How to Make the Scoop for a Metal Detector

Scoops with drilled holes sift through sand to uncover buried treasures.

Metal detecting enthusiasts treasure-hunt often in beachfront areas. People frequently leave behind coins, rings and watches that quickly get buried in the sand by ocean tides. Experienced metal detector hunters use proper tools to hunt for these buried treasures. A sand scoop can be a valuable tool for digging and sifting away the sand from metal objects. Specialized sand scoops can be purchased on Internet sites. Hobbyists also can save money by making their own scoop.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic or metal cattle feed scoop or ice scoop
• Sharpie marker
• Drill
• 1/8-inch drill bit
• 3/8-inch drill bit
• Metal file
• Duct tape

Instructions

1. Buy a plastic or metal cattle feed scoop from a farm supply store or a large plastic ice scoop from a commercial supply store. Order either on the Internet if you can't find these types of stores nearby.

2. Mark, with a Sharpie marker, spots to drill holes on the sides, bottom and back of the scoop. Space the marks to allow room for 3/8-inch holes to be lined up close to each other.

3. Alternate the rows you are marking to keep the holes close to each other through the entire area of the scoop.

4. Drill 1/8-inch holes over the marked spots, starting on one edge of the scoop. Work your way across to the other side.

5. Go back over the holes with a 3/8-inch drill. Repeat for each row until you have drilled alternating rows of holes close to each other across both sides, bottom and back of the scoop.

6. File jagged edges of the holes with a metal hand file.

7. Wrap the handle of the scoop several times with duct tape for comfort, grip and added strength.

Tips & Warnings

• Make both a metal and plastic scoop for different sand conditions. Metal scoops work better on wet sand; plastic scoops work fine on dry sand.

References

• Treasure Net: How to Make Your Own Simple Sand Scoop