Some of Metal Detectings Friends
November 27th 2006 15:04
Epoxys of the fast setting type, and plenty of them, are the metal detectorists good friend forever. Many bad and dying days have been saved with some quick setting epoxy. And Tape too. And Wire.
Silicone Grease and Underwater Metal Detectors
Please understand this tip may void some warranties, and should only be practiced by the professional who is in total understanding of their equipment and its environment.
In spite of its foul odor, Silicone Grease is the best waterproofing aid for underwater metal detectors that there is. I had leakage problems with my first underwater machines, down in Florida, just wading, even though I changed my o-ring regularly, about every third battery change. Kevin OReilly at OReillys Treasured Gold in Pompano told me about this, and it has been a staple in my toolbox ever since.
Silicone grease is tenacious. It stays where its put, and does not melt too easily, if at all. I learned to totally clean the O-Ring seat on both sides of the detector, then spread Silicon Grease on those surfaces liberally, then ALSO lather it on the new O-Ring itself, so that when the two halves of the detector case go back together, silicone grease squishes out everywhere. Yuck.
What a mess.
Then the excess is wiped off and believe me, you have a much better waterproofing this way, than in any other way for the money. I have gone to 30 feet like this no problem, and regularly. Make sure all sand is removed during cleanup prior to any new O-ring, and repeat this silicone grease treatment at every battery change.
This makes cleanup especially onerous when changing batteries, and is also kind of a pita as far as handling out of the water (Don't get it on ya'), but makes up for it in water tightness.
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