Can Metal Detectors Detect Brass?

Ever wondered if your trusty metal detector can pick up brass? Dive in, as we unravel the truth behind detecting this coveted metal. Ready for an adventure?

As I started metal detecting as a hobby, I was always confused to figure out the difference between Brass and Bronze because of their distinct reddish color.

I was seeking a way of finding brass items instead of bronze or copper. So, the first question that comes up to my mind since I’m a detectorist is, Will Brass cause my metal detector to go off?

So, I did some research and went for experts’ advice.

Now here’s what I know about, can metal detectors detect brass?’.

Yes, metal detectors can detect brass even though it doesn’t have a high electrical conductivity. Brass is an alloy that is made out of copper and zinc components that can still create an electromagnetic field. Therefore, it can disrupt the detector’s magnetic field. 

There are several things that I want to explain to you about brass so that you will be able to immediately identify the metal that you find.

In this article, I’ll explore can metal detectors detect brass and how to find and identify brass valuables without any issues.

So, let’s jump in!

Will Metal Detectors Detect Brass?

The simplest answer that can be given is yes. Most of the available metal detectors are able to detect brass.

Brass is a non-ferrous metal and all the non-ferrous metal can be detected by metal detectors.

Brass is an alloy made out of copper and zinc. Both of these metals can conduct electricity and interact with the magnetic field emitted by the metal detector. 

Therefore, it can give signals that are similar to these metals. 

The sensitivity of brass to metal detectors will depend on several factors including size, shape, composition, and the depth of the object from the surface. 

Thick brass objects would be quite challenging to detect than thin objects as they are able to reduce the effect of the electromagnetic field.

It has a low conductivity but still it can be detected through a detector with the required settings. 

Do you know that brass is a non-magnetic metal that can be detected by metal detectors.

Best Metal Detectors For Brass

Here are the best metal detectors to detect brass finds,

• Garrett AT Pro
• Minelab Equinox 800
• Fisher F75
• Teknetics T2 Plus
• Whites TreasurePro

However, choosing a detector depends on individual needs and preferences. These are so far the best-known detectors for brass.

Specific Signals of Brass on Different Metal Detectors

When a metal detector emits a signal and detects a metal object, it gives an audio and/or visual indication of the type of metal it believes it has found. 

These indications are typically based on the electrical conductivity and the magnetic susceptibility of the object. 

In the case of a visual indication, it may be given as a numeric target ID or a cursor position on a scale. 

These are also referred to as VDI (Visual Display Indicator) numbers.

The VDI number or scale position for brass can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size of the object, its shape, its orientation in the ground, the alloy composition of the brass, and the ground mineralization. 

It can also vary from one detector model to another, as different detectors may use different scales and processing algorithms.

However, for general guidance, brass is often found to give a mid to high-tone audio signal and to show up in the mid-range of the detector’s visual scale or VDI numbers. 

Here are some examples of popular detector models:

• Garrett AT Pro: On the Garrett AT Pro, brass objects might show up anywhere between 50 and 70 on the detector’s digital target ID scale. This can vary, though, so it’s important to dig all promising signals.
• Minelab Equinox 800: On the Minelab Equinox 800, brass items could register anywhere in the 10 to 20 range for smaller objects, and up to 30 or higher for larger objects.
• Fisher F75: On the Fisher F75, brass objects can range widely, but they might commonly fall within the range of 45 to 65.

Please note that, these are general guidelines and can vary. The key to successful metal detecting is experience. 

The more you use your detector and dig your targets, the better you’ll understand the signals and responses of your specific detector.

Therefore, it’s often recommended that when you’re starting, you should dig all targets that give a consistent signal.

How To Detect Brass with a Metal Detector?

Here’re the steps you need to follow when detecting brass with a metal detector,

1. Select a metal detector of your choice that has high-sensitivity settings to detect small targets.
2. Optimize the settings according to the brass metal. Most of the detectors nowadays come with specific setups for different metal types. 
3. Select a location of your choice to search for brass. This metal can be found in most of the places with buildings.
4. Start to sweep the detector over the area. Keep the coil closer to the ground and move it slowly until a signal is heard.
5. Identify the positive signals and pinpoint the exact area. Then slowly start to dig.
6. Be careful and dig around the target and use your fingers to separate the soil from the object.
7. After carefully removing the object, detect one more time to double-check if there are any other metals around.
8. Refill the pit with the dug-out soil and press it tight. This will help the ground to recover.

Read to know the, Best Places to Find Brass when Metal Detecting

Valuable Brass Findings 

There are a lot of brass ancient artifacts that can be found. Here are some of the examples,

• Brass door knobs and handles– These can be found in old houses and buildings.
• Candlesticks– These are popular as ornaments and can be super expensive antiques.
• Brass bells– These are often vintagy and therefore can be quite valuable.
• Figurines– Antique or ornamental brass figurines are used as decoratives and can be worthy.
• Artifacts– These include coins, weapons and other religious artifacts and are extremely popular among the collectors.

How To Clean Brass Findings?

Brass can get worn out over time and lose its shininess. Brass usually gets discolored once it becomes in contact with oxygen or other things like oil. 

This tarnishing is not corrosive but it can make the surface look darker. So it’s good to know how to exactly clean a brass item. 

And on the bright side, everything you need is already at your home. So let’s get started!

Supplies you will need,

• Liquid soap
• Lemon 
• Table salt
• Sponge
• Piece of cloth 

Here’s the procedure for cleaning brass finds,

1. Wash the item thoroughly to remove dust and dirt
2. Slice a lemon in half and dip the edges with salt
3. Make a lemon juice paste by mixing one cup of salt and one-fourth cup of lemon juice
4. First, rub the lemon half dipped in salt on the surface of the object
5. Then apply the paste on the surface and let it be there for about 30 minutes 
6. Scrub the item and clean it with a damp sponge 
7. Once the tarnish has gone, rinse the object well with washing liquid 

There are some other methods that you can use easily to clean the brass. This is one of the easiest and most common methods.

Preservation Of Brass Finds

Certainly, brass preservation is an essential part of maintaining the value and aesthetic appeal of any brass item, whether it’s a small trinket, an antique, or a large piece of furniture. 

Here are some general guidelines for preserving brass:

• Regular Cleaning: Brass objects should be cleaned regularly to maintain their shine and prevent tarnish. Mild soap and warm water can be used for regular cleaning. Always dry the brass item thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water spots and further tarnishing.
• Polishing: If your brass item has lost its shine or has started to tarnish, it can be polished using a brass cleaner. Apply the cleaner using a soft cloth, then rinse and dry. Some household items like vinegar, salt, and flour can also be used to make a homemade brass cleaner.
• Protection: Once your brass item is clean and shiny, you might want to protect it to slow down future tarnishing. This can be done by applying a thin coat of lacquer or wax. Lacquer provides a shiny finish and great protection, but it can be difficult to apply evenly and may eventually chip or peel off. Wax gives less shine but is easier to apply and can be easily reapplied as needed.
• Handling: When handling brass objects, try to minimize direct contact with the brass surface as the oils from your skin can lead to tarnishing. You may want to wear gloves when handling valuable brass items.
• Storage: If you’re storing a brass item, try to keep it in a dry, clean environment. High humidity can lead to tarnishing, and dust can cause scratches. If the item is very valuable, you may want to keep it in a case with silica packets to absorb any excess moisture.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Brass is a delicate material that can be damaged by harsh chemicals. Always use cleaners that are specifically designed for brass, and avoid any product that contains bleach.

Tips For Using Metal Detectors To Find Brass

These are some of the tricks that I found while doing brass detecting. Hope it helps you too.

• Set the discrimination settings to filter the unwanted signals and pick up only brass.
• Set the frequency to detect brass items only. Low frequency is the best.
• Choose specific areas that can be guessed there is brass. Do research before beginning.
• Use the pinpoint mode after you get a signal to find the exact location.
• Increase the sensitivity to pick up small signals.
• Slow down when scanning. Take time to scan throughout the area. 
• Smaller coils can locate smaller brass objects. So use one.

Does Brass Set Off Metal Detectors At The Airport?

Well honestly speaking, if the object has a very small amount of brass in it, a detector cannot identify it.

Airport detectors are usually designed to detect large amounts of metal so it’s unlikely that brass will set off an airport detector.

But in case you’re carrying something bigger that is made out of brass, these detectors are probably going to set off. 

Modern detectors on the other hand are advanced in technology and sometimes they can detect even the slightest amount of brass.

So be prepared and be cautious before going through an airport detector with brass. 

Can Metal Detectors Detect Brass Knuckles? 

Of course! Metal detectors can detect brass knuckles. They are made out of brass and also contain a substantial amount of metal in it.

This item is prohibited in many countries and cannot be brought through airports or any other public facilities. 

If you’re planning to bring brass knuckles with you, better do thorough research on the rules and regulations of the destination. 

Also, pack them in checked luggage to avoid any extra issues. 

How To Separate Gold From Brass?

Both gold and brass are shiny metals and almost look alike. But there are some ways to differentiate these two metals.

Noticing the Colors

Both gold and brass do look the same. But gold is more yellow and shiny than brass. 

Brass is dull and does not have a vibrant yellow. 

Scratching Metal Across a Ceramic Surface 

Gold is a soft metal. Gold will leave a streak once it is scratched across a ceramic surface. 

Brass is harder than gold and it will leave a black streak on the ceramic surface.

Density Test

The easiest way to measure density is to use the hands to toss the metal up lightly and let it fall back down onto the hand. 

Gold is more dense than brass. Therefore it will feel heavier than brass.

Acid Test

An acid test is another method that you can follow to distinguish between these two metals. 

In order to perform this test, pour a drop of nitric acid onto the metal surface.

Brass will fizzle and react with the acid and turn in colors. But pure gold does not react with any acid and will remain the same. 

What Are The Differences Between Copper And Brass?

Both copper and brass look similar and they share some common properties. 

There are a few methods that can be used in order to identify these two metals separately.

Color Difference

Copper has a reddish-brown color and it develops a greenish-brown film over time.

Brass has a light yellow-gold hue with a shiny surface and it can tarnish over time with a black or brown appearance.

Density Difference

Copper is denser than brass and therefore, a simple test can be done by comparing the weight of two pieces of both metals in similar size. 

The density difference can also be checked with a very simple experiment. Get two similar buckets with the same amounts of water filled. 

Then hold each of the metal blocks that are of the same size just above the water surface on each bucket.

Release the metal blocks into the water at the same time. 

The first block that will reach the bottom of the bucket will have the highest density, which is copper. 

Brass will take a little longer to reach the bottom.

Magnet Test

Copper is not magnetic. Brass has a weak magnetic field. Put a piece of metal near a magnet and if it sticks, it is brass.

This is not always reliable as the magnetic field of brass may change.

Sound Test

If you hit the metal surface with a small hammer, brass will produce a strong sound.

But copper produces a much duller sound. 

This method might not be suitable for beginners.

What Are The Differences Between Bronze And Brass?

Bronze and brass look similar. Sometimes bronze can be misled as copper due to the similarity of color.

Composition Difference

Bronze is made out of copper and tin. Brass is made from copper and zinc. These two, therefore, have different properties.

Color Difference

Bronze has a reddish-brown color. Brass is usually pale yellow colored. 

Density Variation

Bronze has a higher density compared to brass. Bronze is ideally used to build strong structures. 

Brass is used in creating musical instruments, ornaments, and plumber fittings.

Corrosion 

Bronze is more resistant to corrosion than brass. This is why bronze is used to build outdoor structures. 

Brass can get tarnished soon and get discolored when exposed to air and moisture.

If you’re interested in finding bronze treasures as you learned about brass, read my comprehensive guide about detecting bronze with a metal detector!

Congrats folks! Now you know all you need to know about whether can metal detectors detect brass, how to detect brass properly, and what makes it different compared to other look-alike metals.

Approximately 90% of all brass alloys are recycled, demonstrating the metal’s high recyclability and sustainability.

rotaxmetals.net

So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.

FAQs

Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Can Metal Detectors Detect Brass?

In this article, I’ve deeply discussed can metal detectors detect brass, and how to identify brass with some tips and tricks.

Metal detectors can detect brass. Brass is a non-ferrous metal that’s highly conductive and falls in the mid-range of conductivity on most detectors, making it identifiable from other metals, especially when using a Very Low Frequency (VLF) detector with a discrimination setting.

Furthermore, I’ve answered some frequently asked questions as well.

This will be useful for both beginners and hobbyists who are having the same questions about brass as I was.

If there’s anything that you know extra, comment here. I’d like to know them too!. 

Metal detection is all about finding metals and knowing them well. It’s easy if you read something and get to know your metals!