Schonstedt 508847 10/GA-52CX Magnetic Locator

Schonstedt GA-52Cx Magnetic Locator – High-Sensitivity Ferrous Metal Detector with Hard Case (Part No. 508847) Most Trusted Magnetic Locator by Surveyors | Deep Detection of Iron and Steel Targets | Patented Heliflux® Technology | Made in the USA | 7-Year Warranty

Built to endure the toughest conditions and engineered for professionals who demand precise, reliable underground detection, the Schonstedt GA-52Cx Magnetic Locator is a top-tier tool for locating buried ferrous objects such as property markers, steel pipes, valve boxes, manhole lids, septic tank hardware, and rebar. With over five decades of jobsite credibility, it remains the industry standard in magnetic field detection across surveying, excavation, utilities, and public works.

The GA-52Cx features Schonstedt’s patented Heliflux® magnetic sensors, offering unmatched sensitivity and exceptional pinpoint accuracy. With five selectable sensitivity levels and an intuitive audio tone that peaks directly over the target, this locator requires virtually no training. Its rugged construction is designed to perform in all weather, and it’s backed by a 7-year manufacturer’s warranty. Trusted by over 85% of the surveyor market, the GA-52Cx is known for accuracy, durability, and ease of use in the field.

Schonstedt 10/GA-52CX Magnetic Locator At a Glance

• Industry-Leading Sensitivity: Detects small and large ferrous targets with pinpoint accuracy and fast response
• 5 Sensitivity Levels: Allows users to fine-tune detection depth and target discrimination
• Audio Output Only: Signal tone increases in frequency as the locator approaches the target center
• Simple Controls: Just two knobs — On/Off-Sensitivity and Volume — allow quick and easy setup
• No False Signals: Ignores aluminum, brass, copper, and other non-ferrous metals
• Patented Heliflux® Sensors: Deliver greater sensitivity and directional control than traditional magnetic field sensors
• High-Impact Build: Solid-state electronics housed in a durable aluminum casing
• Long Battery Life: Up to 40 hours of intermittent operation on two standard 9V batteries
• Rugged Weather-Resistant Design: Waterproof length of 34.5″, weather-sealed controls, and tested for harsh conditions
• 7-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty: One of the longest and most trusted warranties in the industry

Markets

• Surveying & Land Development Quickly locate buried property pins, PK nails, rebar, or markers—essential for boundary mapping and staking.
• Construction & Excavation Avoid costly digging errors by detecting steel pipes, valve boxes, manhole lids, or septic tank hardware.
• Utilities Perfect for utility locating tasks across gas, electric, water, and telecom — find ferrous enclosures, junction boxes, or pipes.
• Public Works Used by municipal crews to find infrastructure elements like vaults, steel handholes, and buried utility connections.
• Demolition & Environmental Identify buried tanks, drums, and metal debris before demolition or remediation work begins.
• Transportation Detect ferrous assets beneath pavement or soil during roadwork, airport maintenance, or rail corridor development.
• Facilities Maintenance Track down buried utility features or steel structures in institutional, government, or large commercial grounds.

Built for the Field, Proven Over DecadesSchonstedt’s GA-52Cx is designed for single-hand operation with two intuitive controls: On/Off-Sensitivity and Volume, both protected on the underside of the device. It delivers audio-only detection, eliminating visual distractions while offering superior tone feedback that increases in pitch as you approach your target. Thanks to its long-lasting dual 9V battery system, operators can expect up to 40 hours of intermittent use.

The modular, all-solid-state construction and weather-protected controls allow the GA-52Cx to perform reliably in dusty, wet, or temperature-extreme environments. From municipal manhole cover detection to septic tank location in residential yards, the GA-52Cx gets the job done—fast, accurately, and without false alerts from aluminum, brass, or copper.

Schonstedt 508847 10/GA-52CX Magnetic Locator Features

• Best sensitivity with five selectable levels
• Easy-To-Use
• Patented Heliflux sensors
• Audio Ouput
• Doesn’t respond to aluminum, gold, brass, or copper
• 7-year manufacturer’s warranty
• Detects the magnetic field of iron and steel objects and energized power lines
• Provides audio detection signals that peak in frequency when the locator’s tip is held directly over the object
• Reveals active circuits such as rear window defogger grids, radiant heat panels, etc.
• Excellent target definition
• Unrivaled detection range
• Innovative piezoelectric speaker
• Accurate pinpointing of desired target
• Features 5 sensitivity levels
• Does not detect copper, aluminum, or brass
• Easy learning curve
• Up to 40 hours of operation with intermittent usage
• Built with advanced components
• Controls are weather protected
• Durable, lightweight case

Schonstedt 508847 10/GA-52CX Magnetic Locator Applications

• Surveying
• Construction & Excavation
• Contract Locating
• Facilities Management
• Public Works
• Residential & Commercial
• Utilities
• Water & Sewer
• Cable
• Electrical Power
• Telephone
• Transportation

Schonstedt 508847 10/GA-52CX Magnetic Locator Includes

• (1) Schonstedt GA-52Cx Magnetic Locator
• (2) 9 V Batteries
• (1) Hard carrying case
• User’s Manual

Schonstedt 508847 10/GA-52CX Magnetic Locator Specifications

• Sensitivity Levels: 5
• Output Type: Audio only (Piezoelectric speaker, approx. 40 Hz base tone)
• Frequency Response: Audio pitch increases with magnetic field intensity
• Sensor Technology: Heliflux® magnetic field sensors
• Target Discrimination: Detects ferrous (iron, steel); ignores aluminum, brass, copper
• Power Source: Two 9V alkaline batteries (included)
• Battery Life: Approximately 40 hours intermittent use
• Operating Temperature: -13°F to 140°F (-25°C to 60°C)
• Overall Length: 42.3″ (107.4 cm)
• Waterproof Length: 34.5″ (87.6 cm)
• Sensor Spacing: 20″ (50.8 cm)
• Construction: Rugged, solid-state aluminum housing
• Weight: Approximately 2.5 lbs (1.13 kg)
• IP Rating: IP54 (Dust and water resistant)
• Warranty: 7 years

Schonstedt 508847 10/GA-52CX Magnetic Locator Typical Depth Detection (Based on Target Size & Soil)

• 1″ PK Nail: 12″ (30 cm)
• 4″ Pipe Joint: 10′ (3.05 m)
• Curb Boxes: 10′ (3.05 m)
• Iron Valve: 10′ (3.05 m)
• Manhole Cover: 10′ (3.05 m)
• Septic Tank Handles: 5′ (1.52 m)
• Steel Drum: 10′ (3.05 m)
• Surveyor Marker: 9′ (2.74 m)
• Well Casing: 18′ (5.49 m)

Schonstedt 508847 10/GA-52CX Magnetic Locator Warranty

• Schonstedt’s 7 Year Limited Warranty

Why Professionals Choose the Schonstedt GA-52CX Magnetic Locator

On the jobsite, this tool is often referred to as a “pin finder,” “mag locator,” or “steel pipe detector”—terms that reflect its widespread reputation in the field. Whether you’re sweeping for long-lost survey pins or confirming the placement of underground utility covers, the GA-52Cx delivers audio clarity, high accuracy, and reliable performance with minimal setup.

Surveyors often consider it their “go-to locator” thanks to its quiet operation, no-screen simplicity, and deep detection range. When your team needs a locator that’s simple, consistent, and built to last, the Schonstedt GA-52Cx is the proven choice, now backed by an unmatched 7-year warranty and over 50 years of field success.