Hello again, It’s Joe here, warranty manager at Crawfords Metal Detectors. I’ve handled hundreds of claims over the years, and while most are straightforward, some truly stand out. Whether they make me chuckle, wince, or simply scratch my head, these warranty tales always remind me how much people love their metal detectors (and sometimes, how much they misuse them).
Here’s a roundup of some of my most memorable “warranty nightmares.” Some of these stories might make you laugh; others might save you a future headache. Either way, let’s dive in!
1. "I ran my detector over with my car. Is it covered?"
Yes, this has happened many times, and twice in November alone. One customer was reversing out of a field after a successful day of detecting, only to hear that sickening crunch. Another left their machine propped up against the car after cleaning it off and forgot it was there.
I understand—metal detecting is such an exciting hobby that it’s easy to lose track of a thing or two. But unfortunately, no matter how sympathetic we might feel, this kind of damage falls squarely under “accidental” and isn’t covered by warranty.
So here’s my advice: after a day of hunting, take a moment to double-check your surroundings before driving off. A little mindfulness can save your beloved detector from the most tragic fate of all—being flattened under your own wheels.
2. "My warranty expired 13 months ago—can you make an exception?"
This is one of the hardest requests we get, and it happens more often than you’d think. A detectorist will contact us with an issue, only to realize their warranty expired just a few months earlier. “It’s only been 13 months,” they’ll say. “Can’t you just help me out this once?”
Here’s the thing: we’d love to say yes. But the warranty period is a defined timeframe, and we can’t extend it indefinitely. Minelab machines come with some of the best warranties in the industry, offering up to three years of coverage depending on the model. That’s plenty of time to catch and address any issues.
I always advise customers to act quickly if they suspect a problem with their machine. The sooner you contact us, the more we can do to help. But once the warranty period ends, repairs and replacements are no longer free. We’ll still assist with advice and options, but warranties, unfortunately, can’t be stretched.
3. "I can’t get my screen protector off—even with a Stanley knife!"
This one makes me wince every time. On more than one occasion, we’ve had customers complain about struggling to remove a screen protector—sometimes with such force they’ve resorted to a Stanley knife.
In one case, a Minelab Manticore owner scored the edges of their control box so heavily with a blade that the waterproof seal was destroyed. The worst part? It turned out there wasn’t even a screen protector on the detector in the first place!
Let me be very clear: your detector’s screen is tough, but it’s not invincible. If you’re unsure whether a protector is present, don’t assume—ask us! We’re happy to provide guidance so you don’t accidentally damage your machine. And if you’re removing any film or packaging, use care. Avoid sharp objects at all costs and take your time.
4. "Yes, of course, I’ve tried new batteries!"
This one is classic. A customer will send in their pin pointer, insisting it’s faulty and completely unusable. But when we test it here at Crawfords, the “fault” often disappears the moment we pop in a fresh, high-quality battery.
Pin pointers—unlike most modern detectors—still use traditional 9V batteries, and not all batteries are created equal. Cheap or worn-out batteries can cause your pin pointer to behave erratically or not work at all.
Here’s my tip: if your pin pointer isn’t behaving as, it should, start by swapping the battery for a brand-new, premium-grade one. It’s a simple, inexpensive fix that could save you the time and cost of sending it in for inspection.
5. "My machine’s going mental!"
We receive videos like this every month: a customer turns on their detector, only to see target IDs flashing wildly while the machine emits a constant stream of tones. It looks like chaos—and to the untrained eye, it seems like the machine is defective. But more often than not, the culprit is simple: user error.
Nine times out of ten, we find that the sensitivity is set to maximum and the detector is being used indoors—usually in the kitchen or living room. These spaces are full of metal appliances, wiring, and other sources of interference that make your detector act up.
The solution? Lower the sensitivity and take the detector outside. Metal detectors are designed for outdoor use, and while genuine faults can occur, most of these cases come down to incorrect setup or environment.
6. "I’ve modified my machine, and now it’s not working."
This is one of the most painful warranty cases we see. Customers will modify their detectors with the best of intentions—often to reduce weight, improve comfort, or achieve some other goal—but end up causing more harm than good.
Here’s the catch: some modifications to your machine will void the warranty. And while some modifications might seem harmless, they can have serious consequences. For example:
Recently, there was an online trend where people removed the coil strengtheners from their M11 coils on the Manticore. While this might seem like a clever way to save weight, those strengtheners are there for a reason. They prevent the coil from flexing during use, which can lead to false signals or even permanent damage.
Another common modification involves fitting aftermarket equipment, such as a folding control box adaptor for the Equinox 600 or 800. While these products aren’t inherently bad, the installation process can be tricky. In many cases, customers overtighten the screws, causing cracks in the housing and water ingress.
The bottom line? If a modification seems like a good idea, ask yourself why the manufacturer didn’t already implement it. Chances are, they considered it and decided the drawbacks outweighed the benefits. Please be careful.
7. "My detector isn’t working— I haven’t got it wet."
This one always makes us chuckle. Many detectors are waterproof these days, but not all of them. Models like the Vanquish and Go-Find series are not designed for submersion, yet we’ve had customers send them in after they’ve been dunked in water—sometimes saline water! The funny thing here is that sometimes they incriminate themselves by saying “I didn’t get it wet” when there was initially no assumption that it would have been!
The results can be catastrophic: corroded circuits, shorted connections, and a machine that’s beyond repair. The same goes for non-waterproof headphones. If you’re using your detector in wet conditions, make sure your accessories are protected as well.
As a general rule, always check your detector’s waterproof rating before taking it anywhere near water. And if your machine isn’t waterproof, keep it high and dry!
Final Thoughts
At Crawfords, we’re here to help. But many of the issues I see in the warranty department are preventable with a little care and common sense.
Treat your detector with the respect it deserves—it’s a precision instrument, not a toy, and don't forget that metal detector maintenance is very important.
Read the manual and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
And if you’re ever in doubt, call us first.
I hope these stories brought a smile to your face and maybe even taught you something new. Got a question about your detector? Feel free to reach out—we’re always happy to help.
Happy hunting and remember: no Stanley knives near the screen!
Cheers,
Joe Birks
Warranty Manager – Crawfords Metal Detectors