Can Steel be Detected by a Metal Detector?

Ever buried a steel trinket and couldn’t locate it? Does your metal detector beep over steel? Let’s decode this puzzling question: Can steel be detected by a metal detector?

Can steel be detected by a metal detector

From the time I started metal detecting as a hobby up to now, there has been a consistent friend that met me and my metal detector every time we stepped on the field to metal detect. 

Even though I was not particularly looking for it, there were a lot of items made out of these origins in the paths I detected. 

Yes, your guess is right I’m talking about Steel. Let me share my experience in steel metal detecting.

Here’s what I know about, Can steel be detected by a metal detector?

Yes, Steel can be detected by a metal detector since it is made out of iron which is a ferrous metal. Generally, ferrous metal gives off a magnetic field that produces a current when metal detectors come closer to them. This current produced by steel sets off metal detectors.

But that’s just a quick snapshot!

So in the rest of the article, I will be talking about how this process happens, what potential findings you could discover and what are the best detectors to find steel in any situation.  

Whether you are a person who is getting into metal detecting or someone interested in steel artifacts, this article will cover the whole scope of steel metal detecting. 

Hang around till the end, because I will be sharing what I do to these unearthed artifacts of steel. 

So, let’s jump straight into the article.

Common steel finds during metal detecting
Common steel finds during metal detecting

Do Metal Detectors Detect Steel?

Yes, metal detectors have the capability to detect steel finds. 

When I took this up as a hobby, I was so curious about how I got to find large amounts of steel, even though I was not particularly looking for it. 

This curiosity led me to find amazing facts about metal detectors as well as steel which baffled me. 

For everyone wondering could the metal detectors detect steel, yes they can there are particular special instances that the metal detectors won’t identify steel. 

From my experience but I can assure you, in most instances metal detectors could identify steel. 

Steel artifact found in metal detecting
Steel artifact found in metal detecting

The steel-detecting process goes like this, 

  • Metal detectors detect something buried in the ground by emitting an electromagnetic current. The electromagnetic current is passed through the metal detector penetrating the soil and its subsoil components until some metal comes in contact with this current.
  • As we all know, metal items conduct electricity, and they have magnetic properties in them. When the emitted electromagnetic current comes to contact with these types of metal it generates an eddy current from the metal.
  • Then this generated eddy current is detected by the coil situated in the metal detector. This is when the metal detector emits its beep sound to let us know that there is something hidden under the ground. 

Now the boring metal detecting lecture is over, back to the interesting part. 

Old steel ring
Old steel ring

The way I specifically search for steel is, I adjust my metal detector’s sensitivity to detect more steel substances than others. 

The discrimination setting on my metal detector allows me to detect more steel by filtering unwanted metal objects based on their conductivity levels.

The ability of the metal detector to detect steel will still depend on the following factors,

  • Detection range of the metal detector
  • Accuracy of the metal detector 

Apart from the above technical factors, other natural factors like soil composition, the presence of objects with similar electrical conductivity, and the purity of the steel found can also affect the detection of steel.

Did you know fact about steel metal detecting
Did you know fact about steel metal detecting

Best Metal Detectors For Steel

To identify steel or any other metal object we need a good metal detector. 

Now let’s talk about some of the best metal detectors out there, which are specialized in finding steel objects buried in the ground. 

Here are some of the best metal detectors out there to find lost steel and one impressive feature of each detector that helps in steel detecting, recommended by the pros of the metal detecting game, 

  • Garrett AT Pro – Has a waterproof design that allows detecting steel that is buried underwater. 
  • Minelab Equinox 800 – Has all-new multi-IQ technology which allows the detector to detect simultaneously multiple frequencies
  • XP Deus – This is a wireless metal detector that allows smooth and comfortable use. 
  • Fisher 375 – this metal detector uses its boost and cache mods for enhanced depth detection and separate required target among other objects
  • Nokta Marko Simplex+ – This detector is equipped with a rechargeable battery with long-lasting performances
  • Teknetics T2 Classic – Equipped with a large LCD screen with specialized target identification and depth detection.
  • Bounty Hunter Platinum –  Has a new technology to control the round balance that allows accurate detections in highly mineralized soils.
  • Whites MX Sport – Has a waterproof design that allows its user to detect anywhere for steel.
  • Minelab CTX 3030 – Equipped with a full-color display with GPS mapping for accurate target location.
  • Garrett ACE 400 – Equipped with Iron Audio technology to detect between ferrous and non-ferrous materials easily. 
Features of steel
Features of steel

How to Detect Steel

There are a few general steps that follow in my every metal-detecting trip. 

Whether it is for gold or steel the practices I have been used to doing have helped a lot to uncover the amount of treasures I uncovered in this small period. 

So here are the steps you need to follow when steel metal detecting. 

  1. First I familiarize myself with the equipment I’m using. I do this essentially when I buy some new equipment. I read the manuals carefully and understand the instructions and controls of the metal detector from top to bottom. 
  2. After I arrive at the site, I first of all chose the right search mode. Normally I go for the All-metal mode or the Discrimination mode
  3. Then I set the sensitivity settings of the detector, usually to the highest possible setting. Then set the discrimination level, which usually goes for a low setting as I’m looking for steel. 
  4. Then I set the appropriate ground balance to account for soil mineralization and start the detection process
  5. During the detection process, if I get a strong signal, I switch to the point mode or start searching with the tip of the coil
  6. Then with the appropriate equipment, I start to dig the target area carefully, until I find the object which gave off the signal. 

If you are a newcomer to the field, I hope this will be a massive boost in your confidence to go on the next metal detecting trip. 

Note that, even if you’re able to detect steel with metal detectors, detecting stainless steel which is made of the same ingredients as stainless steel is difficult due to its low electrical conductivity and magnetic permeability.

How to detect steel with a metal detector
How to detect steel with a metal detector

Valuable Steel Finds

There are a lot of valuable finds which can be uncovered by steel detection.

Here’re some of the steel artifacts I found over the years are, 

Antique Weapon Parts

I have dug up so many antique weapon parts from my searches. Weapons like swords, bayonets, musket balls, and cannon balls are the commons I have found. 

Military Relics

Military relics like dog tags, badges, and buckles have been found at previous battleground sites. 

Coins

I have discovered abundant amounts of steel coins from the war sites too I don’t know if they were like a specific thing at that time or to the army, but there were so many steel coins on those battlefields that I uncovered

Jewelry

Pieces of jewelry made out of steel could be found by metal detecting. these are so abundant in riverbanks as well as the bottom of the rivers.

Did you know that steel bobby pins are also able to set off metal detectors?

Industrial Artifacts

Old machinery parts, gears, and tools can be uncovered from long abandoned industrial sites. 

Personal Items and Keepsakes

Personal items like pocket watches, pocket knives, and belts can be easily uncovered from the bottom of rivers and waterways. 

If you’re super interested in finding steel treasures, Read my comprehensive guide about the Best Places to Find Steel Metal Detecting!

Steel finds during metal detecting
Steel finds during metal detecting

How to Clean Steel Finds

Things we uncover by digging in the soil are mostly covered in dirt. So they need a proper cleaning before trading or even making it to the show cabinet. 

Cleaning these steel objects would be a hard and time-consuming task.

Let me break down the steps I follow to clean the steel I discover from metal detecting,

  • First I assess the condition of an object I found. After assessing the condition, I start the cleaning process by removing the loose dirt. Then gently brush the loose dirt and mud with a soft brush and refrain from using extra force to prevent further scratching the object.
  • Then after the loose dirt is removed I soak the object in soapy water for a few minutes this allows the attached dirt to loosen and allows much easier cleaning for yourselves.
  • Then after a few minutes, I take a soft brush and start removing the dirt. I’m, be sure not to use extra force because that could lead to further damming what I found. 
  • After the object has been thoroughly cleaned, I rinse the object with clear water and then wipe it dry with a soft fabric.
  • After drying the steel object, if it shows signs of rust formation, I make sure to apply some rust removers to remove the rust. Then again I rinse the remover off with clean running water.
  • Then after cleaning, make sure the object is completely dry before storing it this way you’ll make sure there will be no rust formation in the future.
Tip for steel metal detection
Tip for steel metal detection

Tips for Using Metal Detectors to Find Steel

There are few sure trusted methods to find steel at every metal detecting trip. I too use one of these methods to uncover a lot of steel from the ground. 

Here’re some useful tips, so even a beginner can start his steel metal-detecting journey easily, 

Choosing the Right Detector

Choosing the right detector can go a long way in finding what we need. Usually, steel finding detectors with high sensitivity with adjustable settings are ideal.

Research Potential Locations

Just like any other metal-detecting trip, you have to research the location you are going to detect beforehand. 

Use Discrimination Mode

Using discrimination mode while detecting will help us to remove unwanted objects and just focus on steel objects hidden underground. 

Listening Carefully for Signals

When I go metal detecting I usually carry my headphones to these allow me to hear any sound which increases the chances of m finding perfect steel objects. 

Civil war artifact made by steel found in metal detecting
Civil war artifact made by steel found in metal detecting

Does Steel Set Off Metal Detectors at Airports?

Yes, steel does set off alarms at the airports usually most airports allow you to carry harmless steel objects with you, like pieces of jewelry and keys and stuff. But if more harmful steel objects are found, you might be subjected to further security checks. 

Apart from these airport metal detectors would detect surgical steel placed in our bodies, but the security personnel at the airports will allow these to pass through with proper medical clearances. 

Steel coin found in metal detecting
Steel coin found in metal detecting

Does Surgical Steel Go Off in Metal Detectors?

Surgical steel doesn’t set off metal detectors because these surgical steel are made out of low-conductive ferrous metals. 

But there could be highly sensitive metal detectors, which could pick these up. Sometimes these highly sensitive metal detectors could be laced at airports 

With proper medical clearances people with surgical steel can pass through any security without getting into any trouble. 

Do Steel-Toe Boots Set Off Metal Detectors?

Mostly not. These steel-toe boots usually will not be detected by metal detectors. Due to its peculiar placement, it will be not detected by most metal detectors.

But just like anything else, if the metal detector has high sensitivity and is set to the highest sensitive settings, these might be detected. 

Do Steel-Toe Shoes Set Off Metal Detectors?

Steel-toe shoes probably don’t set off metal detectors since they just like steel-toe boots which don’t set off metal detectors. 

But, if the sensitivity of the metal detector is high, there is a chance that these might be picked up by the metal detector. 

That’s it, folks! now you know all you need to know about, can steel be detected by a metal detector in detail.

Tip for steel metal detecting
Tip for steel metal detecting

There is enough steel in use today, approximately 2 billion tonnes, to form a line from Earth to the moon and back – over 31 times. That’s a vast playground for treasure seekers equipped with metal detectors!

www.worldsteel.org

So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.

FAQs

Can a metal detector detect all types of steel?

Yes, a metal detector can typically detect all types of steel because steel is a highly conductive and magnetic material. However, the size, shape, and depth of the steel object, as well as the specific technology and settings of the metal detector, can affect detection.

Can all metal detectors detect steel?

Yes. Most metal detectors can detect steel. As most metal detectors are designed to identify ferrous objects, metal can be easily identified by metal detectors.

Can metal detectors find steel underwater?

Yes. There are specific metal detectors that are made for underwater metal detection. As most metal detectors could find steel, underwater metal detectors can also identify any steel objects hidden underwater.

Are there any legal restrictions to finding steel by metal detectors?

Just like any other metal-detecting operation, permission should be taken to metal-detect steel by the responsible authorities or governments 
If it is private property, permission should be taken from the owner of the property. These will ensure that you don’t get into any legal trouble by doing what you love. 

How deep can a metal detector find steel?

Metal detectors’ depth range for finding steel varies depending on factors like the size and shape of the steel object and the type of soil. Large objects can often be detected several feet deep, while small objects may only be detectable up to a few inches deep.

Can metal detectors distinguish between steel and other metals?

Advanced metal detectors can often distinguish between different types of metals based on their conductive and magnetic properties. However, this depends on the sensitivity and discrimination settings of the detector.

How does a metal detector signal the presence of steel?

When a metal detector senses steel or another conductive material, it typically signals the user with an audible alert or a visual indicator on its display. The nature and strength of the signal can give clues about the size, depth, and composition of the detected object.

Can weather conditions affect the ability of a metal detector to find steel?

Yes, weather conditions can influence metal detecting. Moist soil, for instance, can enhance conductivity and improve detection, while extremely high or low temperatures can potentially affect a detector’s performance.

What safety precautions should be taken while using a metal detector to find steel?

While using a metal detector, safety precautions like wearing gloves while digging to prevent potential cuts from sharp objects and protecting oneself from sun exposure are advisable. It’s always important to prioritize safety while enjoying this hobby.

Steel jewelry found in metal detecting
Steel jewelry found in metal detecting

Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Steel Can Be Detected By A Metal Detector?

In this article, I have deeply discussed whether steel can be detected by a metal detector and best metal detectors in action with the detecting procedure.

Metal detectors can detect steel due to its high magnetic and conductive properties. The detection depends on the size, shape, and depth of the steel object, as well as the specific technology and settings of the metal detector.

Steel is one of the most common items found during any metal-detecting session. So it is not that hard to find and is a perfect entry point for a beginner to start his metal detection voyage. 

Starting with an easy objective like this will increase the motivation to try more metal detecting to find more stuff. And the stuff uncovered from steel metal detection could be traded or sold for huge amounts. 

I have collected more than 2000 pieces of steel items over two years since I started metal detecting. it is hard to keep all those items as keepsakes. 

There was an antique store in my town I talked with the owner and sold most of the old steel parts to him. 

This way I got some cash by doing something I love and the shop keepers’ life was made easier as I just delivered him centuries’ worth of items right to his doorstep. 

Hope I’ve covered all you wanted to know about can steel be detected by a metal detector. 

So get to work now by setting your metal detectors to high settings and sweeping the area to find some steel! 

Hi! I’m the treasure hunter and adventurer behind DetectingTreasures.com. I'm here to share my knowledge, inspire your adventures, and provide practical guides to help you succeed in your own treasure hunting journey. Read More...

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