Coil Covers

[doozis]

I'd like to get some input on the pro's and con's of using a coil
cover on your search coils. I hunt mostly grass and dirt areas
and although I have covers for all my search coils , I wonder if they
are really necessary and if they impede the detector in any way.

Thanks in advance

Doozis

 

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[Rowdy]

Personally, I choose not to use them. As I see it, the plus side is that you pretty much can't hurt the coil with one on. The potential negative, is that there is a possibility to get material inside the cover and degrade performance.

As long as you keep the inside of the cover free from debris, I doubt it would degrade the performance.

Having said all that, if I were nugget hunting in an area with lots of sharp rocks, and abrasive soil, I'd probably use one!

By the way, are you the fella I met in the park after the 4th of July celebration?

 

[lumbercamp]

In grass and dirt I don't think it would be necessary to have a coil cover. I do all my digging in the woods and constantly hit my coil against rocks. I went through a couple coils before I bought a cover. And no, they don't lessen the ability to find objects.

 

[johnnycat]

I didn't think dirt could get in the coil cover, until I took one off! I went to Home Depot and bought some regular household caulk, (came out white and dries clear). I caulked all my coils and let them sit for a couple days. Haven't had any more , 'dirt' problems.

 

[doozis]

Thanks for the tips guys, and Rowdy , It wasn't me at the 4th of
July deal , I used to attend those back in the day , but now I prefer
to avoid the big crowds

Doozis

 

[Rob66]

No differences with air tests!!!!
CM

 

[Sandman]

Coil covers do not effect the performance of the detector in anyway. Not using one can be expensive in wearing throught the plastic on the edge of the coil and scratches on the coil cut down on the price you could get when selling it.

Sealing the gap of the cover and the coil is a mistake. I've done this in the past and don't anymore because a crack can develop in the sealant where black sand can enter and throw off the operation and make the detector unstable. If you have to send the detector in for anyrepairs and have the cover sealed, it effects the repair price.

A much better solution is to use Marine Epoxy on the bottom of the coil and up the sides.

 

[erikk]

Right. Marine epoxy is the way to go. I have done all my coils that way and have had no further problems

 

[doozis]

Thanks folks !
I'll be looking into the marine epoxy for sure

Doozis

 

[spez401]

The coil cover is there just to protect the coil from wear and tear, bangs against hard objects, etc... I agree with sandman... sealing the cover is a bad idea... stuff still gets inside.

If you want to protect the coil, you really have a few good options. the first is to use the cover... just make sure you clean it out regularly. Stuff that gets trapped inside can play havoc with the detector's sensitivity and accuracy.

second, marine grade epoxy. a lot of us beach guys swear by this method... it doesn't add weight to the coil, provides a great protection, and if you use tape to make a nice clean edge, it looks like its professionally done. It lasts forever, and if it gets scuffed or scraped, just add some more epoxy.

along the lines of the marine epoxy, I have also used spray on truck bed liner... it is more rubberized, a little easier to spray on (instead of the epoxy), provides decent protection... but it doesn't last as long.

I go with Lock Tite's Marine Epoxy... best thing I've found, and it is on all of my coils

steve

 

[JOe L]

Sorry for not understanding, are you saying to marine epoxy the cover on or just coat the coil with marine epoxy?
Does this have any effects on the coil of you are talking the latter..

 

[spez401]

remove (and throw away) the coil cover completely. Paint the marine epoxy directly onto the coil in 2 or 3 thin coats. Paint the bottom, outside and inside edge of the coil (anywhere that will come in contact with objects). Run painters or masking tape around the top (for a clean edge). as the epoxy starts to dry, peel the tape off.

the epoxy itself becomes the coil cover. It is stronger and more durable than the plastic coil cover. nothing can get between it and the coil (to create false readings). And, if the epoxy gets scuffed, thinned, or even a deep scratch... just reapply the epoxy.

steve

 

[JOe L]

Thanks Steve, its a plan. Joe