Years of metal detecting gear repairs, and there’s nothing better than a challenge to get to work on a busted-up search coil. When a friend brought his CTX 3030 to my worktable with his mounting ears snapped straight off, I knew I would need to document this metal detector fixing process for those that have a problem just like it. With a busted coil, you would think that’s a death sentence to detection gear, yet this guide is going to instruct you to save hundreds of dollars in parts costs.
Search Coil Damage Explained
The CTX 3030’s search coil is a tough piece of gear, yet transport damage is more prevalent than you would think. Before getting to metal detector repairs, I took time to inspect the breaks. Both of his mounting ears had snapped straight off – not the worst possible break, yet definitely one that would require careful work.
Tool and Material Requirements for Metal Detector Repairs
For this coil fixing, I used:
- High-strength epoxy (the good stuff, not quick-set)
- Acrylic sheet to craft custom support brackets
- Dremel tool with attachments
- Matte black paint to finish it
- Heavy-duty electrical ducting
- Professional strength rubber strain relief tape
- Various clamps
- Fine-grit sandpaper
Step-by-Step Coil Fix Process
First, I scrubbed that coil good. Any metal detectorist is cognizant that there is a great deal of crud that builds up on our gear, and metal detector repairs require a clean bond between parts. Once scrubbed, I was in a position to view the original wear spots, which came in handy for getting it set up correctly.
The real challenge was in applying the epoxy. Aligning those ears just so is crucial to any search coil repair – a millimeter in error, and you’ve got a useless detector. I used existing wear patterns to guide my hand, keeping adhesive safely distant from key mounting points. The waiting period of 24 hours for that initial batch of epoxy to harden was like waiting for paint to dry, but hasty metal detector repairs are never a good thing.
Here’s where knowledge of detector maintenance came in handy – I knew plain old glue wouldn’t hold up in the field. I used acrylic sheet to cut custom support brackets to distribute stress across the face of the coil. I roughed up each side (an oft-overlooked step in many do-it-yourself repairs), applied a new batch of epoxy, and clamped it all in place.
Advanced Reinforcement Techniques
The durability phase of metal detector repair came next. I cut those acrylic supports to fit around the curves of that coil precisely – took more time than was likely called for, but detail work is crucial in search coil repair. Some judicious application of matte black paint helped camouflage everything.
Testing and Maintenance Tips
One of the more oft-forgotten aspects of metal detector maintenance is cable protection. I modified the stock design using a longer section of electrical ducting, secured in place using strategic use of tie wraps. This is a easy improvement that prevents cable wear – a problem I’ve found in many detector repairs.
The whole process took a week or more, waiting around for that epoxy to harden. Before I sent it back to the field, I heavily tested all areas of stress relief and mounting points. The result was a repaired search coil arguably stronger than the stock design.
Final Thoughts on DIY Detector Repair
For fellow metal detectorists suffering the same coil damage, be warned that patience is key to success. Fixing a coil is a time-consuming process, but it’s a lot cheaper than a new one. Be methodical, relax, and take it easy, and do not hurry the curing process.
Whatever you use to maintain your starting machine or to repair professional gear, these processes can be used to prolong the life of your gear. Just be sure to thoroughly test beforehand – the last thing that any metal detectorist needs is a failed repair in a remote location.
I’ve completed hundreds of metal detector repairs over many years, and I can safely say that a high percentage of coil damage is reversible using the right method. This CTX 3030 repair is a testament that patience, the right material, and careful attention to detail can be used to return even heavily damaged search coils to their former glory.
You should also check out my article on Minelab Excalibur II Repair and Upgrade.
My name is Paul and I am the founder of Detector For Metal, a dedicated resource for metal detecting enthusiasts seeking to uncover historical treasures and connect with the past using the latest technology. As a stay-at-home dad and family man, I’ve found metal detecting to be the perfect hobby that combines family adventure with historical learnings for the whole family.
As a father, I’m deeply committed to passing on this hobby to the next generation of detectorists, starting with my own children. I share advice on everything from metal detecting with kids to exploring the top 10 metal detecting sites you never thought about. My methodical approach to the hobby goes beyond the thrill of discovery—it’s about creating family traditions while preserving history and sharing the stories of those who came before us.
