Handheld metal detectors are designed to detect concealed weapons on a person or inside bags, luggage and other items. These scanners are often used by law enforcement professionals but can also be used in a school or office setting to ensure nobody is hiding any weapons or objects that could harm others. If you are thinking about purchasing a handheld metal detector or scanner, you need to make sure it has certain features.

The first thing you want to look for when buying a handheld metal detector is the types of weapons and items it can detect. Ideally, you want to invest in a scanner that can detect medium to large items from a distance of at least nine inches. This provides you with plenty of space to scan the individual or object from a comfortable distance.

Another thing you want to look for when investing in a handheld metal detector is whether it has an automatic retuning feature. Scanners need to be retuned regularly to make sure they are picking up the right signals and emitting the alarm at the right time. If they are not tuned properly, you may make some significant mistakes when performing a scan.

Making sure that the handheld metal detectors batteries can be changed easily without tools is another important feature, although it is not among the most important. Being able to change the batteries without using extra tools and objects makes it easier to perform scans on-the-go and keep the device charged for long periods of time. Some scanners are also designed with a battery check display so you do not have to worry about losing the signal while conducting your scans.

High quality handheld metal detectors are designed to alert you about any instances of concealed weapons and even the smallest metal objects, and will typically emit both an audio signal such as a series of beeps, and a visual signal such as flashing lights or a beam of light. Make sure you are investing in a quality device that has all of the above features so that you can perform scans effectively the first time.