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PLUGGING METHOD 
    This method of recovery is not allowed in many areas and should 
never be used in dry lawns or in very hot weather. A good rule of 
thumb is... “When in doubt, don’t plug”. It’s a good way to recover 
deep targets however in moist soil where plugging is allowed and 
when done properly. 
1.  Once your target has been pinpointed, lay the 1280-
X down (still turned on) so that the searchcoil is within 
easy reach but not close enough to detect your digging 
tool. 
2.  Cut a cone shaped plug about 3 inches in diameter 
and at least 3 inches deep. 
 NOTE: If you’re in a park or lawn maintained by a power 
mower, don’t cut a cone - the mower may pull it back 
up. Instead cut a deep, square, un-pointed plug. 
3.  Remove the plug, being careful not to scatter loose 
dirt. 
4.  Examine the plug and the hole for your target. 
5.  If the target is not readily visible, pass the plug across the 
front or back of the searchcoil. If the target is in the plug, 
you will get an immediate response from the 1280-X. 
 NOTE: This procedure will be successful only if: 
a. You have removed any rings, watches, etc. 
b. The DISCRIMINATION level is low enough to detect 
your target. 
c. You move the plug as close as possible across the 
searchcoil. 
6.  If the target is in the plug, carefully dissect the plug until 
you have recovered it. Try not to damage roots or disturb 
the surface of the plug. 
7.  If the target is not in the plug, check the dirt in and 
around the hole. 
8.  Recheck the hole and the area around the hole with 
TARGET RECOVERY
inserting the screwdriver into the ground next to the hole 
and pulling in towards the center. Do this 4 to 5 times 
around the edge of the hole until it is no longer visible. 
RECOVERY TOOLS
1.  Sandscoops designed especially for beachcombers and 
shallow water treasure hunters are available at many 
metal detector outlets. 
2.  Divers use a variety of recovery tools depending on 
the condition of the sea bed or lake bottom. A sturdy 
dive  knife  will  sufce  in  packed  mud  or  small  rocks. 
Most divers prefer to use their hands in loose sand and 
professional treasure hunters often use an air hose fed by 
a surface compressor to blow away loose sand, gravel 
or mud. 
3.  For land recovery, a sturdy hunting knife with a 5” blade 
will sufce in most soils. A high quality, double edged 
“survival” knife is an even better choice (and more 
expensive) since it will be almost impossible to bend or 
break. 
 CAUTION: Using a jack knife without a locking blade is 
a good way to lose a nger. 
4.  A heavy duty, blunt screwdriver is commonly used 
for shallow targets where digging or “plugging” is 
objectionable. 
your 1280-X if you still can’t nd it. 
9.  Once you have recovered the target, check the area 
again. Two or more coins are often found in the same 
spot. 
10. Scrape all loose dirt back in the hole, reinsert the plug 
and press it rmly in place with your foot. 
TARGET RECOVERY
1280Xmanual-8702460000-2014.indd   14 1/5/15   3:52 PM