Schonstedt 508848 GA-92XTd Retractable Magnetic Locator

Schonstedt GA-92XTd Retractable Magnetic Locator – Ferrous Metal Detector with Audio/Visual Targeting (Part No. 508848)Retractable Design | Detects Ferrous Objects Up to 16 Feet | Made in the USA | 7-Year Warranty

The Schonstedt GA-92XTd Magnetic Locator is a retractable, high-sensitivity tool designed to detect buried ferromagnetic materials—including survey pins, manholes, valve boxes, septic tanks, and well casings—up to 16 feet (4.8 m) underground. Built for surveyors, utility locators, excavation contractors, and municipal service crews, this tool is engineered to simplify field detection work with compact storage, single-handed operation, and audio/visual feedback that allows quick and precise pinpointing of metallic objects in the field.

Featuring HeliFlux® sensors, rugged ABS housing, and an IP54 weather-resistant rating, the GA-92XTd stands out for its modular construction, light weight (2.4 lbs), and fingertip control over both gain and volume. Whether you’re tracking down steel markers on a survey site or locating buried valve boxes in municipal infrastructure, this locator delivers the power and accuracy required to get the job done—while collapsing to just 15.5 inches for transport. And with a 7-year manufacturer warranty, Schonstedt delivers peace of mind alongside performance.

Schonstedt Retractable Magnetic Locator At a Glance

• Detects Ferrous Objects Up to 16 ft Deep: Pinpoints iron-containing metals like rebar, valve boxes, steel drums, and survey pins
• Retractable Design: Fully functional when extended to 26″ or retracted to 15.5″—ideal for storage or confined spaces
• Audio & Visual Targeting: Variable-frequency audio signal with expanding bar-graph and digital milligauss readout for clear, fast feedback
• Fingertip Sensitivity & Volume Controls: Easily adjust gain and audio on the fly, even with one hand
• Battery Status Indicator: 4-segment LCD shows remaining battery life
• HeliFlux® Magnetic Sensors: Patented technology delivers high sensitivity and stability
• Single-Handed Operation: Designed for use with one hand; other hand remains free to mark or flag targets
• High Impact ABS Housing: Durable and weather-resistant for daily jobsite use
• Lightweight Design: Weighs just 2.4 lbs, reducing fatigue during long search tasks
• No Interference from Non-Ferrous Metals: Ignores aluminum, copper, and brass to avoid false signals
• Made in the USA: Precision-built with quality control and support from a trusted brand
• 7-Year Manufacturer Warranty: Longest warranty in the industry for confidence on the job

Markets

• Surveying & Engineering Used to detect ferrous survey pins, markers, corner stakes, and PK nails for boundary and layout verification.
• Construction & Excavation Helps crews locate buried tanks, well casings, pipes, and steel enclosures before or during dig operations.
• Municipal Utility Locating Ideal for finding valve boxes, curb shutoffs, and iron pipe joints in water, sewer, and stormwater systems.
• Road & Transportation Work Assists with the detection of buried manholes, vaults, culverts, and steel utility boxes during resurfacing or layout.
• Electrical & Telecom Contractors Used to locate splice vaults, switchgear enclosures, steel pedestals, and grounding rods.
• Facilities Management Helps property managers locate buried infrastructure such as tanks, utility lines, and steel access panels.
• Residential Services & Plumbing Handy for small contractors locating septic tanks, risers, and steel service lines on residential properties.

Lightweight and Field-Ready for Fast Locating. The Schonstedt GA-92XTd is a favourite among pros who value speed, accuracy, and portability. It allows full operation in both its extended (26″) and retracted (15.5″) positions, making it ideal for tight spaces or quick scans. Visual and audio indicators alert the operator to both signal strength and polarity, making it easier to locate targets like rebar, cast-iron pipes, curb boxes, and steel tanks while avoiding non-ferrous metals like aluminum or brass.

Unlike traditional analog locators, the GA-92XTd provides a digital milligauss readout, four-segment gain level, and battery status—so crews can track down targets more confidently with fewer passes. The unit is powered by a single 9V lithium battery, offering approximately 24 hours of intermittent use, and the battery compartment is conveniently located in the handle for quick field changes without tools.

Schonstedt 508848 GA-92XTd Retractable Magnetic Locator Features

• Compact, easy to carry and store
• Single-handed operation
• Audio and visual cueing
• Operates in both extended and retracted mode
• Battery and sensitivity indicators
• Signal strength and polarity indications
• No response to aluminum, brass, or copper
• Patented Heliflux sensors
• Detects ferrous (iron based) objects up to 16 feet underground
• Membrane panel allows for easy one-handed operation
• Control sensitivity and volume easily with just your fingertip
• Quick battery changes via easily accessed battery compartment
• Unit extends for greater accuracy and retracts for easy carrying and storage
• Works in retracted and extended modes
• Expanding bar graph and digital readout displsy polarity and signal strength
• Continuous Gain control, with range indicated by a 4-segment LCD at each quarter turn
• Run-time: Roughly 24 hours of intermittent use on 1 lithium 9 Volt battery
• 4 Segment bars indicate battery life
• Lightweight build reduces search time and user fatigue
• Will not detect aluminum, brass, or copper

Schonstedt 508848 GA-92XTd Retractable Magnetic Locator Applications

• Surveying: Ferrous objects including markers, pins, PK nails, steel enclosures, reinforced tanks, vaults, steel pipe joints, valve and curb boxes (shut-off valves)
• Construction and Excavation
• Contract Locating: Steel objects including enclosures, vaults, manhole covers, pipe joints, valve and curb boxes
• Facilities Management: Steel objects including enclosures, vaults, pipe joints
• Public Works: Steel objects including enclosures, vaults, hand-holds
• Residential and Commercial
• Utilities Ferrous objects including steel enclosures, reinforced tanks, vaults, pipe joints, valve and curb boxes (shut-off valves)
• Water and Sewer: Manhole covers, valve or curb boxes, shut-off valves, iron pipe joints, drain gates, reinforced septic tanks
• Cable Steel objects including pedestals, splice boxes, and vaults
• Electrical Power Enclosures, splice boxes, hardware, transformers, vaults or switch gear
• Telephone: Steel objects including pedestals, splice boxes, vaults
• Transportation: Steel objects including enclosures, vaults, hand-holds, and culverts

Schonstedt 508848 GA-92XTd Retractable Magnetic Locator Specifications

• Audio Output: Variable frequency (30–4000 Hz) increases/decreases with signal strength
• Visual Display: Digital readout (0–500 mG) with bar-graph indicators for signal polarity and strength
• Gain Control: 4-level display – Low (L), Medium (M), High (H), Extra High (XH)
• Volume Settings: Muted, Medium, Maximum
• Battery: One 9V (lithium recommended)
• Battery Life: ~24 hours of intermittent use
• Operating Temperature: -13°F to 140°F (-25°C to 60°C)
• Overall Length:
  • Extended: 26 in (66 cm)
  • Retracted: 15.5 in (39 cm)
• Nominal Sensor Spacing: 9.5 in (24 cm)
• Weight: Approx. 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg)
• Construction: High-impact ABS
• Ingress Protection: IP54 – Dust & water-resistant
• Warranty: 7-Year Limited Warranty

Schonstedt 508848 GA-92XTd Retractable Magnetic Locator Warranty

• Schonstedt’s 7 Year Limited Warranty

Why Professionals Choose the Schonstedt GA-92XTd Retractable Magnetic Locator

On job sites where fast, accurate ferrous detection is critical, the GA-92XTd is often called a “pin finder,” “survey marker locator,” or “curb box locator” depending on the trade. Contractors appreciate how it avoids non-ferrous clutter (like soda cans and copper pipe), focusing only on magnetic metals that matter—saving time and increasing accuracy. The retractable body makes it easy to store in a belt-mounted holster, and the single-hand operation makes it practical when carrying flags, maps, or tools.

Professionals searching for “compact magnetic locator”, “deep ferrous metal detector”, or “retractable utility locator” will find the Schonstedt GA-92XTd meets their needs with field-proven performance, industry-best warranty, and a straightforward user interface designed for tough conditions. It’s a top choice for locating iron-based materials—quickly, quietly, and reliably.