Minelab Coil Ears?

[Ben Town]

Has anyone else noticed that when the coil is attached to the 3030 lower rod with the recommended rubber washers in place that when you tighten it down enough to hold the coil at the angel you want that the coil ears are slightly bent in towards each other?
Seems to me that this is putting unneeded strain on the ears and could be a problem?
I've been experimenting with different nylon washers to see if I can eleminate this .
If the original rubber washers were just a bit thicker , I think they would be better.
Have a look at yours and see if you notice this , it's pretty obvious on mine.
Seems to be the same on all three ML coils.
BT

 

[dewcon4414]

We get it even worse with the Xcal. Once u crank it down there just isnt enough rubber and the head starts weating. Heres the kicker more so for us water guy...... when digging we tend to lean on the detector. That does bad thing to our coils.... it can separate them or break those ears. We can have the ear problem with the CTX.

 

[mrmetaldetector]

Yes I have noticed and the issue is compounded with the 17 inch coil. Mater of fact the ear just cracked in half while I was at an event in New Hampshire. Can they be repaired? If so how much? Just wondering myself...
Jessie Thompson
Nor'Easters Metal Detecting Club
Stamford, CT

 

[Ben Town]

I've not heard of a glue that works well, but I have seen a repair piece that tie straps to the coil , I believe.
I've seen it in the classifieds on one of the forums.
If you find something that works let us know , it's going to happen sooner or later
BT

 

[IDXMonster]

I don't believe it's meant to be tightened down that far guys. If you choose to do so it WILL cause problems.

 

[Mr. Carolina]

If still under warranty believe it or not Minelab will replace, no questions asked.

 

[Ben Town]

IDX
I just tighten mine down enough so it doesn't move and stays where I want it when swinging.
It still has give to it and has to be adjusted from time to time.
I'll find the right washers to keep it from compressing in and holdin it in place.
I don't like a floppy coil

 

[bklein]

I am about to work one one with both tangs broken off. I've seen a thread that the guy used a nylon screw into the base but I'm scared to do that because I don't know what's under there. I've tried Oakleys black ABS glue and it may work but doesn't harden very hard. JBWeld may be better.

 

[Ben Town]

I think it will be difficult to find an adhesive that works.
If you have luck please share.
I just ordered a replacement kit fix for the ears, just in case it happens to me.
Send a PM for info if needed
BT

 

[dewcon4414]

Have you considered grinding the ears down? That gives you a base to work with. Maybe able to use a solid block then and add some heavy duty nylon washers on both sides for the bolt. With the right tools you could even use a solid block and make both the base and ears in one piece. Nautilus coils are a very good example.

Dew

 

[bklein]

I tried making separate ears using plastic from an electrical box but I ended up scrapping that approach. Instead I bought a short piece of 2" ABS pipe from Lowes, cut a 1.5" section. Made a cut in it and spread it apart with the help of a heat gun, then formed it into a U shape with the help of a wood clamp. I sanded down the broken coil ears to form a good base. I glued a small rectangle of ABS on the bottom to make a good fit. I may sand down the thickness so no problem with the screw clamp length. Not finished but close.