Does metal detecting equipment ever break?

[xr7ator]

I have three garrett pinpointers. Two are black and one carrot. The black ones wore through easier or I just quit using them as digging tools as much by the time I got the carrot. The plastic used has nothing to do with sensitivity and both colors probably have identical strength.
I sent the black ones to Garrett and they rebuilt them for free. Why would I sell one for almost nothing when I can send them to Garret and have them repaired? My first one was worn clear through and they replaced the sleeve. It looked like a brand new pointer but the serial number was my old one. They rebuilt it. I bought the second black one because I hate tectin without and had sent in the first one. I bought the carrot cause I wanted the upgrade. I'll never have to buy another, just sent them to Garrett for repair.
I buy ray o vacs and last time I bought 9V's I got a 12 pack for $9.97 plus tax. They last as long as duracell or energizer.
Battery leave in er beware. Just like anything else that uses batteries.

 

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[mh9162013]

...Why would I sell one for almost nothing when I can send them to Garret and have them repaired?...

Because it's no longer under warranty and the cost to make the repair is high? I don't know. I haven't had a pinpointer long enough to have it fail on me or for me to send it in for repairs. That's one reason I made this thread, to learn how this "process" works.

...Just like anything else that uses batteries...

Unless it's using lithium primaries or NiMH, then no worry about leaking.

 

[mh9162013]

Yup several times. Not in my Pro Pointer but in other devices. The internal cells rupture just like other batteries but it takes it longer to show up through the outer casing. Normally you'd replace the dead battery before it corrodes through but I've left them in two way radios and toy remotes i didn't use much and yeah big green blob. It usually oozes around the terminal plates and corrodes from the outside. Since AAAA batteries are small it's a lot less leakage at once.

The fact the carrot is orange may be the problem. There are problems with ABS structure when creating certain colors. A molded in color that isn't formulated well can crack or be softer than another color. Aside from raw and black other colors are usually weaker for the same structure. Normally not enough to matter in say a radio body but can make difference in tools or wear items.

Good point. I've noticed some plastics tend to be more brittle when they're clear, as opposed to opaque.

 

[Darke]

Because it's no longer under warranty and the cost to make the repair is high? I don't know. I haven't had a pinpointer long enough to have it fail on me or for me to send it in for repairs. That's one reason I made this thread, to learn how this "process" works.



Unless it's using lithium primaries or NiMH, then no worry about leaking.

Actually both NiHM and lithium can leak. In Nihm it's a dry venting and can be washed off but it's still pretty nasty looking. No where as bad an alkaline leak though. It's mostly caused by overcharging or polarization from over discharge. Had a pack go bang while rapid charging before. Lithiums can leak electrolyte and they should be handled carefully to avoid HF contamination. But mostly they just like venting big flames. So much fun when that happens.

 

[mh9162013]

Actually both NiHM and lithium can leak. In Nihm it's a dry venting and can be washed off but it's still pretty nasty looking. No where as bad an alkaline leak though. It's mostly caused by overcharging or polarization from over discharge. Had a pack go bang while rapid charging before. Lithiums can leak electrolyte and they should be handled carefully to avoid HF contamination. But mostly they just like venting big flames. So much fun when that happens.

I guess I should have clarified. As long as you're not mistreating NiMH cells, they won't leak...or at least it will be very rare.

As for energizer lithiums or CR123a cells leaking...that's something I've never heard of.

 

[Darke]

I guess I should have clarified. As long as you're not mistreating NiMH cells, they won't leak...or at least it will be very rare.

As for energizer lithiums or CR123a cells leaking...that's something I've never heard of.

Yeah it's unlikely but it does happen . Mostly it was problem in high draw flashlights. I've never bought any of the Energizer but have heard they have a well constructed vent and shell on other forums. Don't recall ever hearing of a CR123 leaking either. Exploding but not leaking. That was also in flashlights.

Well I guess I actually did buy some Energizers considering there's still 2 different age Energizer CR123a in the drawer beside me lol. I have way too many batteries lol.

 

[mh9162013]

Yeah it's unlikely but it does happen . Mostly it was problem in high draw flashlights. I've never bought any of the Energizer but have heard they have a well constructed vent and shell on other forums. Don't recall ever hearing of a CR123 leaking either. Exploding but not leaking. That was also in flashlights.

You sound like the type that frequents candlepowerforums!

 

[Darke]

You sound like the type that frequents candlepowerforums!

Was it that obvious?

 

[mh9162013]

Yeah it's unlikely but it does happen . Mostly it was problem in high draw flashlights. I've never bought any of the Energizer but have heard they have a well constructed vent and shell on other forums. Don't recall ever hearing of a CR123 leaking either. Exploding but not leaking. That was also in flashlights.

Well I guess I actually did buy some Energizers considering there's still 2 different age Energizer CR123a in the drawer beside me lol. I have way too many batteries lol.

As long as they're not alkaline, I don't think that's possible.

 

[IMAUDIGGER]

I think you will see manufacturers selling a model featuring 18650 batteries soon. It's just a matter of time.
Older people tend to look at alkaline batteries through rose colored glasses. That's probably why you see some newer devices still using AA, AAA, and 9volt. They LOVE their Dewalt cordless drills, but fail to realize what batteries they use.