Unearthing Hidden Treasures: Mastering the Art of Using a Trowel for Metal Detecting
Metal detecting is a thrilling hobby that allows enthusiasts to uncover hidden treasures from the past. While having a good metal detector is crucial, another essential tool for successful treasure hunting is a trowel. A trowel is used to dig and recover targets buried beneath the surface. However, using it properly requires some skill and technique. In this article, we will provide an overview of how to effectively use a trowel while metal detecting.
1. Choose the right trowel: The first step in using a trowel effectively is selecting the right one for your needs. Trowels come in various sizes and shapes, but typically a small hand-held garden trowel works best for metal detecting purposes. Look for one with a pointed tip that can easily penetrate the soil and has a comfortable grip handle.
2. Locate your target: Before you start digging with your trowel, it’s important to accurately locate your target using your metal detector. Sweep the coil over the area where you believe the object might be buried until you get a strong signal response.
3. Mark your spot: Once you have identified the target’s location, mark it using either small flags or by making temporary markings on the ground with non-permanent spray paint or chalk. This step ensures that you don’t lose track of where exactly to dig when you start excavating with your trowel.
4. Digging technique: To begin excavation, hold the trowel firmly but comfortably in your dominant hand with fingers wrapped around its handle while keeping other fingers outstretched along its blade edge for support and stability.
Start by inserting the pointed tip of the trowel into the ground at an angle towards yourself and gently push down while applying pressure evenly across its length using both hands if needed or just one hand if more comfortable.
5.Removing soil carefully: As you dig deeper into the ground with your trowel, remove the soil in small increments. Take your time and be careful not to damage any potential artifacts or coins that may be buried alongside the target.
Use your trowel’s blade to scoop out the loosened dirt, working from the edges toward the center of the hole. Place the excavated soil on a separate pile nearby or use a sifting screen to ensure you don’t miss any valuable finds.
6. Locate and recover: Once you have removed enough soil, use a pinpointer or handheld metal detector to pinpoint the exact location of your target within the hole. This will help you avoid damaging it while digging further.
Gently probe around with your trowel until you feel or see your find. Carefully lift it out of its resting place using either your fingers or gently slide a hand under it with support from your trowel if necessary.
7.Cover up: After recovering your find, make sure to fill in any holes created during excavation properly. Use your trowel to carefully replace and tamp down the excavated soil, ensuring that there are no signs of disturbance left behind.
By following these steps and practicing proper technique, you can maximize your chances of successfully using a trowel while metal detecting without causing damage to potential treasures or archaeological sites. Remember always to follow local regulations and obtain permission before conducting searches on private property or protected areas. Happy hunting!