4 IN 1 METAL DETECTOR - Harbor Freight Tools

4 IN 1 METAL DETECTOR
Model 97244
Set up And Operating Instructions
Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally.
Due to continuing improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein.
Distributed exclusively by Harbor Freight Tools ® .
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93011
Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com
Read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
Save this manual.
Copyright © 2007 by Harbor Freight Tools ® . All rights reserved. No portion of this
manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form
without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.
For technical questions or replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353.

Save This Manual
Keep this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly, operating,
inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures. Write the product’s serial number
in the back of the manual near the assembly diagram (or month and year of purchase if
product has no number). Keep this manual and the receipt in a safe and dry place for
future reference.
Important SAFETY Information
In this manual, on the labeling, and all other information
provided with this product:
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential
personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this
symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
Danger
WARNING
Caution
Notice
Caution
DANGER indicates a hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury.
CAUTION, used with the safety alert
symbol, indicates a hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, could result in minor
or moderate injury.
NOTICE is used to address practices not
related to personal injury.
CAUTION, without the safety alert symbol,
is used to address practices not related to
personal injury.
SKU 97244 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 2

General Safety Rules
WARNING! Read all instructions
Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock,
fire, and/or serious injury. The term “tool” in all of the warnings listed below
refers to your battery-operated Metal Detector.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
1.
2.
3.
4.
Work area safety
a. Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
b. Do not operate this tool in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence
of flammable liquids, gases or dust. This tool may create sparks which may
ignite the dust or fumes.
c. Keep children and bystanders away while operating this tool. Distractions
can cause you to lose control.
Electrical safety
a. Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges
and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is
grounded.
b. Do not expose this tool to rain or wet conditions. Water entering this tool will
increase the risk of electric shock.
Personal safety
a. Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operat-
ing this tool. Do not use this tool while you are tired or under the influence
of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating this
tool may result in serious personal injury.
b. Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection. Safety equipment such
as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for
appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
c. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables
better control of the tool in unexpected situations.
Tool use and care
a. Do not force this tool. Use the correct tool for your application. The correct
tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
b. Do not use this tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any tool that cannot
be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
c.
Remove the Battery from this tool before making any adjustments, changing
accessories, or storing the tool. Such preventive safety measures reduce the
risk of starting the tool accidentally.
SKU 97244 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 3

d.
Maintain tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, break-
age of parts and any other condition that may affect the tool’s operation. If
damaged, have the tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by
poorly maintained tools.
e.
f.
Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow people
unfamiliar with this tool or these instructions to operate the tool. Tools are
dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
Use the tool in accordance with these instructions and in the manner intended
for the particular type of tool, taking into account the working conditions and
the work to be performed. Use of the tool for operations different from those
intended could result in a hazardous situation.
5.
Service
a. Have your tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical re-
placement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the tool is maintained.
Specific Safety Rules
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Always de-energize circuits and lockout/tagout switches before working.
Always check Battery and test on known voltage sources before use.
Aways wear ANSI-approved safety impact goggles during use.
Keep this tool clean and dry at all times. Using this tool in damp or moist environments
will reduce its sensitivity.
Do not use this tool to measure voltages above the specified rated voltage.
Shielded wires or live wires in metal conduits, casings,
metal walls, or thick, dense walls will not be detected.
Use with caution when nailing, cutting, or drilling into walls,
ceilings, and floors that may contain wiring or pipes near the surface.
power.
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
When working near AC electrical wires, always turn off the
This tool’s detection capability can vary due to moisture content of the materials,
wall texture, paint, the size of the object detected, etc.
Maintain labels and nameplates on the tool. These carry important safety information.
If unreadable or missing, contact Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.
Avoid unintentional starting. Prepare to begin work before turning on the tool.
This product is not a toy. Keep it out of reach of children.
SKU 97244 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 4

13.
14.
People with pacemakers should consult their physician(s) before use. Electromagnetic
fields in close proximity to heart pacemaker could cause pacemaker
interference or pacemaker failure. In addition, people with pacemakers should:
• Avoid operating alone.
• Properly maintain and inspect to avoid electrical shock.
• Any power cord must be properly grounded. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
(GFCI) should also be implemented – it prevents sustained electrical shock.
The warnings, precautions, and instructions discussed in this instruction manual
cannot cover all possible conditions and situations that may occur. It must be
understood by the operator that common sense and caution are factors which
cannot be built into this product, but must be supplied by the operator.
Save these instructions.
Specifications
Product Functions
Electrical Requirements
Pivoting Detector Arm
Unit Body
Construction
Used for Metal Detecting, Detecting AC Voltage/DC Polarity,
and Features a Flashlight
Power Source: 9V Battery / Type: 9V x 1 / (Qty. 1, Included)
Rotates 270° with Molded Stop to Allow No Further Travel
Consists of a 3-Position Switch and a Momentary Light
Button, Both Located on the Unit’s Face / A Sensitivity Dial
is Located on the Unit’s Side
ABS Poly Material
Unpacking
When unpacking, check to make sure that the item is intact and undamaged. If
any parts are missing or broken, please call Harbor Freight Tools at the number shown
on the cover of this manual as soon as possible.
Set Up Instructions
Read the entire Important Safety Information section at the
beginning of this manual including all text under subheadings therein
before set up or use of this product.
WARNING
Turn the Power Switch of the tool to its “OFF” position and
remove its Battery before making any adjustments to the
tool.
Note: For additional information regarding the parts listed in the following pages, refer
to the “FUNCTIONS” section in this manual.
SKU 97244 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 5

Assembly
1.
Prior to use, install the included battery. To do so, slide the Battery Compartment
Lid open. Install the Battery into the Battery Compartment, making sure to align
the polarities as shown within the Battery Compartment. Then slide the Battery
Compartment Lid shut. (See Figure A.)
BATTERY COMPARTMENT LID
9 VOLT BATTERY
(INCLUDED)
FIGURE A
Functions
(1) Metal Sensor (2) LED Light (3) Sensitivity Knob
(4) Selection Switch (5) Flashlight Switch (6) AC Voltage Detection Area
FORWARD
BACKWARD
3 4 5
2
6
FIGURE B
1
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Page 6

Functions - Continued
(7) Metal Jut (8) Metal Plate (9) Battery Compartment Lid
7
FIGURE C
8
9
Operating Instructions
Read the entire Important Safety Information section at the
beginning of this manual including all text under subheadings therein
before set up or use of this product.
Metal Detection
1. NOTE: This Metal Detector can detect metals such as steel, iron, copper, brass,
gold, and aluminum. By detecting hidden objects, this unit can also help to avoid
drilling through power cables and gas pipes. This unit is not able to function
on foil backed or metallic fabric surfaces. Nor can this unit detect plastic water
pipes.
2.
Always verify the metal detecting function before attempting to detect a metallic
object. To do so, set the Selection Switch (4) to the “I” position. Slowly adjust
the Sensitivity Knob (3) unti the LED Light (2) stops illuminating and the Buzzer
stops sounding (this is the maximum sensitivity position for metal detecting).
Move the Metal Sensor (1) near a known metallic object. The metal detecting
function is good if the LED Light illuminates and the Buzzer sounds.
(See Figures B and D.)
FIGURE D
SKU 97244 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 7

3.
Make sure the Metal Detector is away from the area to be scanned or any other
metallic object. Then open the Metal Sensor (1).
(See Figures B and E.)
4. Set the Selection Switch (4) to “I”. Slowly adjust the Sensitivity Knob (3) until the
LED Light (2) stops illuminating and the Buzzer stops sounding. It is now that the
Metal Detector has the highest sensitivity.
(See Figures B and E.)
5.
6.
Place the Metal Sensor (1) against the wall. Move the Sensor slowly and
smoothly across the surface area. The LED Light (2) will illuminate and the
Buzzer will sound when a metallic object is detected.
(See Figures B and E.)
To locate the precise position of the Metallic object, turn the Sensitivity Knob (3)
forward slightly to reduce the detection sensitivity. Then scan the area again.
(See Figures B and E.)
FIGURE E
AC Voltage Detection Mode
1.
Always verify the AC Voltage Detection function before attempting to test AC Voltage/Continuity.
To do so, set the Selection Switch (4) to the “II” position. Open
the Metal Sensor (1). Touch the Metal Plate (8) with your left hand thumb while
using the free hand finger to touch the Metal Jut (7). If the LED Light (2) illuminates
and the Buzzer sounds, it means the unit is functioning properly.
(See Figures B, C, and F.)
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Page 8

METAL PLATE (8)
METAL JUT (7)
FIGURE F
2. To detect AC voltage, set the Selection Switch (4) to the “II” position (do not
open the Metal Sensor (1). (See Figure B.)
3.
4.
5.
6.
Turn the Sensitivity Knob (3) forward to its end for the maximum sensitivity.
(See Figure B.)
Move the AC Voltage Detection Area (6) of the unit near or across the surface to
be tested. (See Figures B and G.)
When the unit moves near a “hot” AC wire, the Buzzer will sound and the LED
Light (2) will illuminate. (See Figures B and G.)
To locate the wire more precisely, reduce the sensitivity by turning the Sensitivity
Knob (3) slightly backward. Then try again. (See Figures B and G.)
7. NOTE: Rubbing or banging the unit on the wall may generate static electricity,
and cause a false indication.
8. IMPORTANT: Because of the extremely small current required to cause the unit
to give a signal, an abnormal indication may appear in some situations, i.e., a
conductor with poor insulation touching a damp wall. When this occurs, the unit
will indicate an existing voltage on the wall. In this situation, the unit is indicating
a potential hazard which should be checked with a voltmeter.
FIGURE G
AC VOLTAGE DETECTION AREA
(6)
SKU 97244 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 9

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
To distinguish between a “hot” wire and a ground wire, set the Selection Switch
(4) to the “II” position. (See Figures B and H.)
Turn the Sensitivity Knob (3) forward to its end for maximum sensitivity.
(See Figures B and H.)
Move the AC Voltage Detection Area (6) of the unit near the wires to be detected.
(See Figures B and H.)
Reduce the sensitivity to a suitable level by turning the Sensitivity Knob (3) backward.
(See Figures B and H.)
Compared with the neutral line, the “hot” wire can cause the unit to give a signal
at a farther distance. (See Figures B and H.)
AC VOLTAGE DETECTION AREA
(6)
FIGURE H
14.
To locate a break in a wire, the procedure is similar to the previous steps. Set the
Sensitivity Knob (3) to a suitable lower level. When the signals of the LED Light
(2) and Buzzer are interrupted, the break in the wire is found.
(See Figures B and I.)
AC VOLTAGE DETECTION AREA
(6)
FIGURE I
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Page 10

Continuity / DC Battery Test
1.
To test a Battery, rotate the Metal Sensor (1) between 90° and 180°. Then set
the Selection Switch (4) to the “II” position. (See Figures B and J.)
2. Use your left hand thumb to touch the Metal Plate (8). (See Figures C and J.)
3.
Touch one electrode of a Battery with your right hand’s thumb. Meanwhile, another
electrode of the Battery should touch the Metal Jut (7). The LED Light (2)
will illuminate and the Buzzer will sound when the positive electrode touches the
Metal Jut. NOTE: To avoid disturbance, keep far away from any electromagnetic
fields. (See Figures C and J.)
METAL PLATE (8)
BATTERY
FIGURE J
METAL JUT (7)
5.
6.
To test a Fuse, use your left hand thumb to touch the Metal Plate (8).
(See Figures C and K.)
Touch one conductive side of the Fuse with a free finger. Meanwhile, another
conductive side of the Fuse should touch the Metal Jut (7). If the LED Light (2)
illuminates and the Buzzer sounds the Fuse is good. (See Figures C and K.)
FUSE
FIGURE K
METAL JUT (7)
METAL PLATE (8)
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Page 11

7.
The method used in the Fuse test can also be used to test a Bulb. If the LED
Light (2) illuminates and the Buzzer sounds, the Bulb is good.
(See Figures C and L.)
BULB
METAL JUT (7)
FIGURE L
METAL PLATE (8)
Microwave Leakage Detection
1. Set the Selection Switch (4) to its “II” position. Turn the sensitivity knob forward
for max. sensitivity.
2.
3.
Move the AC Voltage Detection Area of the unit near the TV/monitor screen. The
buzzer will sound and the LED will light when the unit detects the radiation.
Move the unit away from the screen. The position where the LED and buzzer
turn off is the position where the radiation is not severe.
Flashlight Function
1. Set the Selection Switch (4) to its “OFF” position. Then press the Flashlight
Switch (5) to illuminate the LED Light (2). (See Figures B and M.)
FIGURE M
FLASHLIGHT SWITCH (5)
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Page 12

Maintenance And Servicing
Caution
Make sure to turn the Selection Switch (4) to its “OFF”
position and remove the Battery from the unit before
performing any inspection, maintenance, or cleaning
procedures.
Cleaning and maintenance
1. BEFORE EACH USE, inspect the general condition of the Metal Detector.
Check for loose or binding of moving parts, cracked or broken parts, damaged
electrical connections, and any other condition that may affect its safe operation.
2. After Use, clean external surfaces of the tool with clean, moist cloth. Then
dry. Do not introduce liquids into the internal workings of the unit.
3. WHEN STORING, remove the Battery from the Metal Detector.
Troubleshooting
Problem Possible Causes Probable Solutions
Metal Detector will not
turn on.
1.
2.
3.
Low Battery.
Selector switch is in OFF position.
Sensitivity Knob is set too low.
1.
2.
3.
Replace with new Battery.
Use correct position.
Adjust Knob.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY
The manufacturer and/or distributor has provided the parts list and assembly
diagram in this manual as a reference tool only. Neither the manufacturer or
distributor makes any representation or warranty of any kind to the buyer that
he or she is qualified to make any repairs to the product, or that he or she is
qualified to replace any parts of the product. In fact, the manufacturer and/
or distributor expressly states that all repairs and parts replacements should
be undertaken by certified and licensed technicians, and not by the buyer. The
buyer assumes all risk and liability arising out of his or her repairs to the
original product or replacement parts thereto, or arising out of his or her
installation of replacement parts thereto.
SKU 97244 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 13

LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY
Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to assure that its products meet high
quality and durability standards, and warrants to the original purchaser that this product
is free from defects in materials and workmanship for the period of 90 days from
the date of purchase. This warranty does not apply to damage due directly or indirectly,
to misuse, abuse, negligence or accidents, repairs or alterations outside our facilities,
criminal activity, improper installation, normal wear and tear, or to lack of maintenance.
We shall in no event be liable for death, injuries to persons or property, or for incidental,
contingent, special or consequential damages arising from the use of our product. Some
states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so
the above limitation of exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty is expressly
in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, including the
warranties of merchantability and fitness.
To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us
with transportation charges prepaid. Proof of purchase date and an explanation of the
complaint must accompany the merchandise. If our inspection verifies the defect, we
will either repair or replace the product at our election or we may elect to refund the
purchase price if we cannot readily and quickly provide you with a replacement. We will
return repaired products at our expense, but if we determine there is no defect, or that
the defect resulted from causes not within the scope of our warranty, then you must
bear the cost of returning the product.
Record Product’s Serial Number Here:
Note: If product has no serial number, record month and year of purchase instead.
Note: Replacement parts are not available for this product.
SKU 97244 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 14