metal detector

[GasMan]

so ive been looking for a metal detector. my company wont provide me with one, only the supervisors have them. I borrow his when on call and when he is out, but its a bit of a hassel. I am willing to spend some of my own dough on one just because having the right tools will make me a better locator, more productive, and more of an asset to my company. I checked some of the local outdoor shops in the area, but most of theirs seem to be high-end units. Im just trying to find covered valves, not detect the difference between gold and an aluminum can. I see some on ebay for about 55 bucks, 45+10 to ship. they are the "jr" model but hell, i dont need bells and whistles. i emailed the guy and it extends 32 inches so even though its the smaller one, its still big enough for me to use. has anyone had any experience with these? or low-cost metal detectors in general?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180258450242&ssPageName=MERC_VIC_RCRX_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT&refitem=170225859746&itemcount=4&refwidgetloc=closed_view_item&usedrule1=CrossSell_LogicX&refwidgettype=cross_promot_widget&_trksid=p284.m183&_trkparms=algo%3DCRX%26its%3DS%252BI%252BSS%26itu% 3DISS%252BUCI%252BSI%26otn%3D4

[Goldenboy]

I don't believe you'll be happy with an ordinary metal detector on new construction sites. You'll find every nail,staple, and metal strap in the ground. I use the Rycom Magnastick but just about every manufacturer of locating equiptment sells them. They are a little pricey but I couldn't work without one.

http://www.rycominstruments.com/products_Magnastick.asp

http://cgi.ebay.com/CST-Magna-Trac-101-Metal-Locator-Mag-locator-Pin-finder_W0QQitemZ380040373849QQihZ025QQcategoryZ558 08QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[GasMan]

thanks for the info, i should of been more clear. I work in the oldest part of town, mostly ghetto! anyways, i have almost no new construction sites, and the places that i do, i know where the valves are because i usually go on site when they are installing them. More or less, im looking for the valves that are covered by grass, dirt, and years of no one using them.

[ifinditunderground]

I would be looking for a used Schoenstedt 52B or 52C. They are extremely reliable and typically pretty damn bulletproof. (might come in handy if you are in the ghetto)

[Goldenboy]

Here's a used Schoenstedt 52C on ebay for anyone looking for a used one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/SCHONSTEDT-GA-52Cx-MAGNETIC-STEEL-PIPE-PIN-LOCATOR_W0QQitemZ300256547399QQihZ020QQcategoryZ55 808QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[alphabeyotch]

I don't believe you'll be happy with an ordinary metal detector on new construction sites. You'll find every nail,staple, and metal strap in the ground. I use the Rycom Magnastick but just about every manufacturer of locating equiptment sells them. They are a little pricey but I couldn't work without one.

http://www.rycominstruments.com/products_Magnastick.asp

http://cgi.ebay.com/CST-Magna-Trac-101-Metal-Locator-Mag-locator-Pin-finder_W0QQitemZ380040373849QQihZ025QQcategoryZ558 08QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Yeah, I agree with Golden - I bought a metal detector to help me find my property markers. Mind you I live in the middle of nowhere - After much cursing, I have come to the conclusion that there are about 2 small places on my 30 acres that do NOT set off the metal detector. I cannot imagine what it would be like in the city with rebar, steel mains, etc.

This pin finder http://cgi.ebay.com/SCHONSTEDT-GA-52Cx-MAGNETIC-STEEL-PIPE-PIN-LOCATOR_W0QQitemZ300256547399QQihZ020QQcategoryZ55 808QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem was the most accurate and easy to use of the brands I had while at SM&P

[beyond help]

Both alpha and the golden one are correct. We had a dm that was the biggest cheapass and went with POS metal detectors. The only thing it found was the garbage can. They all broke within 2 months. I keep my truck fairly organized and still broke the damn thing. I would go with some kind of locating "stick". Although you may find bullet casings with a metal detector in the ghetto.