How to buy a Magnetic Locator
Buying a Magnetic Locator is a decision that many surveyors and municipal employees decide to make. It seems most
purchases are based on someone seeing the product
used by another department or someone that has been
on the job for a long time.
The need for a magnetic locator is usually to locate
ferrous objects under ground, under water, or in
snow. Objects such as PK nails, iron pipes, buried
metal objects, valve covers, masonry nails, manhole
covers, wires, cast iron water and gas lines, valve
boxes, septic tanks and well casings, and surveyors'
markers.
Survey markers or pins are such a strong magnetic
target that almost any magnetic locator will find
them. Therefore a customer has to look at other
factors in determining which locator is the best to
buy.
Things to consider when buying a locator would
be:
1. Do you need a case? If yes, a hard or soft case?
2. Do you need a visual indicator, such as an LCD?
3. Do you need a headphones (in case you are in a
noisy area and need to hear the locators sound
better)? If yes, get a locator with a headphone
jack. (*See the negative side of using headphones
below).
4. Battery life and battery level indicators.
5. Sound level adjustment knobs.
6. Size of the locator itself. Do you need one that
collapes?
7. Cost.
8. Warranty.
9. Weight of the locator. How long will you have to
carry it around?
10. Initial Cost of the purchase.
EngineerSupply.com sells brands of magnetic locators
like; Dunham & Morrow, Schonstedt, Subsurface
Instruments, and CST (Chicago Steel Tape) Survey.
All of these locators are professional grade
instruments and are built to withstand the rigors of
aggressive environments. We do recommend taking care
of your magnetic locator since it is an electronic
device. Return your locator to it's case after each
use is a great way to help protect your investment.
PRICE
If you're concerned with cost of the locator you're
planning to buy, consider the useful life
expectancy. Some locators are used for twenty or
thirty years by some surveyors. We have seen some
surveyors with locating instruments that last them
their entire career. You should consider the price
being spread out over these years and not be as
concerned with price in our opinion. We always think
of the nice steak supper for $50 that lasts only a
few hours. Thats a good way to think about where
your money is going.
WARRANTY
The Dunham & Morrow Magnetic Locators come with a
Lifetime Warranty. The Schonstedt's warranty's vary
from model to model. The Schonstedt Model GA-52Cx
comes with a 7-year Warranty and the Model GA-72Cd
comes with a 5-year Warranty. The CST Magna-Trak's
come with a 5-year Warranty.
*HEADPHONES
The use of headphones when operating a locator is
considered to be dangerous due to the user cannot
hear other sounds on a construction site, or in near
highways. We do not recommend using headphones. If
you do, it would be something to consider where and
when you are using them.
CASES
Some customers have stated they like the soft case
better than the hard case. You need to ask yourself
if you want a case, and if so, what type. Some cases
have shoulder straps that makes carrying the case in
the field easier.
OPTIONS AND SIZE
If you are looking for a locator that is easy to
carry in the field, we recommend the Schonstedt
MAC-51Bx if you want magnetic & cable locating
abilities. The MAC-51Bx has optional accessories
that can enable it to do a few more tasks than other
locators. We have had many satisfied customers that
have purchased the Dunham & Morrow brand of locator.
It all depends on what you want to do and where you
will carry your locator.
Some recommend that you contact the manufacturer every
five or so years and have your locator calibrated
and/or tested, especially if you are locating UXO
(Unexploded Ordnance) or Weapons. Some manufacturers
say that the need for calibration is unnecessary so
its really a decision to be made by the customer if
this type of maintenance is needed.
We recommend taking the time to think about what you
want to accomplish with a magnetic locator. Then,
putting your criteria in ranking order before you
make the purchase.
Click here to View our Selection of Magnetic
Locators
Disclaimer; By reading this guide on our
website, you agree to not hold anyone responsible
for any misuse or misunderstandings that you may
make. EngineerSupply.com does NOT assume any
responsibility with providing this information.
Copyright 2005
-
The EngineerSupply.com Product Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Do I Use a Schonstedt Magnetic Locator?
These devices are used to detect metal objects. Use a
magnetic locator to detect ferrous metals buried in the ground. Simply pass the detector over the location of a ferrous metal and listen for a change in sound. Follow the instructions on the user guide to set up, charge and operate your locator.
2. What Is a Magnetic Locator?
Unlike pipe and cable locators, a magnetic location device measures the magnetic field distortion around a metal target. This allows you to find magnetic items buried in the ground. They are popular in the construction, surveying and excavation industries. A locator device doesn’t emit any signal and can’t be used to search for wiring or non-ferrous pipes.
3. How Do Locators Work?
Use a
CST magnetic locator to find buried ferrous materials. All ferrous metals have a magnetic field. A locator measures this field and alerts you to any buried ferrous item. The efficiency of a locator depends on the depth and mass of the item you’re searching for, so be sure to choose a heavy-duty locator for small items.
4. What Are Common Features of Locators?
Shop for locators that offer you the depth and low-mass readings you need. Look for a locator that comes with a durable case, long-lasting warranty and other features. Use caution when using included headphones, as these can be a workplace distraction and hazard at construction sites and other places with heavy-duty equipment.
5. Where Can I Buy a Locator?
Shop at
Engineer Supply for a
magnetic locator that fits your project. Shopping online allows you to compare brands, sizes and other features to ensure you pick up the correct locator. Don’t mistake a pipe and cable locator with a magnetic option, but enjoy convenient searching for the exact tool you need.
Best Magnetic Locators
The GA-52Cx from Schonstedt is one of the most rugged and dependable locators you can buy. It provides five levels of sensitivity to ensure that you find what you are looking for without passing over it. There are only two controls on the body, making it easy to use with one hand. It also makes it more dependable. If you will be doing a lot of surveying, this should be a serious contender on your list.
The Maggie is an opportunity to get the best of two worlds. It features the sensitivity of the GA-52Cx and the one-handed design of the GA-92XT, Schonstedt’s two flagship models. It has an LCD screen with a bar graph showing polarity. It is rated IP54 for dust and water resistance. The modular construction and durable design help make this another top choice from Schonstedt.
The 800HL from Pipehorn is a capable pipe locator. It has two frequencies: 480 kHz and 9kHz. This makes it easier to locate utilities in both congested areas and at a distance. Users can change between frequencies with a single switch flick. It has a handle for easy one-handed use. This can be used for coated pipes, un-energized power lines, fiber, concentric neutral and many other utilities.
The GA-72Cd is the most popular choice for UXO and demining applications. It is the brand’s most versatile locator for magnetic fields. Like many other Schonstedt products, it has a very simple set of controls to make it as easy to use as possible. It features a screen showing a polarity graph, gain level and battery status.
This ultra-compact locator is Schonstedt’s most portable product. It telescopes so that it can be easily transported in a small package. Additionally, it features a special handle that makes it easy to operate with one hand, pressing the buttons with your thumb. This is an especially good choice for anyone who has to travel a lot for work.
This pipe locator from Schonstedt is a top-of-the-line tool. It has three frequencies (512 Hz, 33 Hz and 82 kHz) as well as 50/60 Hz passive and 512 Hz sonde detection. Plus, the transmitter is only four pounds, and the receiver is only three. This is a very compact and lightweight tool. Like many other Schonstedt models, the REX is IP54 rated for dust and water resistance.
The Pipehorn 800H is a lot like the 800HL described above. However, it uses a single frequency of 480 kHz. It can work down to a depth of 18 feet. The strong ABS housing and watertight construction help make this a very durable tool for use in the field.
The MT202 series locator is a high-quality device with strong construction and a large LCD screen for easy operation. The digital bar graph readout makes it easier than ever to locate items. Plus, the MT202 has the ability to block out a source of magnetic interference (for example, a nearby fence). It can locate larger objects at a depth of up to 15 feet.
If you need to locate both utilities and magnetic fields, this combination set is a great choice. It features the compact but powerful REX and the highly-effective and portable GA-92XTd. The entire package can fit into a custom shoulder bag. Both locators are described above.
This no-nonsense locator is an effective and reliable tool for finding ferrous objects underground. The Magna-Trak 101 has easy-to-use control knobs for adjusting sensitivity and volume. With a strong but lightweight aluminum tube and strong sensors, this is a magnetic locator you can always rely on when you need it.