Best Sand Scoop for Metal Detecting: Explore 6 Must-Have Accessories

If you’re planning to hunt for jewelry or other treasures on the beach, a metal detecting sand scoop is an essential tool. This scoop helps you sift through sand quickly and efficiently to uncover valuable finds. But what exactly does a sand scoop do, how do you use it, and what should you look for when choosing one? In this guide, we’ll explore all of that to help you make the best choice for your beach metal detecting adventures.

What Is a Metal Detector Sifter?

A metal detector sifter, also known as a sand scoop or sand sifter, is a tool designed to help users quickly separate small objects, such as coins or jewelry, from sand or soil. It usually consists of a perforated basket or scoop that allows sand or dirt to fall through while retaining the desired finds.

Best sand scoop for metal detecting

National Geographic Sand Scoop & Shovel

The National Geographic sand scoop is a unique two-in-one tool that serves as both a sand scoop and a sand shovel for metal detecting. Manufactured by a well-known brand, this tool stands out for its plastic construction, which is lightweight and easy to handle.

Design Features
Unlike many metal scoops, this model features round-shaped holes designed to effectively sift through sand while retaining valuable finds. However, it lacks a long handle, which means it is best suited for use on the beach rather than in deeper water. Its compact design allows for easy maneuverability and quick digging, making it a practical choice for shallow searches.

Ease of Use
The absence of a long handle can be a disadvantage when detecting in challenging environments, particularly underwater, where a longer reach is often necessary. Nonetheless, this scoop is reliable and has been time-tested by many users. Its simplicity and effectiveness make it a popular choice among beach metal detectorists.

Last update on 2025-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates

Brand	National Geographic
Material	Plastic
Weight	12 oz (349 gr)
Dimensions (LxWxH)	7.75 in (19.7 cm); NA; NA
Holes	0.31 in (8 mm)

SE 3 Quart Sand Scoop

The SE 3 Quart Sand Scoop is a practical and budget-friendly tool designed for beach metal detecting. Available in two vibrant colors, green and orange, his plastic scoop is both lightweight and easy to spot on sandy surfaces.

Design and Durability
This scoop features a straightforward design that emphasizes functionality. Its plastic construction ensures reliability and ease of use, making it a popular choice for both beginners and seasoned detectorists. Over time, the SE 3 Quart has proven to be a dependable tool for sifting through sand to recover treasures.

Affordability
One of the standout features of this sand scoop is its affordability. Priced competitively, it allows users to enjoy metal detecting without a significant investment. This low cost means that you can easily replace it if it gets lost whether it’s after a season, a month, or even a day without feeling a financial strain.

Last update on 2025-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates

Brand	SE
Material	Plastic
Weight	1.98 lbs (0.900 g)
Dimensions (LxWxH)	8.5 in (216 mm); 6.25 in (159); 5.8 in (147 mm)
Holes	0.5 in (12,7 mm)

SD SandScoop

The SD SandScoop is an exceptional tool designed for metal detecting enthusiasts, constructed from galvanized steel for enhanced durability. With 5/8-inch diameter round holes, this scoop efficiently sifts through sand while retaining valuable finds.

Ergonomic Features
One of the key advantages of the SD SandScoop is its long handle, which allows users to search comfortably without putting undue stress on their backs. This ergonomic design is particularly beneficial for extended metal detecting sessions, reducing fatigue and enhancing overall efficiency.

Value Pack
This product is sold in packs of two, providing an economical option for users who want to maximize their finds while minimizing effort. Having an extra scoop on hand can also be useful for sharing with a friend or for backup in case of loss.

Made in the USA
Manufactured in the USA, the SD SandScoop is known for its exceptional build quality and reliability. Its lightweight and compact design further add to its appeal, making it easy to transport and handle during searches.

Last update on 2025-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates

Brand	SD SandScoop
Material	Galvanized steel
Weight	2.59 pounds
Dimensions (LxWxH)	5 3/4″ wide x 9″ long;  24″ in length
Holes	5/8″

Garrett Metal Sand Scoop

Garrett is renowned for manufacturing high-quality metal detectors, including those specifically designed for beach hunting, such as the Garrett AT Pro. The Garrett scoop is a reliable tool that excels at sieving through sandy ground, making it a great companion for treasure hunters.

Design and Size
Measuring 10 x 8 inches, the Garrett scoop provides a spacious design that simplifies the process of searching for gold and silver jewelry. Its larger size allows for efficient sifting, enabling users to cover more ground quickly while ensuring that potential finds are easily captured.

Limitations
However, one notable drawback is the absence of a long handle, which can make it inconvenient for underwater use. This limitation may require users to bend down frequently, leading to discomfort during extended searches in deeper water.

Edge Machining
Additionally, the edge machining of the Garrett scoop could be improved, as this is a common issue found in many scoops, especially those made from materials other than plastic. While it may not significantly affect performance, a smoother edge could enhance the overall user experience.

Last update on 2025-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates

Brand	Garrett
Material	Alloy Steel
Weight	1 lbs (450 gr)
Dimensions (LxWxH)	21 in (530 mm); 10.5 in (266 mm); 5 in (127 mm)

CKG Sand Scoop for Metal Detecting

The CKG Sand Scoop is designed with both convenience and functionality in mind, making it a reliable choice for metal detecting enthusiasts. Here are its key features:

Versatile Usage
This universal model is well-suited for various environments, including water and surf lines. It effectively handles different ground conditions, such as sand mixed with silt or clay, and even sandy areas clogged with shells and stones. Its excellent washing ability makes it particularly effective for use on clean sandy beaches, which often attract vacationers and potential treasure finds.

Compact and Lightweight Design
The CKG Sand Scoop is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and maneuver during beach and underwater searches. Its design prioritizes comfort and efficiency, allowing users to search for treasures without excessive fatigue.

Satisfaction Guarantee
CKG stands behind the quality of their product, offering a 100% satisfaction guarantee. This commitment ensures that users can purchase the scoop with confidence, knowing that they will be supported if any issues arise.

Last update on 2025-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates

Brand	CKG
Material	Stainless steel
Weight	0.85 kg (1.87 lbs)
Dimensions (LxWxH)	9.85 inches (250 mm)/5.12 inches (130 mm)
Holes	1.1 inches (28 mm)

CKG sand scoop with carbon handle

The CKG Carbon Handle Sand Scoop is another excellent option from the same company, featuring a robust design specifically tailored for metal detecting enthusiasts. Here are its notable specifications and features:

Specialized for Small Targets
This small scoop is designed with hex-shaped holes that allow for effective searching of smaller targets. While the compact design is advantageous for finding small treasures, the small holes can be a drawback when working on dry sand, as they may trap finer sand particles. Additionally, some units may have poor edge machining, which could affect overall functionality.

Quality Material Construction
The scoop is made from high-quality, anti-corrosion stainless steel, making it durable and resistant to rust. This heavy-duty stainless steel construction is ideal for beach environments, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of sand and water metal detecting.

Robust Carbon Fiber Handle
The CKG Carbon Handle Sand Scoop features a robust carbon fiber handle that provides exceptional strength and corrosion resistance. This design is ideal for prolonged use, making it suitable for extensive treasure hunting sessions in harsh beach conditions and saltwater exposure.

Organizational Accessories
The set includes a spacious metal detector bag, allowing users to organize their metal detecting accessories effortlessly. This bag ensures that essential gear and finds are safeguarded and sorted with ease.

Efficiency in Treasure Hunting
This sand scoop set enhances efficiency in metal detecting, offering a lightweight and corrosion-resistant solution for treasure hunting. Simply scoop sand in the target area, then shake the scoop from side to side, letting the sand fall through the hexagonal holes to reveal hidden treasures.

Last update on 2025-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates

Brand	CKG
Material	Stainless steel
Weight	1.76 lbs (0.800 gr)
Dimensions (LxWxH)	9.84 in (250 mm); 5.12 in (130); 4.95 in (90 mm)
Holes	0.28 in (7 mm); hexagon

Best Sand Scoop for Metal Detecting – What You Need to Know

Beach hunting with a metal detector is one of the few forms of treasure hunting where the number of finds continues to grow year after year. What makes it even more appealing? In many countries, it’s perfectly legal to search beaches, meaning you can explore without worrying about breaking any laws.

While the most common finds on beaches are modern coins, older currency, toys, hair clips, brooches, and other small items can also be uncovered. If you’re lucky, you might even come across silver or gold jewelry – chains, pendants, rings, or earrings. However, alongside these treasures, you’ll also find plenty of bottle caps and can tabs, so many that you might wonder just how much people are drinking on the beach!

One thing all experienced beach hunters know: digging in the sand is not as easy or fun as it sounds. While an ordinary shovel works perfectly in fields or forests, beach hunting calls for a different tool a metal detecting sand scoop.

A sand scoop is like a large dipper with holes that allow sand and soil to pass through while retaining larger objects like coins, rings, or other finds. Using a shovel on the beach can be inconvenient, as sand continuously collapses into the hole, making it harder to detect the signal. A scoop solves this problem, especially since most beach finds are shallow.

Some scoops come with long handles, allowing you to dig without bending down each time. This not only saves your back but also speeds up the process, as you can work in a comfortable, upright position. Long-handled scoops are especially useful when hunting underwater, where digging with a standard tool would be nearly impossible.

To make these scoops lightweight, long handles are often made from wood treated with substances like hot wax or paraffin to prevent water absorption. Common materials for handles include ash, birch, and maple, all known for their strength and durability.

While you can technically beach hunt without a sand scoop, it’s much more cumbersome and time-consuming. And for underwater hunting, a scoop is absolutely essential.

The Most Durable Sand Scoops by Material

Choosing the right material for a sand scoop is essential for success in beach metal detecting. Durability, corrosion resistance, and weight all play a role in determining which scoop is best suited for your needs. Below are some of the most common materials used for sand scoops, each with its advantages and drawbacks.

Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is one of the most durable and corrosion-resistant materials used in sand scoops. It is particularly well-suited for beach hunting in saltwater environments, as it resists rust and can withstand tough conditions. Stainless steel scoops are typically welded or riveted for extra strength, making them ideal for digging in both wet sand and rocky areas. However, they tend to be heavier than other options, which might be a consideration for those prioritizing ease of use.

Aluminum
Aluminum scoops are known for their lightweight nature and resistance to corrosion. Although not as strong as stainless steel, aluminum is easier to handle, especially when detecting for extended periods. This makes aluminum scoops a popular choice for those who prioritize portability and maneuverability over sheer durability. While they perform well in soft sand, they may not be as durable when used in more abrasive environments.

Plastic
High-density plastic scoops are an affordable and lightweight alternative to metal. Their non-metallic nature means they won’t interfere with your metal detector, which can be an advantage when scanning a target. However, plastic scoops are less durable, especially in rocky or heavy-duty digging scenarios. Plastic is also softer, making it unsuitable for long-handled scoops, as they may wear out or break under heavy use. Plastic scoops are best suited for beginners or those looking to try beach hunting without a significant upfront investment.

Fiberglass
Though less common than metal or plastic, fiberglass is occasionally used in sand scoops for its balance of strength and resistance to corrosion. Fiberglass scoops are durable but can flex under heavy loads, which may reduce their efficiency in challenging digging environments. Due to this, fiberglass is often seen in combination with other materials for added rigidity.

Types of Sand Scoops by Handle

When selecting a sand scoop for metal detecting, the handle design is an important factor to consider. The type of handle can greatly influence comfort, efficiency, and effectiveness during use. Here’s an overview of the three main types of sand scoops based on their handle design:

Short Handheld Scoops
Short handheld scoops are compact and easy to carry. They have a small handle attached directly to the scoop, making them suitable for shallow water and dry sand. Their size allows for easy maneuverability in tight spaces, making them ideal for quick searches on the beach or in sandy areas. However, their limited reach may require bending down more often, which could be uncomfortable for extended use.

Medium Handheld Scoops
Medium handheld scoops are specifically designed for beach metal detecting. These scoops typically feature a longer handle, allowing users to reach deeper into the sand without straining their backs. They often come with a wider basket to sift through larger volumes of sand quickly, making them efficient for recovering targets. This type of scoop strikes a balance between portability and depth capability, making it a popular choice for many detectorists.

Long Handheld Scoops
Long handheld scoops are designed primarily for underwater metal detecting. They are constructed with sturdy materials to withstand the challenges of water environments. These scoops often feature additional elements, such as perforated or fine mesh baskets, to prevent valuable targets from slipping through while allowing water and sand to pass easily. The extended handle minimizes bending and offers better leverage, which is especially beneficial in deeper water.

In summary, selecting the ideal length and design for a sand scoop handle depends on personal preferences and specific detecting conditions. Considerations such as comfort, user height, and the environment will influence your choice. It may be beneficial to experiment with different types of handles to discover which sand scoop best suits your needs.