As a serious beach and underwater metal detective, you know that upkeep of gear is paramount to success. After hundreds of hours of saltwater hunting with my trusty Minelab Excalibur II (affectionately named “Ringer”), I’ve learned a thing or two regarding keeping these waterproof metal detectors in tip-top condition. Today, I’m sharing my recent adventure in improving and keeping this great underwater metal detector in great condition.
Basic Metal Detector Repair Kit
First, here’s a list of basic tools you need to get going:
- Anderson replacement knobs (for Excalibur II specifically)
- Flathead screwdriver
- Needle-nose pliers
- Food-grade silicone spray
- Replacement O-rings
- Allen key (provided with Anderson knobs)
- Basic cleaning tools
Maintenance of Underwater Metal Detector Control Panel
The process of fixing my metal detector came when one of the control knobs failed during a day of beach hunting. Rather than just swapping out a bad knob, I chose to substitute all of them using Anderson replacements offered at Kellyco. For you new to metal detecting gear maintenance, these brass-core knobs provide a great improvement over stock plastic knobs that generally fail after a season or two of saltwater metal detecting.
Metal Detector Waterproofing Secrets
While working on my control panel repair, I learned something that is key to maintenance of an underwater metal detector – that the O-rings exhibited signs of impending failure. Here’s my learning regarding waterproofing:
- Inspect O-rings each month for cracks caused by stress
- Use correct size substitutes (industry-standard size 8: 3/16″ inner diameter)
- Apply food-grade silicone spray to enable smooth function
- Clean all sealing areas thoroughly before assembly
- Remove the control panel guard of your Excalibur II
- Remove old knob caps with a flathead screwdriver
- Remove nuts with needle-nose pliers
- Inspect for saltwater corrosion damage
- Clean metal detector parts thoroughly
- Install new silicone coated lubricated O-rings
- Align and install Anderson replacement knobs
- Secure in place using set screws included
This video is a great resource for those inspecting/replacing the O-rings on their Minelab Excalibur.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
As you work on metal detector repairs, note:
- Green color around nuts (water penetration indicator)
- Sticky or grinding controls (symptom of failed seals)
- Loose or wobbly knobs (water entry point potential)
- Cracked plastic parts (typical in saltwater use)
Beach Metal Detecting Equipment Maintenance
For maximum utilization of your underwater metal detector, use this maintenance schedule:
Personalizing Your Metal Detecting Equipment
While keeping it in tip-top condition is a must, adding personalized embellishments individualizes metal detecting gear to you. I added holographic vinyl decals to my Excalibur II: “Ringer” to the exterior of the guard and “Dig It” to the interior. While these won’t survive forever, these personalize metal detecting gear.
Results and Testing
Upon completion of maintenance of my metal detector for use in the water, I noticed immediately:
- Smoothing of control action
- Improved strength of waterproofness
- Improved adjustment precision
- Improved durability in beach treasure hunting
The real trial was in the next few beach metal detecting trips. The new knobs provided more control over sensitivity settings and discrimination settings, a metal detecting key to success in the ocean.
The better-sealed controls also provided more confidence in metal detecting in deep ocean.
Final Words on Metal Detector Maintenance
For serious ocean metal detecting or serious metal detecting on the beach with your Minelab Excalibur II, incorporating Anderson knobs into your maintenance schedule is a wise decision. Costly, I know, but it’s a metal detecting gear purchase that’s more than it’s worth in terms of durability and usability.
Don’t get it twisted: metal detector maintenance is more than repairing things that fail – it’s preventing things that fail in the first place from failing in the first place. Proper maintenance of your ocean metal detector keeps you in the hunt more often and in treasure more often. Good luck hunting, and be certain to check those O-rings before that next metal detecting day on the beach!
The Minelab Excalibur II is a top of the line underwater metal detector. For something a little more budget friendly, check out another one of my articles: Journey with the Nokta PulseDive: A Beach Hunter’s Honest Review.
