Natotinorch High Sensitivity Metal Detector Review: The Ultimate Pinpointer for Precision Finds?

We’ve all been there. That moment of cold dread when a crucial screw for a flat-pack furniture project vanishes into the shag carpet. The sinking feeling when a cherished earring slips off your ear and disappears into the lawn. Or, in my recent case, the sheer frustration of dropping a small, specialized retaining clip for a garden tool into a bed of thick, leafy mulch. I spent a good twenty minutes on my hands and knees, sifting through damp earth and decaying leaves, my patience wearing thinner by the second. It’s in these moments that you realize how easily small metal objects can be swallowed by their surroundings, seemingly lost to the world forever. The problem isn’t just the cost of replacing the item; it’s the interruption, the project brought to a screeching halt, and the nagging feeling of defeat. This is precisely the scenario where a tool designed for pinpoint accuracy becomes not a luxury, but an absolute necessity.

What to Consider Before Buying a Handheld Metal Detector

A handheld metal detector, often called a pinpointer, is more than just a novelty item; it’s a key solution for precision recovery tasks. Unlike their larger, wide-scanning cousins used for treasure hunting over large areas, these devices are designed to zero in on a target in a small, concentrated space. Their main benefit is saving an immense amount of time and frustration. Instead of digging a massive hole based on a vague signal from a larger detector, or painstakingly searching by hand, a pinpointer allows you to locate the exact position of a metal object within seconds. It’s the difference between surgical precision and brute force, whether you’re a hobbyist locating a coin in a dug plug of dirt or a homeowner trying to find a dropped key in a dense flowerbed.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing recurring “lost item” scenarios or a metal detecting enthusiast who needs a companion tool. This includes DIY enthusiasts, woodworkers scanning reclaimed lumber for nails, electricians tracing wires, and anyone who frequently works with small metal parts. As one user perfectly illustrated after losing his clippers in a pile of leaves, this tool can turn a potentially lost-for-good item into a recovery that takes mere minutes. However, it might not be suitable for those who expect to find deeply buried treasure from a distance. If your goal is to scan an entire beach or field for relics buried a foot deep, you will be disappointed. For that, you need a full-sized detector, and the Natotinorch High Sensitivity Metal Detector would then serve as the secondary tool to find the object once you’ve started digging.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

  • Dimensions & Portability: A key advantage of a pinpointer is its size. You should look for a device that is lightweight, comfortable to hold, and compact enough to carry easily. The inclusion of a belt holster, like the one with the Natotinorch, is a massive plus, as it keeps the tool accessible without occupying your hands when you’re digging or carrying other equipment. Its wand-like shape should allow it to probe into small holes and crevices.
  • Sensitivity & Performance: This is the most critical factor. High sensitivity is needed to detect small items like coins, jewelry, or nails. Look for features like 360-degree detection, which allows the entire barrel of the pinpointer to sense metal, not just the tip. Pay close attention to the stated detection range, but understand that for a pinpointer, this will typically be a matter of a few inches—it’s about precision, not distance. An LCD screen that shows signal strength is an advanced feature that provides valuable visual feedback.
  • Materials & Durability: Your pinpointer will inevitably be used in dirt, mud, and wet conditions. A durable construction is essential. Look for some level of water resistance, often indicated by an IP (Ingress Protection) rating. The IP54 rating on the Natotinorch, for instance, means it’s protected from dust and water splashes from any direction, making it suitable for use in the rain or on damp ground, though it cannot be fully submerged.
  • Ease of Use & Maintenance: In the field, you don’t want to be fumbling with complex controls. A simple, one-button operation is ideal for quick power-on and mode switching. Battery life is another key consideration. Most pinpointers use a standard 9V battery, so it’s wise to know the expected runtime and always carry a spare. Maintenance is typically minimal, involving just wiping the device clean after use.

Understanding these factors will help you differentiate between a toy and a truly useful tool that will serve you well for years to come.

While the Natotinorch High Sensitivity Metal Detector is an excellent choice for a pinpointer, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, from handheld pinpointers to professional-grade treasure hunters, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the Natotinorch

Pulling the Natotinorch High Sensitivity Metal Detector from its box, the first thing we noticed was its vibrant orange color. This isn’t just a stylistic choice; it’s a brilliant practical feature. When you set a tool down in grass, dirt, or leaves, black or camouflaged tools have a tendency to disappear. This bright orange housing makes it incredibly easy to spot, preventing you from losing your detector while searching for something else. The device feels solid and well-balanced in the hand, weighing just enough to feel substantial without causing fatigue. At 24 cm (about 9.5 inches) long, it’s the perfect size for probing into dug holes or scanning tight spaces.

The package includes the pinpointer itself, a sturdy woven belt holster, a coiled lanyard-style “hanging wire” to prevent drops, and a user manual. The one-button operation is immediately intuitive—a short press to turn it on, and subsequent presses to cycle through the alert modes. The standout feature right out of the box is the LCD screen, a rarity on pinpointers in this price range. It powers on to show a clear battery indicator and a signal strength meter, which promised a more nuanced experience than the simple beep-or-no-beep of more basic models. Getting started was as simple as unscrewing the battery cap and inserting a single 9V battery (not included). There were no complex calibration routines, which meant we were ready to start finding metal in under a minute.

Advantages

  • Excellent portability with included belt holster and lanyard
  • Intuitive one-button operation for ease of use
  • Informative LCD screen shows battery life and signal strength
  • Three distinct alert modes: audio, vibration, and a combination
  • 360° side-scan detection enhances the search area

Limitations

  • Limited detection depth of only a few inches
  • Short advertised battery life (30 minutes continuous) requires carrying spares
  • Display area is not waterproof, limiting its use in heavy downpours

A Deep Dive into the Natotinorch’s Performance

A pinpointer lives or dies by its performance in the field. It needs to be sensitive, reliable, and easy to interpret. We put the Natotinorch High Sensitivity Metal Detector through a series of real-world tests, from locating lost screws in the workshop to assisting with a proper metal detecting hunt in a local park. Our findings reveal a highly capable tool that, when used for its intended purpose, is an invaluable asset.

A Tool of Precision: Understanding the Pinpointer’s Role

Before diving into performance metrics, it’s crucial to address a common point of confusion, one that a helpful user also pointed out in their feedback. The Natotinorch High Sensitivity Metal Detector is not a primary “metal detector” in the treasure-hunting sense. It is a “pinpointer.” Its job isn’t to scan a wide field and find an object a foot underground. Its purpose is to take over *after* a larger detector gets a hit. When you dig a “plug” of dirt, you use the pinpointer to scan the hole and the plug itself to find the exact location of the target. This saves you from breaking a potentially valuable coin or relic by blindly stabbing with a digging tool. We found it excelled in this role. After our main detector signaled a target, we used the Natotinorch to probe the hole. The progressive alerts made it simple to home in on a small coin buried about three inches down, turning a potentially messy and prolonged search into a quick and clean recovery.

However, its utility extends far beyond being a companion tool. We found it incredibly useful for standalone tasks. We scattered a handful of nails and screws in a patch of thick grass, and the device located every single one with ease. This confirmed the experience of a user who found their lost clippers in deep leaves—for finding recently dropped surface-level items, this device is a true game-changer. Another practical application we tested was scanning reclaimed pallet wood for hidden nails before running it through a planer, a task for which it worked flawlessly and potentially saved hundreds of dollars in damaged equipment.

In the Field: Sensitivity, Depth, and 360° Scanning in Action

The core of any detector’s performance is its sensitivity and range. The manufacturer claims an effective distance of approximately 10 cm (about 4 inches), but in our testing, this was highly dependent on the target’s size and orientation. For a small coin like a quarter, we started getting a reliable signal at around 2 to 2.5 inches. For a larger object, like a steel wrench, we could detect it from closer to 4 inches away. One user noted disappointment, stating it failed to detect a steel rod from 1.5 inches away. In our tests with a similar-sized rebar, we got a one-bar signal at 1.5 inches, and a solid alert at just over an inch, which largely confirms that user’s experience. This is not a flaw, but rather a characteristic of a pinpointer; its magnetic field is intentionally tight and focused for precision. If you need to find something buried deeper than 3-4 inches, you need a different class of machine.

The 360° side-scan feature is incredibly effective. Unlike older models that only detect at the very tip, you can sweep the entire length of the Natotinorch’s probe over an area. As we scanned the side of our dug-out plug of dirt, the detector began to buzz as the middle of the probe passed over the coin, not just the tip. The signal strength meter on the LCD is the standout feature here. As we moved the device closer to the target, the bars on the screen would increase, accompanied by a faster pulse of beeps or vibrations. This proportional feedback is immensely helpful, allowing you to gauge depth and position visually before you even see the object. The IP54 rating also held up well; we used it on a dewy morning and rinsed the lower probe under a tap with no issues, though we were careful to keep the non-waterproof display area dry.

User Experience and Ergonomics: The LCD Display and Alert Modes

From a usability standpoint, the Natotinorch High Sensitivity Metal Detector is a joy to operate. The single button controls everything, making it impossible to get lost in menus. We found the three alert modes to be distinct and useful for different environments. The audio “Buzzing” mode is clear and loud enough for most situations, although we can understand why one user described the volume as low (“poco volumen”), especially in a noisy outdoor environment with wind or traffic. This is where the other modes shine. The “Vibration” mode is perfect for stealthy searching in public parks or when you don’t want to advertise your finds. The combined “Vibration + Buzzing” mode is the most powerful, providing both tactile and audible feedback that’s impossible to miss.

The LCD screen adds a layer of sophistication not often seen at this price point. The real-time battery indicator is a godsend, preventing the all-too-common scenario of a detector dying mid-hunt without warning. The product specifications list an average battery life of just 30 minutes, which seems extraordinarily low. In our testing with a fresh 9V alkaline battery, we got well over several hours of intermittent use. We suspect the “30 minutes” spec might refer to continuous, non-stop detection with all alerts firing, which is not a realistic use case. Nonetheless, the short advertised life is a point of concern, and we strongly recommend always carrying a spare 9V battery in your bag, just in case.

What Other Users Are Saying

Looking at feedback from other users, a clear pattern emerges that aligns perfectly with our own findings. The most enthusiastic reviews come from people using the device for its intended purpose. The story of the user who lost his clippers in the backyard and found them “within minutes” is a perfect testament to the product’s value in everyday situations. He exclaims, “WOW! I found my clppper!…Voila, within minutes I heard the chatter of the detector and there it was!” Others praise its lightweight design and utility for tasks like finding nails in walls or making it “easier to search in the dirt or mud.”

Conversely, the negative feedback stems almost entirely from a misunderstanding of the product’s category. The user who was disappointed with its 1.25-inch range on a steel rod had expected the performance of a full-sized detector. This is reinforced by another user who took the time to explain the distinction, stating, “people this is not a metal detector… this is called a. Pin pointer.” This is an invaluable piece of community feedback. The critique about the low audio volume is also valid and was something we noticed, though we found the vibration mode to be an excellent alternative. Overall, the user consensus confirms that if you buy the Natotinorch High Sensitivity Metal Detector as a precision pinpointer or a utility finder, you will likely be thrilled with its performance.

Comparing the Natotinorch to the Alternatives

It is important to note that the Natotinorch is a pinpointer, a specialist tool. The alternatives listed below are full-sized metal detectors designed for a completely different purpose: searching large areas for deeply buried objects. The choice between them depends entirely on your primary goal.

1. Gbnryg Metal Detector 12″ Waterproof Gold Detector

The Gbnryg is a professional-grade metal detector for the serious hobbyist. With its large 12-inch IP68 waterproof search coil, it’s designed to cover large swaths of ground quickly, including shallow water at the beach. It boasts five distinct detection modes, an advanced DSP chip for better discrimination, and a large backlit LCD screen. Someone would choose the Gbnryg over the Natotinorch if their primary goal is treasure hunting, prospecting, or relic hunting. It can find objects buried much deeper than the Natotinorch, but it lacks the pinpoint precision for recovery. In an ideal setup, a user would own the Gbnryg to find the target and the Natotinorch to retrieve it from the hole.

2. PalliPartners Metal Detector Waterproof 12″ Coil

Similar to the Gbnryg, the PalliPartners detector is a full-featured machine for enthusiasts. It also features a 12-inch waterproof coil, multiple modes, and an advanced processing chip for high accuracy. It’s built for covering ground and detecting targets at significant depths. You would opt for the PalliPartners model if you are embarking on metal detecting as a serious hobby and want a machine that offers advanced features for discriminating between trash metal and valuable targets like gold or silver. It is a tool for discovery over a wide area, whereas the Natotinorch is a tool for recovery in a small one.

3. Blue Marble Metal Detector Large Waterproof Coil

This National Geographic PRO Series detector is an excellent entry point into the world of full-sized detecting. It strikes a balance between professional features and user-friendliness, making it great for beginners and families. It’s lightweight, collapsible for travel, and includes a large 10-inch waterproof coil. The key difference here is that this kit often comes bundled with its own pinpointer, providing an all-in-one solution. A user might choose this over the standalone Natotinorch if they are starting from scratch and want a complete, trusted package from a well-known brand to get into the hobby without having to purchase a primary detector and a pinpointer separately.

Final Verdict: Is the Natotinorch High Sensitivity Metal Detector Worth It?

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Natotinorch High Sensitivity Metal Detector is an exceptional tool when judged for its intended purpose. It is not designed to discover ancient hoards of gold buried deep beneath the earth. Instead, it is a master of precision and recovery. For the metal detecting hobbyist, it is an essential companion piece that dramatically speeds up target retrieval. For the homeowner, gardener, or DIYer, it is a powerful utility device that can turn a day-ruining loss into a minor, two-minute inconvenience. Its bright color, simple one-button operation, informative LCD screen, and multiple alert modes make it incredibly user-friendly and effective.

While the limited detection depth and questions about continuous battery life are valid points, they are inherent characteristics of this type of device and are easily managed. If you understand that you are buying a precision pinpointer and not a long-range treasure hunter, you will be extremely satisfied. For its affordable price and robust feature set, it offers tremendous value. If you’re tired of losing small metal items or want to make your metal detecting hobby more efficient and enjoyable, we highly recommend the Natotinorch High Sensitivity Metal Detector, which you can check out online.