What's with the length of the sections for the Xterra 70? Even at minimum length the sections are too long and I'm 5'11". I had to order the short rod from the SuperStore and now I'm going to have wait a few days before I finish assembly. Does Minelab read these forums? This would be a real simple fix on their part. Just cut the middle rod shorter by 2 to 3 inches. With number of holes in the center rod it would be adjustable for everybody 5'6" to 6'6" (or something like that) if they did that. I could probably use it the way it is, but I've gotten used to swinging a shorter setup as it takes pressure off of the shoulders.
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Rod Length on new Xterra 70?
- Thread starter Canewrap
- Start date
Mick in Dubbo
New member
This issue came up not long after the X-Terra's were released. I'm 5ft 6', and I cut the lower rod down to suite. I shortened the rod as short as it would go, then using the middle rod holes as an accurate guide, I re drilled a couple of holes down, then disassembled it, removed the spring clip in the lower rod and cut the lower rod by a few inches. This made for a perfect alignment of the holes and perfect length.
Mick Evans.
P.S. I suppose that if you got real picky, it could void your warranty, but I think that Minelab would probably be a bit more sensible than that. If you are worried about it, then just give them a call. After all, you aren't playing around with the electronics. Or if you have a problem down the track, just send in the coil and control box.
Mick Evans.
P.S. I suppose that if you got real picky, it could void your warranty, but I think that Minelab would probably be a bit more sensible than that. If you are worried about it, then just give them a call. After all, you aren't playing around with the electronics. Or if you have a problem down the track, just send in the coil and control box.
I know this mod has been covered a number of times in general terms but since this issue comes up so frequently I thought maybe a simplified step by step guide for those that are less experienced with hand tools may be helpful to some.
Time needed : about 10 minutes for person with average skills
Tools needed:
Drill
1/4" drill bit
hacksaw or fancier equivalent
needle nosed pliers
small file or sandpaper
1. With detector assembled, adjust lower rod to it's shortest position, i.e. the chrome pin should be in the hole closest to the control box. Note - The pin must be in the hole because this is what assures you of maintaining proper alignment when you drill the new hole.
2. Determine what height range you want the detector to fit. I modified my detector so that my wife and I could both use it. You have to cut the rod for the height of the shortest user. As an example, my wife is 5'5" and the "new" shortest position fits her just right. I drilled three holes down. (see next step)
3. With the detector still assembled, look at the pin and count down the number of holes that you have decided will produce the correct length for your situation. Place your drill bit in that hole and drill a 1/4" hole through the exposed side of the lower rod. ** Do not proceed on and drill through the opposite side of the lower rod. I left my detector completely assembled while drilling the hole. If you are not experienced with work of this kind you may want to remove your control box and coil.
4. Cut the excess length off of the lower rod. Remove the lower rod. From the hole you just drilled measure 1 1/4" toward the upper end of the lower rod (just to make sure that you are cutting in the proper direction, the piece you cut off will have the spring clip in it). After cutting remove any burrs from the inside and outside of the rod.
5. Remove the spring clip from the cut off section of the lower rod. Use the shank end of your drill bit or a similar sized object and depress the chrome pin all the way down into the hole. At the same time, use your needle nosed pliers and reach in the end of the rod, grab the spring clip and slide it out. Note - If the spring clip will not come out easily you are not pushing the pin down far enough. This is easier to do if you have a vise or a helper, but you should be able to do it without help.
6. Slide the spring clip in the lower rod and align the pin with the hole you just drilled. The spring clip goes in positioned in the rod the same way that it was originally. Insert the horizontal arms of the spring clip into the rod first so that the pin is closest to the upper end of the rod. The pin should pop up and go in and out smoothly.
7. Reassemble detector.
If you try this mod and mess it up you're about in the same place you were before. You will need to order the shorter rod. So you don't have too much to lose by giving it a try. Don't know what warranty ramifications might result from the mod but as Khouse says above "You don't even send the rod in under warranty."
Time needed : about 10 minutes for person with average skills
Tools needed:
Drill
1/4" drill bit
hacksaw or fancier equivalent
needle nosed pliers
small file or sandpaper
1. With detector assembled, adjust lower rod to it's shortest position, i.e. the chrome pin should be in the hole closest to the control box. Note - The pin must be in the hole because this is what assures you of maintaining proper alignment when you drill the new hole.
2. Determine what height range you want the detector to fit. I modified my detector so that my wife and I could both use it. You have to cut the rod for the height of the shortest user. As an example, my wife is 5'5" and the "new" shortest position fits her just right. I drilled three holes down. (see next step)
3. With the detector still assembled, look at the pin and count down the number of holes that you have decided will produce the correct length for your situation. Place your drill bit in that hole and drill a 1/4" hole through the exposed side of the lower rod. ** Do not proceed on and drill through the opposite side of the lower rod. I left my detector completely assembled while drilling the hole. If you are not experienced with work of this kind you may want to remove your control box and coil.
4. Cut the excess length off of the lower rod. Remove the lower rod. From the hole you just drilled measure 1 1/4" toward the upper end of the lower rod (just to make sure that you are cutting in the proper direction, the piece you cut off will have the spring clip in it). After cutting remove any burrs from the inside and outside of the rod.
5. Remove the spring clip from the cut off section of the lower rod. Use the shank end of your drill bit or a similar sized object and depress the chrome pin all the way down into the hole. At the same time, use your needle nosed pliers and reach in the end of the rod, grab the spring clip and slide it out. Note - If the spring clip will not come out easily you are not pushing the pin down far enough. This is easier to do if you have a vise or a helper, but you should be able to do it without help.
6. Slide the spring clip in the lower rod and align the pin with the hole you just drilled. The spring clip goes in positioned in the rod the same way that it was originally. Insert the horizontal arms of the spring clip into the rod first so that the pin is closest to the upper end of the rod. The pin should pop up and go in and out smoothly.
7. Reassemble detector.
If you try this mod and mess it up you're about in the same place you were before. You will need to order the shorter rod. So you don't have too much to lose by giving it a try. Don't know what warranty ramifications might result from the mod but as Khouse says above "You don't even send the rod in under warranty."
Mick in Dubbo
New member
I hope that Randy can file this into FAQFAQ.
The only suggestion that I would make, to improve on what you said; is to remove the spring clip before cutting. I left mine in when I put the angle grinder through it, and just took off the first millimetre of the V part of the clip.
I had to order a new one.
Mick Evans.
The only suggestion that I would make, to improve on what you said; is to remove the spring clip before cutting. I left mine in when I put the angle grinder through it, and just took off the first millimetre of the V part of the clip.
I had to order a new one.Mick Evans.
Excellent point Mick. If you're going down three holes like I was it's no problem either way, but if you're only going down one (and maybe even two) holes I can see where that would happen. So here is the corrected version incorporating your suggestion. Thanks
I know this mod has been covered a number of times in general terms but since this issue comes up so frequently I thought maybe a simplified step by step guide for those that are less experienced with hand tools may be helpful to some.
Time needed : about 10 minutes for person with average skills
Tools needed:
Drill
1/4" drill bit
hacksaw or fancier equivalent
needle nosed pliers
small file or sandpaper
1. With detector assembled, adjust lower rod to it's shortest position, i.e. the chrome pin should be in the hole closest to the control box. Note - The pin must be in the hole because this is what assures you of maintaining proper alignment when you drill the new hole.
2. Determine what height range you want the detector to fit. I modified my detector so that my wife and I could both use it. You have to cut the rod for the height of the shortest user. As an example, my wife is 5'5" and the "new" shortest position fits her just right. I drilled three holes down. (see next step)
3. With the detector still assembled, look at the pin and count down the number of holes that you have decided will produce the correct length for your situation. Place your drill bit in that hole and drill a 1/4" hole through the exposed side of the lower rod. ** Do not proceed on and drill through the opposite side of the lower rod. I left my detector completely assembled while drilling the hole. If you are not experienced with work of this kind you may want to remove your control box and coil.
4. Remove the lower rod and then remove the spring clip from the rod. Use the shank end of your drill bit or a similar sized object and depress the chrome pin all the way down into the hole. At the same time, use your needle nosed pliers and reach in the end of the rod, grab the spring clip and slide it out. Note - If the spring clip will not come out easily you are not pushing the pin down far enough. This is easier to do if you have a vise or a helper, but you should be able to do it without help.
5. Cut the excess length off of the lower rod. From the hole you just drilled measure 1 1/4" toward the upper end of the lower rod (just to make sure that you are cutting in the proper direction, the cut you are going to make will be between the new hole you just drilled and the hole that had the spring clip in it). After cutting remove any burrs from the inside and outside of the rod.
6. Slide the spring clip in the lower rod and align the pin with the hole you just drilled. The spring clip goes in positioned in the rod the same way that it was originally. Insert the horizontal arms of the spring clip into the rod first so that the pin is closest to the upper end of the rod. The pin should pop up and go in and out smoothly.
7. Reassemble detector.
If you try this mod and mess it up you're about in the same place you were before. You will need to order the shorter rod. So you don't have too much to lose by giving it a try. Don't know what warranty ramifications might result from the mod but as Khouse says above "You don't even send the rod in under warranty."
I know this mod has been covered a number of times in general terms but since this issue comes up so frequently I thought maybe a simplified step by step guide for those that are less experienced with hand tools may be helpful to some.
Time needed : about 10 minutes for person with average skills
Tools needed:
Drill
1/4" drill bit
hacksaw or fancier equivalent
needle nosed pliers
small file or sandpaper
1. With detector assembled, adjust lower rod to it's shortest position, i.e. the chrome pin should be in the hole closest to the control box. Note - The pin must be in the hole because this is what assures you of maintaining proper alignment when you drill the new hole.
2. Determine what height range you want the detector to fit. I modified my detector so that my wife and I could both use it. You have to cut the rod for the height of the shortest user. As an example, my wife is 5'5" and the "new" shortest position fits her just right. I drilled three holes down. (see next step)
3. With the detector still assembled, look at the pin and count down the number of holes that you have decided will produce the correct length for your situation. Place your drill bit in that hole and drill a 1/4" hole through the exposed side of the lower rod. ** Do not proceed on and drill through the opposite side of the lower rod. I left my detector completely assembled while drilling the hole. If you are not experienced with work of this kind you may want to remove your control box and coil.
4. Remove the lower rod and then remove the spring clip from the rod. Use the shank end of your drill bit or a similar sized object and depress the chrome pin all the way down into the hole. At the same time, use your needle nosed pliers and reach in the end of the rod, grab the spring clip and slide it out. Note - If the spring clip will not come out easily you are not pushing the pin down far enough. This is easier to do if you have a vise or a helper, but you should be able to do it without help.
5. Cut the excess length off of the lower rod. From the hole you just drilled measure 1 1/4" toward the upper end of the lower rod (just to make sure that you are cutting in the proper direction, the cut you are going to make will be between the new hole you just drilled and the hole that had the spring clip in it). After cutting remove any burrs from the inside and outside of the rod.
6. Slide the spring clip in the lower rod and align the pin with the hole you just drilled. The spring clip goes in positioned in the rod the same way that it was originally. Insert the horizontal arms of the spring clip into the rod first so that the pin is closest to the upper end of the rod. The pin should pop up and go in and out smoothly.
7. Reassemble detector.
If you try this mod and mess it up you're about in the same place you were before. You will need to order the shorter rod. So you don't have too much to lose by giving it a try. Don't know what warranty ramifications might result from the mod but as Khouse says above "You don't even send the rod in under warranty."
Mick in Dubbo
New member
n/t