Has anyone else had their Ace 250 coil crack and chip?

[mr miner/logger]

I was out digging yesterday and packing up to come out of the woods when I noticed that the bottom of my coil was damaged. There were 2 sections on the bottom of the coil that were completely gone. One section was 3" long and wires were exposed. I had to repair it with epoxy. Has this happened to anyone else. Don't tell me that I should have been using a coil cover as I have never needed one in the past. I checked my Garrett Super Mini-Hunter that I used for 25 years. The bottom of the coil is scratched , nicked and gouged , but is made of softer plastic and held up after banging into rocks for all those years. Garrett, are you listening. You've got to use softer plastic on your coils. The plastic you use now is too brittle. Send me a new coil!

 

[NM5K]

First I've heard of that. Just looking at the
material, I would have thought it was kinda soft,
but never actually tested it. But the usual epoxy
can be a bit brittle at times. How hard were you
banging it against the rocks? Seems like it would
be a fairly hard hit to break it to that extent.
I won't tell you how to live, but this is a good
example of why *I* use the covers. I like to scrub
down close, and I'm sure I would kinda beat up a
coil after a while. I use a cover on my stock coil,
and I ordered covers for both the extra coils that I
just ordered. Don't know about you, but but I think
the coil covers are well worth the extra cost and
hassle. Hopefully, you can get a replacement if the
machine wasn't too old. I do agree that the coils
should not break apart with "normal" use. But I can
see how banging rocks could cause breaks in epoxy if
you hit the from the wrong way. I think the "open"
design of the large coils makes them a bit more prone
to damage than the closed coils. To tell the truth,
I don't know why they don't just build the covers onto
the coils from the factory, and have them sealed as a
one piece unit. The plastic that the covers use is much
tougher than the epoxy. It is also "wrinkled", and hides
scratches etc.. Been using mine about two months, and
it still looks like new. From day one, I never did like
the idea of whacking that epoxy directly against the
ground. Sooo...I've used the covers from day one.. So
far, I don't regret it.. Them coils ain't exactly
cheap.. But to each his own I guess. Hope they can fix
you back up. But even if they won't cover it, it should
still work ok with your epoxy fix I would think, as long
as no moisture, etc is trapped inside.
MK

 

[John-Edmonton]

In all fairness, they are made from plastic and filled with resin so they will break/crack under too much stress. Sounds like a coil cover might not be a bad idea.

Call Mary @Hobby Division
Toll Free: 1-800-527-4011 (U.S.A. and some parts of Canada only)
Email: sales@garrett.com

She will look after you. She is truly a GEM.

 

[FrankG]

Sort of a related question. I use a coil cover on my stock 250 coil. I just slip it on and that's it. I take it off occasionally to clean everything (it's actually difficult to remove). I've often wondered if there would be an advantage to putting it on permanetly with some sort of silicone sealant. Any opinions ? pros/cons?

I also have 2 - 20 year old Garrett detectors with coil covers which also are not fastened permanently and after all these years are still in excellent shape from mostly beach, sand, and dirt activity.

 

[mr miner/logger]

I took my detector back out today and more plastic broke off. Will have to epoxy that too. I just read Garretts warrenty. It does not cover abuse. I'm guilty. I physically abused my detector by banging it against rocks. I have a Ace 100 that I don't use anymore. Before I do anything stupid, does the wire just pop off the coil. I could replace the 250 coil with the 100.

 

[BigCatDaddy]

The 2 coils from the 100 and 250 are not interchangeable. Different frequencies. I'd give Mary Penson a call at Garrett and see if they will give you a new coil replacement. Can't hurt to try. Now quit using that detector as a rock mower. "Rough handling renders the parts scrap"

 

[jeff@middlesex]

I can't really say that would be considered abuse.

 

[littleman]

Re-Read mr minerfloggers post two up from your's.Then say it doesn't sound like abuse.

 

[jeff@middlesex]

I took that as normal bumping on stuff not hauling off and smacking it good. I have seen a lot of busted coils with wires hanging off from all types of coils.

 

[Uncle Willy]

Contact Mary Penson at Garrett and you'll probably get a new coil. Sounds like a bad cure and separation.

Bill

 

[Uncle Willy]

Some folks seal them on with no problem. As long as one keeps the dirt and moisture out there are no problems.

Bill

 

[Uncle Willy]

You would have to use that coil as a sledge hammer to do the damage you describe. Still think it's a bad cure on the resin and it is crystalizing.

Bill

 

[mr miner/logger]

I'm in a quandary. I called Garrett about the coil. They said that the coil is covered under the warrrenty. All I have to do is send it back. That would mean major withdrawal symtoms. I'm out in the woods 2-3 times a week. Dear Abby, what do I do?

 

[NM5K]

I think you will need some of Johns "yeller fellers".
Thats great about the warranty though. I kinda thought they
probably would , with the two year warranty. I'd much rather
get the new one , than use the broke patched up version.
With the usual UPS, I guess you are looking at a min of 10
days shipping, plus whatever handling time by garrett.
I guess you could reduce that withdrawal period in half appx
if you were to quick order an add on coil like the sniper, and got
it UPS in 5 days.. You could play with it while you
wait the few more days for the stock coil to come back.
MK

 

[ohio fred]

n/t

 

[Uncle Willy]

Send it in and suffer like the rest of us have to do. HAA. Unless you you have other detectors. Get it fixed before it explodes. HA.

Bill