Do Metal Detectors Detect Magnets?

Ever lost a magnet and wondered if your metal detector could find it? Dive in to uncover the magnetic mysteries!

The other day when I was metal detecting in my backyard, I found a strange thing that led me into thinking of a new avenue that can be discovered. 

The thing I found was a large magnet that has been buried for quite some time. 

For some time, I thought that agents were undetectable by the metal detectors due to the huge magnetic fields they create around them. 

But after finding this one piece of the magnet from my back yard I started second-guessing myself. 

Just like any other time when I doubt metal detecting, I started searching more and more into the deeps of magnetic metal detecting. 

Here’s what I’ve found about, Do metal detectors detect magnets?

Yes, metal detectors can detect magnets. Their detection depends on the magnet’s size, strength, and the detector’s sensitivity. Metal detectors identify objects based on conductivity, allowing them to detect both magnetic and non-magnetic metals.

So, in the rest of the article, I will be talking about more details about magnet metal detecting and tips and tricks to find more magnetic metals while metal detecting based on my personal experience.

Hang around till the end and find out more about magnet metal detecting. 

Let’s jump in!

Can Metal Detectors Detect Magnets

Yes, metal detectors can detect magnets.

Since I found the large piece of magnet in my backyard, one question was pondering my mind,” Can metal detectors detect Magnets?”. And I was not going to rest until I found the answers, so that is what I did. 

As I uncovered a piece of the magnet from metal detecting, I wanted to make sure that it was the magnet that triggered my metal detector. 

So, I started experimenting with various other magnets to find a clearer answer. 

After a few rounds of experimenting, I found out that smaller magnets are somewhat unable to produce a strong signal to trigger the metal detector, but the larger magnets are more than capable of triggering the metal detector easily.  

And I found something interesting about these too. 

Just like other metals, magnets also act in the same way regarding the principles they act upon. 

The released current by the metal detector is detected by the magnets, then formed an eddy current which is then detected by the magnetic could triggering the user. 

Just like any other metal, the detection of magnets also depends upon several factors like,

• Soil conditions
• The technology of the metal detector
• The experience of the metal detector
•  Other natural factors. 

What Are Magnetic Metals 

When I started searching more and more about magnets, I came across a very rare breed of metals known as magnetic metals. 

Magnetic metals are metals that exhibit a magnetic property from the alignment of their atomic molecules. 

These might sound complicated but when you get to know them, you understand that we are using them every day. One such common metal is Iron. 

Iron is the element with the highest magnetic properties thereby being the best magnetic metal. 

Iron is mostly used to make permanent magnets due to its high magnetic properties and is also used in constructing various other day-to-day appliances.

Here’s the list of magnetic metals,

• Iron
• Nickel 
• Cobalt 
• Neodymium
• Samarium
• Gadolinium
• Dysprosium
• Platinum
• Aluminum
• Manganese
• Chromium
• Copper
• Gold
• Lead
• Silver

Out of these Nickel exhibits the second highest ferromagnetic properties, which is used in crafting alloys with special magnetic properties. 

Cobalt is also the same, it has high magnetic properties and is used in producing alloys combined with Iron and Nickel

Neodymium and Samarium are rare earth metals, which can be combined to form powerful magnets.

These elements are hard to find but when extracted used for producing the highest-grade magnets due to the special magnetic properties possessed by them.  

Best Metal Detectors for Magnets 

Finding the best quality magnets or magnetic metals will be based on different factors. One of those factors which affect the most is the technology and the metal detector you are using. 

Here are my top 10 best metal detectors to find magnets,

1. Garrett AT Pro: 

This metal detector is built with high-sensitivity settings which you can manipulate to find magnets very easily. And the adjustable discrimination settings also help in finding magnetic particles very easily. 

2. Minelab Equinox 800: 

This metal detector is made with multi-frequency technology which allows the user to have versatile detection in various conditions. 

3. XP Deus:

This lightweight metal detector is very helpful in long metal detecting sessions and the wireless capability also helps in making the metal detecting more tireless. 

4. Fisher F75:

This metal detector is equipped with advanced target discrimination and multiple search modes. These two features combined will provide the ideal conditions for finding any kind of magnetic metal from the ground. 

5. Nokta Marko Simplex+:

This is a fully submersible metal detector, which allows you to detect even underwater to find agents.

6. Teknetics T2: 

This is a very user-friendly metal detector, with its large screen and visual depth indicator, it makes the life of the user so easier in finding tough targets like magnets.

7. Whites MX Sport:

This has a high recovery speed compared to other metal detectors, so it allows the user to detect highly disturbed areas for a specific target. 

8. Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro:

This metal detector is equipped with manual ground balance controls which are optimized to use in different soil conditions.  

9. Tesoro Sand Shark:

This is specially made for beach hunting but also could be used underwater. This also has pulse detection technology which makes it a bit easier in identifying magnetic targets.

10. Quest Q40:

This wireless metal detector has highly sensitive audio qualities and a lightweight build which allows the user to use this metal detector for hours without feeling tired. 

How To Find Magnets With A Metal Detector 

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

1. Choose the right metal detector.
2. Select the location
3. Set up the metal detector
4. Scan the area

Let’s discuss each of the above steps in detail to find magnetic metals easily without messing things up.

1. Choose The Right Metal Detector

Choosing the right metal detector with adjustable sensitivity and discrimination settings will allow you to find more targets while metal detecting. 

2. Select The Location

Selecting the right location will also help massively in finding the right target. 

Research is needed to find the right location, and this can be achieved by simply going on the internet and by searching or asking someone professional and taking their opinion in. 

Read to know the Best Places To Find Magnets when Metal Detecting!

3. Set Up the Metal Detector

When you arrive at the location, set up the metal detector by adjusting the settings as well as adjusting the ground balance to suit the area you are in. 

These minor details will help massively in determining what you uncover. 

4. Scan The Area

After setting up the metal detector, scan the area in slow sweeping overlapping motions. These motions will ensure that you will not miss a spot. 

And listen attentively for signals, and upon receiving one start digging up slowly to uncover what you have found. 

Note the detection range for further use and carry on with metal detecting. 

How Deep Can a Metal Detector Detect Magnets?

Metal detectors are capable of finding and uncovering metals in the depth range of 8 inches to 10 inches.  

These depth ranges will deviate according to various factors. 

Here’re the factors that could affect the depth range of meta detectors,

• Magnet Strength
• Type of Metal detector
• Detection mechanism
• Detection range of the Metal detector
• Magnet Size 
• Magnets Orientation in the soil
• Interferences
• Soil conditions

Out of these factors, magnet strength and size affect mostly determining the depth at which a metal detector can detect a magnet. 

If the magnet strength is high, it could be easily detected even at higher depths. 

Larger magnets are capable of generating stronger signals, so if a larger magnet is buried at a higher depth, it could be identified rather than a smaller magnet.

If you’re interested to learn more about detection depths, read,  How Deep Can a Metal Detector Detect?

Valuable Magnet Finds

There are a few common magnetic findings that I have uncovered during the metal-detecting session. 

I hope that you also will be able to find something similar to these. 

Historical Artifacts

Even though historical artifacts are somewhat hard to find, there are of the highest value among the magnetic finds. 

If you can uncover a vintage compass or an old magnetic surveying object used in a warship, these could yield you high value among antique collectors. 

Magnetite Deposits

Magnetite is a naturally occurring magnetic mineral that could be found abundantly in mineral-rich soil mostly associated with iron deposits. 

These deposits can be easily found and could yield some value among various industries. 

Magnetic Jewelry

Magnetic jewelry is a very common piece of jewelry in this era. 

These magnetic jewelry like magnetic bracelets could be easily washed off in a water current or lost in a public place. 

So, these could also be found easily, and as these have not been discarded for a long time the magnetic properties might be still intact to produce a strong signal to detect.

Industrial Magnets

Industrially discarded magnets are the next in line. These could be found in industrial dumpsters. 

Due to the large size of these magnets, these could be easily detected and could be easily traded for hefty amounts of money. 

Collectibles

Smaller collectibles would be harder to find, but if these lie near the surface of the ground, they could be easily detected. 

How To Clean Magnet Finds

These few easy steps that I follow to clean any magnetic finding I uncover during metal detecting. 

Here’re the steps you need to follow when cleaning magnetic finds,

1. First, access the condition of the item. If it needs sensitive care, it is better to visit a professional. If not start removing the loose dirt from the brush. 
2. Once the loose dirt is removed then prepare a soap mixture by adding soap and water and soak the finding in it for a couple of hours.  
3. After it has been soaked properly using a soft cloth or a brush, clean the remaining dirt off the surface. 
4. After cleaning all the dirt wash the finding under running water and wipe it with a soft cloth. 
5. After all the water droplets are wiped, let the magnetic item dry completely. 
6. After it has been dried completely store it in an airtight container to protect it from further damage. 

Tips For Using Metal Detectors to Find Magnets

Metal detecting for magnets could be a hard task, but don’t worry I got you covered. 

Here are some tips and tricks that I use to get the maximum yield in every metal-detecting session.

Choosing The Correct Area

Choosing the correct area for detecting will save you time as well as energy. The right area for detecting can be found by researching. 

Settings Of the Metal Detector

Correctly adjusting the settings of the metal detector will ensure that you will have the maximum ability in finding magnets. 

Low sensitivity settings and low discrimination settings are the go-to’s for me. 

With the correct ground balancing settings these could work like a charm. 

Experimentation

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different settings and try out new things. 

These things will add to the experience and serve as a learning opportunity for future metal-detecting sessions. 

Do Magnets Set Off Metal Detectors at Airport

No. Magnets are unable to set off metal detectors at airports. 

These airport metal detectors are placed to identify potentially threatening amounts of metals. 

So, a small piece of the magnet will not trigger the airport metal detectors. 

Will Neodymium Magnets Set Off Alarms

Even though Neodymium magnets have strong metallic properties they are also unable to set off metal detector alarms. 

Of course, this might be dependent on various factors like the sensitivity of the security system, and the size of the neodymium magnet, but a smaller neodymium magnet will not alarm a normal security system. 

That’s it, folks! Now you know, Do metal detectors detect magnets and how to detect magnet metals easily using your metal detector with the right techniques?

Neodymium magnets, first developed in the 1980s, are the strongest type of permanent magnets commercially available, with magnetic fields exceeding 1.4 teslas.

www.ahmagnet.com

So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions/

FAQs

Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Do Metal Detectors Detect Magnets?

In this article, I’ve deeply discussed do metal detectors detect magnets, the best metal detectors to find magnets, and the best detection techniques to find magnetic treasures.

Plus, I’ve included some useful tips and tricks that I’ve found based on my personal experience which will make your detection procedure a lot easy.

Yes. Metal detectors are capable of identifying larger magnets. These larger magnets are capable of generating a stronger magnetic field around them which is detected easily by the magnetic coil of the metal detector, thus uncovering magnets beneath the surface of the Earth. 

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

Hope you were able to learn all about, do metal detectors detect magnets and what settings you need to be adjusted for promising results.

So, it’s time to go for magnetic metal treasure hunting! Happy hunting!