Nail detection in used lumber

I'd think any of the small high powered magnets would work. I'd likely wrap it in something so it slides easily and has some sort of grip. You want to feel it being attracted to metal. I think I'd try wrapping it in low friction tape and leaving a couple of extra inches taped together like a tab. However, I think what will inevitably find the tiny metal bits will be your jointer or planer.

Some stud detectors also do metal scans. My Zircon does.

there are also metal detectors. Here's an example - https://www.amazon.com/Wizard-Little-Woodworking-Metal-Detector/dp/B0093FJENM I have no idea how well it works but there are a lot out there. In theory a metal detector will work better than a magnet.

Note that both only detect ferrous metals. So stainless steel, copper, brass, lead don't get detected.

Appreciate the feedback and warning on non ferrous metals. I’ll check out stud detectors.

Stud detectors are different than metal detectors, Jon. I don't think I'd trust a stud detector to thoroughly scan a piece of lumber; if the nail is for arguments sake a finish nail, and it's perpendicular to the wood's surface, there's an excellent chance it won't be detected if you don't pass directly over it (with the stud detector). Much better odds with the metal detector
https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/workshop/45125-metal-detector
Note that it detects all metals, not just ferrous.

I used to use one of those wands that security guards use. Was very effective.

You can get them for $30 - $50....

https://www.seton.net.au/hand-held-...cpKk_mH2cQk6uiHL_6Gs4GgZd6RikgkRoC7pEQAvD_BwE

PhilBa said:

there are also metal detectors. Here's an example - https://www.amazon.com/Wizard-Little-Woodworking-Metal-Detector/dp/B0093FJENM I have no idea how well it works but there are a lot out there. In theory a metal detector will work better than a magnet.

Note that both only detect ferrous metals. So stainless steel, copper, brass, lead don't get detected.

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I have the Little Wizard... and it misses nails/screws, I wouldn't recommend it. I replaced it with the harbor freight wand type, which works great, and has never failed, although I have never used it on logs, but works great on pallet wood and reclaimed 2" construction/demo lumber.
https://www.harborfreight.com/9-volt-metal-detector-wand-94138.html

gmercer_48083 said:

I have the Little Wizard... and it misses nails/screws, I wouldn't recommend it.

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I have one and can recommend it...
Could this have happened to you????

Holy Hanna!

jw2170 said:

I used to use one of those wands that security guards use. Was very effective.

You can get them for $30 - $50....

https://www.seton.net.au/hand-held-...cpKk_mH2cQk6uiHL_6Gs4GgZd6RikgkRoC7pEQAvD_BwE

Click to expand...

James; i just opened your link...$361....yikes!! :surprise:

I find the most effective tool for finding embedded metals to be a freshly sharpened combination blade..... unfortunately

Appreciate the comments from one and all and the link to the older site. Looks like a trip to HF is in order.

Bought this dectector from Amazon 2 years ago and it works very well. Definitely shaved my planer blades a few times.

https://www.amazon.com/Handheld-Met...1_1?keywords=Pyle+PMD38&qid=1584218715&sr=8-1

kp91 said:

I find the most effective tool for finding embedded metals to be a freshly sharpened combination blade..... unfortunately

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Truth. I got some 2x4s from HomeDespot and was cutting them on my 10" SCMS. About half way through my cuts started coming out terrible - really ragged. I stopped and looked at the blade. It had a twisted tooth sticking about 1/4" to one side. Went back through the cutoffs and sure enough there was a screw I'd sliced through and didn't even notice. This was with brand new, just purchased 2x4s. Fortunately, the blade was an older one that I expected to replace at some point but it is still disheartening to have to trash a blade because of someone else's negligence.

This is why I always carefully inspect any wood I'm cutting. And, why I don't bother with recycled wood. Losing a blade sure cancels out any savings. Getting injured, even more so.

To find nails you need a metal detector of some sort and not a magnet or a stud finder. A magnet won't find them unless maybe you are holding the board upside down and the nail is just below the surface. A stud detector is too small to do any good. A metal detector is meant to find any kind of metal. A problem that you will run into is that the nail is below the surface and no way to get it out. For me, I drive the nail deeper so that the planer doesn't hit it. As far as sawing the lumber, a table saw will go right through a small nail without any noticeable damage to a blade. A bandsaw blade on the other hand will be ruined.

I've got the Garrett Super Scanner V...

Not all "super scanners" are Garrett's...be careful out there...

DaninVan said:

James; i just opened your link...$361....yikes!! :surprise:

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Not the one I bought, Dan.


I,also, nearly had a fit when I saw that price....LOL..

If I recall, the one I bought was a Garrett from a reputable supplier.

Left the battery in for too long and the contacts corroded away......

Pop over to Harry's place; he can fix it!

I tried my Zircon stud finder on it`s metal scan setting to see what it would do. It couldn`t fully detect a 1.5 inch finishing nail through five eighths plywood. Some of the lights lit up but not all. It had no trouble when I laid the nail on the surface so I think it would be good with a nail that was just under the surface.