| Handheld metal detectors have a wide variety of | | | | should be balanced with a lightweight unit. Because |
| uses. Typically used to detect concealed weapons | | | | the user must hold the handheld scanner while it is |
| or other metal objects on a person, the most | | | | in use, a lightweight device can reduce fatigue and |
| frequently visible use of handheld metal detectors | | | | make it more comfortable to use a handheld |
| is by law enforcement, airport security, schools, | | | | metal detector for long sessions. Still, the device |
| and other security settings. It is also used for a | | | | must be rugged, as it is most often used in |
| range of other uses, such as detecting nails in a | | | | security situations, often outdoors, where it must |
| piece of wood. If you are thinking about | | | | stand up to frequent use. The ideal detector has |
| purchasing a handheld metal detector, make sure | | | | a large surface area, yet has been designed to be |
| that it has all of the features that you need for | | | | both as lightweight and as rugged as possible. |
| the intended use. | | | | Many people don't realize that a scanner has to be |
| First, invest in a scanner that is sensitive enough | | | | "returned" regularly. This process ensures that the |
| for your needs. For security purposes, a detector | | | | metal detector is picking up the right signals and |
| that will find medium-sized weapons from a | | | | emitting the detection alarm at the right time. This |
| distance of nine inches or more is usually | | | | process is a type of tuning, and some handheld |
| recommended. With this setting, you can scan the | | | | metal detectors will do it automatically while in |
| individual or the bag from a comfortable distance. | | | | use, while others must be manually returned. If |
| If the metal detector is too weak, you'd need to | | | | you forget to manually return one of these |
| scan the detector over the person's body from a | | | | detectors, your scans may not be accurate. |
| much closer distance. Also consider the size of | | | | Another important feature to consider is whether |
| the metal objects typically uncovered during the | | | | the batteries in the device can be changed |
| use for which you intend the handheld metal | | | | without tools. Being able to change the batteries |
| detector; the device you choose should be able to | | | | quickly while on the go makes it much easier to |
| find this size of object easily from a comfortable | | | | use the device for long periods of time. Many of |
| distance. | | | | today's scanners also include a display showing the |
| In addition to its sensitivity, another factor that | | | | battery life, so that you can change the batteries |
| can affect the devices usability is the size of the | | | | promptly. |
| scanning surface. A larger scanning surface will | | | | A high quality, handheld metal detector is designed |
| allow for fewer passes over the object or | | | | to alert you about a concealed weapon or other |
| person, allowing each scan to be performed | | | | metal objects. These devices typically emit both a |
| faster and more efficiently. This is an essential | | | | beeping signal and a visual signal, such as a flashing |
| feature for those who plan to use handheld metal | | | | light. Make sure that you invest in a quality |
| detectors to scan crowds entering a building or | | | | scanner with all of the features explained above |
| event. | | | | so that you can perform scans effectively and |
| On the other hand, a large detecting surface | | | | efficiently. |