Metal detectors have been around for ages to detect any metals that go through them. Some metal materials may go under the radar and not be detected. Is lead one of these metals that can be unseen by the technology of metal detectors?
Metal detectors can find lead when it passes through the machine. Not all metal detectors have the same capabilities as others and sometimes will not pick every piece of metal. Lead may be one of those things it doesn’t pick up.
To know more about metal detectors and how it finds materials like lead, continue reading. There are more things to a metal detector than you may have initially realized.
Can Metal Detectors Find Lead?
Lead is one of the materials that a metal detector can find. It can even find metals that are less likely to be picked up because the technology has advanced since its creation in 1874. Lead is a very hard metal to detect as it has a low conductivity, is non-magnetic, and is non-ferrous compared to other metals.
How Does A Metal Detector Find Lead?
Depending on what type of metal detector is being used, there may be different ways to find the lead within objects passing through the machine. In the past, older metal detectors would not have been able to find lead because of the lower-powered machine.
In the simplest terms, metal detectors send frequencies through objects. The metal objects will cause the frequencies to bounce back to the machine. This is similar to sonar technology but not quite the same thing.
Lead is actually low conductivity and non-magnetic, making it more difficult to detect the lead. But newer models of metal detectors have made it easier for the machine to detect the small amounts of frequencies that are bouncing back.`
The Different Type Of Metal Detectors
There are many types of metal detectors. Not all metal detectors will be as advanced as others, so not all metal detectors may be able to detect lead. Here are the most common types of metal detectors:
- Beat Frequency Oscillation
- Very Low Frequency
- Pulse Induction
Beat Frequency Oscillation
The beat frequency oscillation metal detectors will send signals until it hits a metal object. Once that signal has been interrupted, the machine now knows metal is there. Think of it like sonar technology and how a bat sends out signals and can tell when something is in front of them.
Very Low Frequency
Very low-frequency detectors are better choices because they are more precise in finding metal. It is so precise that it can help determine what type of metal it has detected. You can even change its settings to find only certain metals like lead.
Pulse Induction
This last one uses pulses to find metal. These are expensive, and only the more experienced enthusiasts will use this machinery. If it is your first time or you just want to do this for fun, you may want to stray away from these types of metal detectors.
What Are Lead Objects You Can Find?
When you search for metals, you will find a slew of things. Even with the lead, there are so many objects made with the lead that you won’t go home empty-handed. You can find some interesting lost items. Here are a few lead items you may find:
- Civil war bullets
- Revolutionary War Musket Balls
- Cups
- Plates
- Utensils
- Flintlocks
- Figurines
- Fishing tools
It is always fun to find old historical artifacts like ammo for you and your family. It gives your child hands-on experience about the wonders of history. You can show children how exciting history can be.
Be wary when handling these old objects. Historical lead objects can be considered poisonous. It may not hurt your immediately, but lead poisoning does happen. Try to wear gloves whenever you are handling old metals until you know they are safe to hold properly.
Digging Deeper: Metal Detecting Civil War Relics
Best Metal Detectors For Lead
There are many brands of metal detectors out there to choose from. So many that you could be researching for a while. Here are a few of the best metal detectors to get if you are specifically searching for objects with lead.
Bounty Hunter Metal Detector
One of the cheapest options for a metal detector, the Bounty Hunter Metal Detector, can pick up the lead as well as all other types of metal. It can even differentiate other metals as you search an area for buried treasure.
If you want to find lead objects but don’t want to pay for the expensive brands, this one is the best for you. It even has add-ons to help with your search, making it even more precise, or you can simply buy the metal detector by itself.
Garrett Pro Metal Detector
The Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector will cost a little money, upwards of $600. This one is great for those who are more experienced when searching for metallic treasures in the ground.
This metal detector has many settings to adjust the sensitivity and figure out what is best for you. It has electronic pinpointing to help you find specific metals. You can even submerge this metal detector up to 10 feet before you see any damages.
Minelab Equinox 800 Metal Detector
If money isn’t a problem, the Minelab Equinox 800 Metal Detector is for you. It has revolutionary technology that has multiple detectors to search for all sorts of metals in all types of soils. It is fully waterproof, so you don’t have to stay on the beach.
Its technology allows you to identify metals quickly and figure out what they are quick. You won’t mistake any trash for treasure. You can even make multiple custom profiles if you want to set one for specific metals or terrains.
Conclusion – Can Metal Detectors Find Lead?
Metal detectors are advancing more and more every day. With it becoming a more popular pass time and the technology becoming more readily available, you will find that metal detectors are becoming more precise for even metals like lead. You won’t be disappointed.
