts.
- An LED light at the tip.
- Replaceable batteries or a long-life rechargeable.
Digging tools
For most surface and near-surface targets, you need a hand digger — a serrated trowel or T-handle digger 8–12” long. For deeper targets or relic hunting, a small shovel with a stepped foot rest.
Two rules:
- Always dig a clean plug — flap of sod, target retrieved, plug replaced, ground stamped down.
- Carry the right tool for the terrain you’re going to. A heavy shovel at the beach is dead weight.
Finds pouch
A pouch with two compartments is ideal — one for keepers, one for trash. Take the trash home with you. Hobbyists who leave trash on site are the reason permissions get revoked.
Sand scoop
For beach hunting:
- Plastic scoops are light and cheap. Good for dry sand and casual use.
- Stainless steel scoops are heavier, more durable, and the standard for serious surf and wet-sand work.
- Long-handled scoops save your back in the wet sand and surf.
Hole size matters: a 3/8” mesh catches most coin-and-jewelry targets while letting sand drain quickly.
Gloves
Cheap mechanic’s gloves protect against broken glass, rusty iron, and the occasional surprise. Saltwater hunters often prefer neoprene.
Headphones
Wired headphones still outperform wireless for raw audio quality and zero latency. Wireless is more practical for beach and water hunters where a cord catches on the swing. Whatever you choose, headphones reveal faint signals the speaker hides. They are not optional once you’re serious.
Spare batteries / charging
Always carry a backup. A dead detector ends the hunt regardless of how many targets are still in the ground. For rechargeable detectors, a small USB power bank in the finds pouch is a quiet superpower.
Cleaning cloth
A microfiber cloth and a small bottle of fresh water makes it easy to identify finds in the field without scratching coins. Save aggressive cleaning for after you’ve actually IDed the find — many older coins are worth more dirty than cleaned.
Responsible recovery tools
A small probe (smooth steel rod) lets you locate targets in hard ground without digging — and helps you avoid striking a coin with a digger. Lightweight, cheap, and a real upgrade.