Schonstedt Magnetic Locators

For more than half a century, the name “Schonstedt” has resounded across various industries—from excavating and surveying to general construction. Well-renowned for its underground locators, Schonstedt Instrument Company leads in the design, development, and manufacture of magnetic locators and pipe and cable locators.

Since 1953, Schonstedt has been providing easy solutions to tasks such as locating, repairing, recovering, and maintaining metallic objects 20 feet below the surface. Today, the brand makes the best magnetic locators with the use of state-of-the-art HeliFlux dual-sensor technology.

How Does a Schonstedt Magnetic Locator Work?

The magnetic locators that Schonstedt makes can locate ferrous metallic underground objects with the use of the earth’s magnetic field. Instead of emitting a signal, these underground locators measure the magnetic field distortion from a buried metal target.

Schonstedt magnetic locators come with audio signals, bar graph indications, and digital readouts—all of which peak when the locators are near horizontal or vertical targets. Their signal patterns vary to let you know whether your target is positioned vertically or horizontally. Apart from that, the signal patterns are also affected by the depth of the target.

Given these features, Schonstedt magnetic locators offer a highly accurate way of detecting buried objects. You can use them for locating pretty much any metallic object, such as magnetized markers, cast iron pipes, steel drums, and small corner pins.

Comparing Schonstedt Magnetic Locators

Before you buy a Schonstedt magnetic locator, let’s take a look at the five kinds of magnetic locators that the brand offers.

GA-52Cx

First on the list is the most popular choice of magnetic locators among professionals: the GA-52Cx. It comes with an audio output of approximately 40 Hz, which increases or decreases depending on the gradient-field intensity. While it’s one of the cheapest Schonstedt magnetic locators, it doesn’t sacrifice accuracy. It features five levels of sensitivity controls and typically includes an aluminum carrying case for easier portability.

Spot

Another affordable Schonstedt option is its Spot Magnetic Locator. It also has five levels of sensitivity controls and offers accurate detection. Unlike the GA-52Cx, it isn’t compatible with headphones. It is, however, ultra-lightweight, so it’s a great choice for when you’re often working on the go.

GA-92XTd

If you’re in the market for a portable underground locator that packs quite a number of features, the GA-92XTd magnetic locator is your best bet. It’s the most portable among all of Schonstedt’s magnetic locators, and it can retract to fit in its holster. Plus, it features audio and visual outputs, battery and sensitivity indicators, an IP54-rated enclosure, and four sensitivity controls.

Maggie

The Maggie locator comes with all of the features of the GA-92XTd, except for its ability to extend and retract. But the Maggie offers something that hardworking professionals need in hand tools: an ergonomic design. This locator has an easy-to-read visual display, as well as a pistol grip to reduce hand strain. For portability, it includes a hands-free padded case and a sling.

GA-72Cd

Last but certainly not least is the most rugged of all underground locators: the Schonstedt GA-72Cd magnetic locator. With its modular construction of a polycarbonate/ABS blend casing, it can withstand the harshest field conditions—making it a popular choice for UXO and demining applications. It also features a 60-hour battery life, a digital and bar graph display that’s easy to read, audio signal, battery and sensitivity indicators, and four levels of sensitivity controls.