If you do renovation, restoration or any carpentry that involves dubious materials and would prefer to discover lurking foreign bodies in advance instead of with your sawblade, Wizard Industries’ battery-powered metal detectors can help. The company offers several styles; I tried the small and medium-size models. It took me a few tries to figure out how to use the detectors: Detection was improved (a lot) when I held the scanner at a slight angle and used it in the factory-recommended circular pattern, perhaps allowing the scanner to pick up more of the length of a nail rather than just the head.
Even with familiarity, using the Little Wizard is a deliberate affair. The sensor head is only about 3 in. wide, so thorough scanning requires multiple passes. In practice, you might need five minutes to check an 8-ft. wide board. The detector was noticeably more effective in identifying larger potential shrapnel such as embedded 10d nails or drywall screws, although I did find all the little nails, eventually.
Although the model tested has been discontinued, an updated version of the Little Wizard is available.
Old House Journal Recommended Products
Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Affordable IR Camera
8067 All-Weather Flashing Tape
Handy Heat Gun
