Before you spend a cent on a metal detector, you can find out a surprising amount about the ground for free. Ken Halloran walks through five simple tests, none of which guarantee gold, all of which help you choose sensible ground and a sensible first purchase.

In this video Ken covers a magnet drag on dry soil, a salt crust and wet patch check, a careful shovel profile hole, the classic clear jar settling test, and a rusty scrap count. He explains why mineral and salt rich soil can confuse a detector, how to compare spots with a simple notebook table, and a plan for your next trip.


Ken Nugget Halloran has worked the same patch of dry country outside Kalgoorlie, Western Australia for fifty two years.

Ken

These tests improve your odds of choosing workable ground and do not guarantee any gold. No detector brand or price is recommended. Prospecting, digging and detecting are subject to rules that vary by country and state, always check your own local rules and permits, and never dig near old shafts or open workings.

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