Metal Detector Picks

Are you looking for a metal detector that you could use on everyday objects and people?

Then the answer for you is a hand held metal detector which will allow you to easily detect any kind of metal near you. This article will show you the best hand held metal detectors that are currently on the market. Keep reading to learn what is hand held metal detector and hand held metal detector prices.

hand-held-wand-metal-detector

Where Are Hand Held Metal Detector Wands Used?

Security check at all kinds of facilities such as schools, hospitals or at outdoor or indoor events often uses hand-held metal detectors to target variety type of metal objects that can be dangerous such as handguns, knives and other.

Hand Held Metal Detector Working Principle

Most of these metal scanners have 360° wide side-scan and large detection area. They are able to detect a variety of metals such as iron, gold, silver, copper etc. so no dangerous and unwanted objects can be smuggled in airports, public facilities or events. Detection range is tested on certain types of metal objects that are different in size and structure.

Important Metal Wand Features

It’s important for hand metal detector to be lightweight because the security guard is often holding it for a long period of time. They are carrying them on belt holsters so its desirable if you order model that has these accessories included in the package.

What Do Security Wands Detect?

Besides being used as security metal detectors, many can be used at your home also. You can find all sorts of lost objects such as nails, pins, watches or other jewelry. Also, hand metal detector models are portable so you can easily carry them on outdoor activities when you want to search for coins or other valuable metals.

How To Use Hand Held Metal Detector?

Because the security guard must work fast, these devices are made to be fast in processing the signals. Often they are controlled with one button and have all settings automatically defaulted. The detection of metal is alerted with audio signals, vibration or/and LED light indicators.

What We’ll Do In This Article

If you are interested in small metal detector wands that can be used for a security check or treasure hunting, this is the article for you. We have found 5 models that are one of the best on the market and one of the most popular ones. Here you can find important information about their mechanism, technical specifications, design and other.

Best 6 Hand Held Metal Detector Models

Best Handheld Gold Detector

Pyle Handheld Metal Detector Security Wand

As one of the security metal detectors, this model has a wide range of metal it can target: iron, aluminum, copper, gold, silver etc. Its detection range depends on the metal object’s size and structure. For example, its range for 20mm steel ball is 2.7 inches and for pins is 4 inches.

Pyle PMD38 Handheld Metal Detector

This hand-held metal detector has 9V rated voltage and power of 270mW. It requires a 9V alkaline battery which is included in the package. Operation frequency is 22KHz while optimal temperature for best performance is between -20°F and 90°F.

The metal detector probe has high sensitivity so it detects even the smallest hidden object so its great for security checks at schools, airports, hospitals and other facilities. When approached to metal, thehandheld gold metal detector alerts you with sound and LED lights.

Pyle PMD38 Handheld Metal Detectorreview

You can choose between sound or vibration alerts. This hand wand can detect hidden weapon, knives or other dangerous metal objects. Metal detector wand is 16 inches long, 3.3 inches wide and 2 inches high so it has a practical size which allows you to carry it anywhere and always have it with you.

Package includes a belt holder so you can attach it to your uniform if you are working at a security check. Its weight is only 1.1 pounds and it has a very comfortable handle so you will not get tired when holding it for a longer period of time.

Best Airport Security Metal Detector

SAFEBAO Portable Hand Held Metal Detector Wand

This hand metal detector is 16.3 inches long, 3.5 inches wide and 1.3 inches high. Its small enough to be portable and with 8.8 ounces of weight it’s very lightweight and comfortable to hold. This is important because the security guard has to hold them the whole shift in their jobs.

SAFEBAO Portable Hand Held Metal Detector

The system is operated with two 9V alkaline batteries which aren’t included in the package. You can also use rechargeable batteries because the airport security detector has a charging port. You have to turn off the device when you are charging the battery. System’s power consumption is 270mW which is low. The maximum operating current is 50mA. Metal scanner has high sensitivity and detection range depends on the type of metal object.

You have to found adjuster hole and use a small straight-shaped screwdriver  to turn the adjuster anti-clock wise until the red light appeares and the tone fades. After that system is tuned for optimal sensitivity (easy to adjust) and depth range.

SAFEBAO Portable Hand Held Metal Detector review

Detection range was tested on a specific object. The maximum range is 8 inches for a handgun, 6 inches for pen knife and 4 inches for a razor blade. Best performance is at air temperature in the range from 23°F to 122°F.  Product’s package includes user manual that describes in detail how to use this hand held metal detector and one holster for holding it.

This metal detector wand has an audio alert when you are approached to a metal object. If you want to detect something you need to face the device toward the surface and sweep backwards and forward at a height of 10 to 30mm. There is also a red LED light indicator.

Best Cheap Handheld Metal Detector

V-Resourcing Hand Held Metal Detector

This metal scanner has an ideal small size which makes it portable and lightweight to hold for a long period of time. This is important because its often used for security checks at different facilities so smaller models are more comfortable to hold and carry. This model is 14.76 inches long, 2.95 inches wide and 1.34 inchs high. It weighs 8.11 ounces so its very lightweight.

Hand Held Metal Detector,V-Resourcing Portable

Detection probe has optimal performance at temperatures between 59°F and 113°F. Metal detector wand’s handle ha 3 ways power switch that is used to turn on and off the device or to choose between sound or vibration alert. Detection range depens on the size of the object. Maximum range is 1.18 inches for the pin, 2.36 inches for iron nails, 3.94 inches for a handgun, 4.72 inches for six inches dagger and 2.36 icnhes for 0.79 inches big in diameter steel ball.

There is also a three-color indicator. Red one alerts when the target is detected, green indicates that a hand metal detector is turned on and yellow is an indicator of under-voltage. Hole beneath them produces sound when metal is found.

Hand Held Metal Detector,V-Resourcing Portable review

Sensitivity adjuster is hidden beneath the sticker. You have to use straight-shaped screwdriver which isn’t included in the package and rotate the adjuste counter-clockwise until the sound is heard. Then turn it clockwise until you hear no sound. After that you need to rotate it for half a circle and then the sensitivity range is optimal.

System operates with one 9V alkaline battery which is included in the package. You can use rechargeable batteries since this hand held metal detector has a charging port. Operated frequency is 25KHz and power consumption is 270mW. The maximum standby current is 5mA and the operating voltage is 12V.

Best Hand Held Metal Detectors For Woodworkers

Garrett Handheld Metal Detector

This hand held metal detector is ideal for holding because it has a comfortable handle and its very lightweight because it weighs only 1.28 pounds. This is an important feature for security metal detectors because they are often used by the guard for a long period of time.

Garrett SuperWand Hand-Held Metal Detector 1165800

It’s 21 inches long, 4 inches wide and 2 inches high so it also has practical dimensions. It can be easily carried on a belt holster and its not complicated to work with it. Metal detector probe detects a wide range of ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

Nevertheless, this metal detector wand can be also used in homes for searching lost metal objects for kitchen or other metal such as iron nails or jewelry. This metal detector wand woodworking portable so you can even take it with you when you are outdoor walking or doing other activity and want to treasure hunt along the way.

Garrett SuperWand Hand-Held Metal Detector 1165800 review

Metal detector probe is highly sensitive and it has 360° side-scan and therefore wider detection area. The optimal sensitivity can automatically retune. You can choose between two modes: sound mode and vibration mode. Three LED colored light will also indicate metal presence.

There is also a 3mm headphone jack so you can connect your headphones which enables you to hear signals better. System is operated with one 9V battery which is included in the package. There is one button on this Garrett metal detector wand which is easy to use.

Best Handheld Mini Metal Detector

BARSKA Handheld Compact Metal Detector

This next model we are going to talk about is from the brand BARSKA. It comes with a wrist strap so you can easily carry it around without the fear of losing it. Also, it is very lightweight and your arm won’t hurt you. As well as the other models mentioned here it is usually used for security checks.

BARSKA Handheld Compact Metal Detector

With this device you can search bodies or luggage at airports or stations. You can adjust the sensitivity of the device so nothing unwanted won’t interfere with it. For it to function you’ll need one 9V battery which needs to be bought separately.

If you want to buy for home use it is great if you want to find something you lost, especially jewelry or some lost coins. This why you will save lots of time. Also, it is great for finding the buried rebar marking property corner so you don’t have to survey your land again.

BARSKA Handheld Compact Metal Detector review

This BARSKA handheld metal detector is 14 inches long, 6 inches wide and 2 inches wide. As already stated, it is quite lightweight, around 8 ounces. Lastly, the price is very low and you will surely get your money’s worth with it.

Best Handheld Metal Detector For Home Usage

Tryfun Secure Scan Handheld Metal Detector Wand

This model is one of security metal detectors that is often used by a security guard at the security check in schools, hospitals, indoor or outdoor events etc. It has great size for carrying it on a belt or holding it in hand. You can also use it at home if you want to search for lost metal objects as nails, jewelry or other.

Tryfun Secure Scan Handheld Metal Detector

Its width is 1.7 inches and length is 16.3 inches. Great user-friendly feature is that this hand metal detecor comes in the package with a belt holster for easier carrying. It weighs only 11.2 ounces so its very easy to carry and you won’t be tired after holding it for a long time.

Metal detector probe has high sensitivity which can be changed with adjuster which is on the control area of the device. You can choose between sound or vibration detection alert. Metal scanner will also indicate the presence of a metal object with a change in LED lights.

Tryfun Secure Scan Handheld Metal Detector review

Maximal detection range is 4 inches for the pin and 2.7 inches for a 20mm steel ball. There is also low sensitivity switch and on/off switch. On the other side of the hand-held metal detector are located rechargeable battery socket and earphone socket vibration button.

Battery is held in the lid at the top of the handle. This metal detector wand is operated with one 9V standard or rechargeable battery. Both aren’t included in the package nor the charger.

Conclusion: Which Security Wand Will You Use?

These small devices are great for security or home use. In my opinion, the Garrett model seems like a great choice. It can be carried on a belt holster and it has a 360 degree side scan. If you want to learn more, check out my post about the best diamond detectors, or even the one about the best underwater metal detectors.