Metal detecting is all about the thrill of what you may discover, unearthing hidden relics and uncovering pieces of history that have been buried for centuries.
This is why the metal detecting holes you dig are an essential part of the hobby. Doing it wrong can lead to damaged finds, frustrated landowners, and a less enjoyable experience overall, potentially even injury.
If you’re new to the hobby of metal detecting, learning how to dig the correct holes and how to extract the finds is crucial.
Nothing ruins a good find or potentially important historical artifact like accidentally scratching or breaking it with your shovel because you didn’t take the time to learn the right techniques.
In this post, I’ll walk you through some recommended digging tools, methods, and tips for digging holes, minimising the risk of damaging the finds or leaving a mess behind.
Why Proper Digging Techniques Matter in Metal Detecting
Proper digging techniques aren’t just about keeping the landowners happy (although that’s a big part of it). It’s also about protecting the very finds that make metal detecting so exciting in the first place.
Imagine this—you’re swinging away, beep beep, beep beep, a real good solid signal both ways. It’s showing a good number on the visuals, filled with excitement… you dig down with a bit too much enthusiasm, and crack, you realize you’ve just broken your very first gold find in half because you jabbed too hard with your shovel.
It may sound a little far-fetched, but it happens to us all. Okay, perhaps not gold, but when I first began, I didn’t take my time. My goal was to dig as fast as I could so I could find the maximum amount of things in a day.
I quickly learned that rushing in the excitement leads to damaged coins, broken artifacts, and mistakes such as leaving a mess behind.
That’s why knowing how to dig a hole properly while metal detecting is crucial. Respecting the land is also a huge part of being a responsible detectorist.
Every hole you dig leaves an impression. If you’re tearing up the ground, not refilling your holes properly, or damaging the surrounding environment, you’re giving the whole hobby a bad name, which can lead to stricter regulations and loss of permissions.
Plus, let’s not forget about safety.
A poorly dug or unfilled hole can be a tripping hazard not just for you but for the general public. Good technique protects your finds, the environment, and also your safety.
By learning the right techniques, you’re not just finding history; you’re helping to preserve it for future generations to learn from and enjoy.
Metal Detecting Digging Tools
Before you head out detector in hand and start digging holes, it’s crucial to ensure you have the right tools for the job.
Using the right tools will make life much easier, help protect your finds, and improve the recovery time of your finds. Less time spent on looking for a find means more time for locating the next!
The following list includes some of the popular tools for us detectorists; some of them are essential, some of them optional.
- Lesche Spade & Digging Tool – The Lesche spade is a popular choice among detectorists. It cuts through the soil like butter. Serrated edge on one side makes light work of most terrain. It’s a beast, so if you’ve got the budget, I highly recommend it. You should be able to buy the package deal and receive the digging tool with it, which is a small trowel that can be used for precision digging, cutting turf, and cutting through roots. You’re looking at a good £100 GBP/$120.
- (Or) Short, Round-Nosed Shovel – You can pick one of these up on Amazon, eBay, or probably from your local tool or hardware store. Mini shovels that are perfect for detecting, especially if you’re not really tall. I am, let’s say, a bit vertically challenged, and these shovels are my go-to tool. Lightweight, compact, sturdy, and does the job! If you’re taller, you can actually get one of these strapped to your leg. I paid around £10 GBP or $14 for mine, and I’ve had it for about 4 years now; still hasn’t broke.
- Nokta Premium Digger – A serrated-edge trowel for smaller, delicate digs. Not a necessity, much like the Lesche digging tool. It’s similar to a trowel and can be used for precision digging, cutting through the turf and through roots. It’s again got a great reputation in the detecting community and comes with a guarantee. So if you’ve got the budget to work with, it’s recommended and will make life easier.
- Garrett Pro-Pointer AT – A pinpointer is not a necessity, and you can cope without one to begin with, but once you get one, you won’t look back—it’s a game changer. It will keep your holes smaller, improve recovery time, and save you lots of stress at times when trying to find tiny items. Having a pointer will also reduce the chance of you damaging the target with your shovel. I highly recommend the Pro-Pointer AT by Garrett. There are cheaper options, but buy cheap, buy twice!
- Cut-Resistant Gloves – Optional, but they will help protect your hands.
- Storage Pouch or Finds Bag – Keeps finds secure and organized. I’ve included the metal detecting finds bag here, but it is optional. Having one I think is very important; I learned the hard way after putting finds in my pocket then later dropping them! A few times as well 🙁
A good digging tool is a detectorist’s best friend. Look for a metal detecting shovel that suits you—something that feels comfortable, sturdy yet lightweight, with a pointed tip for precision digging.
Avoid the big, bulky garden spades; they’re more likely to damage your finds or make a mess.
Step by Step Guide
The type of land you’re on is going to determine the type of hole you will dig and the tool you use, but most commonly, you’re going to be digging turf land. So for the purpose of this guide, that’s what I will discuss.
If you’re out on ploughed land, it’s a much easier dig (as long as it’s not clay), and also if you’re in sand, much easier!
- Step 1: Pinpointing the Target Location – Use your detector to determine the centre of the hole you are about to dig. You should swing it sideways both ways until you can visualize the centre of the item determined by when the metal detector beeps. The “sweet spot” is usually where the stem meets the coil. Once you’ve visualized where the centre is, move to step 2.
- Step 2: Cut the Plug – Approximately 4 inches from the centre of where you determined the target to be, you’re going to now cut your first side—we will talk for the purpose of this guide about a square plug (I’ll explain the circle plug later). So drive your shovel into the ground (ensure the head of your shovel is vertical into the ground), go down to the depth of the head, use your foot and weight. Lift the shovel out, then cut the next side. Repeat until you get to the final side.
- Step 3: Lifting the Plug – On your final side of the plug, as the spade/shovel head goes into the ground, you’re going to lean it back so it levers the plug out of the earth. You may need to lever it then remove it with your hands. Once it’s removed from the ground, then move it to the side of the hole. Try to move it a good foot or two away and remember which way it came out; you’re going to be putting it back in the same way later!
- Step 4: Extracting the Find Safely – So the plug’s out; you’ve got a hole. If you’ve done it right and the hole’s deep enough, there’s a high chance the target will be in the plug and not the hole (not always, though). So take your detector and scan both the hole and the plug.If it’s still in the hole, you’re going to need to remove some more dirt (this is where a pinpointer would help you locate where to remove the earth—is it in the side, the bottom, etc.). If you’ve not got a pinpointer, you can dig some more out and take the handfuls of dirt from the hole and scan them across the coil of the metal detector until it beeps. (Make sure you’re not wearing a ring when doing this. If the target is in the plug, start from the bottom removing the dirt by hand and scanning it across the coil until you find the target.
- Step 5: Refilling the Hole and Leaving No Trace – You’ve extracted the target; it’s now time to put any loose dirt back into the hole. Once you’ve done that, take the plug and place it back into the ground like you would a puzzle, the way it came out. Now stand on the plug and tread it into the ground until you can’t see you’ve been there.
There are more advanced techniques when you’ve nailed the art of digging the plug, for example, the flap method, which involves leaving one side of the turf still connected and flapping the plug out of the ground.
This helps keep the grass roots intact and keeps the grass alive after, stopping it from turning brown and looking a mess.
You can also practice, if you’ve got a round-nose shovel, creating a round plug, so make a circle in the ground instead of cutting the sides square. The aim is to keep your holes as small and tidy as possible and always ensure they are refilled!
I will do a full video guide in the coming weeks, but for now, I’ve just put a video below from my TikTok where you can see roughly how big the hole should be, how I lever the plug out, and visualize some of the above.
@detectoristdiary #metaldetecting Finding Beautiful Old Pennies, Lovely little permission just of a school lane, a paddock, never touched was pinging these little beauties up all day 😍 #oldcoins #coincollecting #metaldetectingfinds #fyp
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the more seasoned detectorist can make mistakes. The good news? Most of these mistakes are easy to avoid once you know what to look out for. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them:
- Digging Too Aggressively – It’s an exciting hobby, but excitement can lead to mistakes, injury, and damage. Rushing the process or being too heavy-handed. Take your time.
- Using the Wrong Tools – Avoid bulky garden spades.
- Failing to Refill Holes Correctly – Leaving a messy hole not only looks bad but can also lead to you losing your permissions, injury to the public or landowners, and in general gives the hobby a bad name.
- Not Paying Attention to the Surroundings – Always be aware of uneven ground, roots, or other obstacles to avoid injuries.
- Ignoring Local Regulations and Permissions – Always check local laws and get the necessary permissions before digging.
FAQs
What is the Best Way to Dig a Hole When Metal Detecting?
The best way to dig a hole when metal detecting is to use the flap method or the plug method. This involves cutting a U-shaped flap of grass and soil, leaving one side attached to the ground, or cutting all four sides and removing the plug. It helps protect both the target and the surrounding area.
How Can I Avoid Damaging My Finds While Digging?
To avoid damaging your finds, use a pinpointer to pinpoint the exact location of the target before you dig. Use a metal detecting shovel or a digging trowel designed for precision, and always dig carefully around the target. Go slow and avoid jabbing or using excessive force—gentle hands get better results!
What Tools Are Best for Digging Holes While Metal Detecting?
The best tools for digging include a metal detecting shovel with a serrated edge for cutting plugs, a digging trowel for delicate work, and a pinpointer to precisely locate targets. Additional tools like soft brushes, gloves, and storage pouches are also helpful to safely extract and preserve your finds.
Why is it Important to Refill Holes When Metal Detecting?
Refilling holes is crucial to maintain good relations with landowners, respect public and private land, and ensure that metal detecting remains a welcomed activity. Properly refilled holes help preserve the environment and prevent accidents caused by tripping hazards.
Do I Need Permission to Dig While Metal Detecting?
Yes, you need permission to dig on private land and certain public lands. Always check local regulations and obtain written permission from landowners before you start detecting. Detecting without permission can lead to fines, confiscation of equipment, or even legal trouble.
Passionate about history, metal detecting, and the thrill of the hunt, I’ve spent years uncovering hidden treasures across the Lincolnshire countryside and beyond. As a pub landlord with a love for music and a knack for storytelling, I bring a unique perspective to every adventure—whether it’s finding a rare coin in a field or sharing tales of British history.
When I’m not swinging a detector, you’ll find me exploring micro hobbies, dreaming of life on a canal boat, or helping others dive into the world of metal detecting with practical advice and a good dose of humor.
