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Pipe Locators?

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EricG.NH

07-07-1999 09:13:29




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Northern Tool (Hydraulics) advertises a pipe locator which looks like a bicycle grip with an antenna sticking out the end. Like a divining rod. Is this for real? Divining and dousing is controversal to say the least! Yet Northern's ad reads sincere and the thing costs $18. I also e-mailed them and they basically stood behind it, with a few caveats, like, "needs a little training".
Does anyone have any thoughts and/or objective experience with one of these? Thanks,
Eric

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SEMO REDNECK

07-08-1999 12:38:40




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 Re: Pipe Locators? in reply to EricG.NH, 07-07-1999 09:13:29  
Eric,

I'm not sure how the "Witchin' Sticks" work, But they DO! I had a old timer show me how to do once. It has never failed me. I always use no. 10 copper wire about 18 in long. I have found phone lines, plastic water line,natural gas lines,anything I have needed to locate.

I will say this though, Not everone can do it. I don't know why. That is just the way it is.

Good Luck,

SEMO

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Dan

07-08-1999 12:17:23




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 Re: Pipe Locators? in reply to EricG.NH, 07-07-1999 09:13:29  
Take two ordinary brazing rods (about 18" to 24" long) and bend them into an L shape, with the short part of the L about 5" long. Hold the short ends loosely in your hands out in front of your body, with the long end of the L parallel to the ground. Walk across a known buried iron pipe. The rods will move when you cross the pipe.

I know this sounds hokey, but I laughed too until I actually tried it. I don't know how it works, or if it works all of the time, or if it works on anything other than steel, but it does work.

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Alan K

07-07-1999 17:54:40




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 Re: Pipe Locators? in reply to EricG.NH, 07-07-1999 09:13:29  
From your description - could there be a battery and magnetic device in the bike grip part and therefore be a metal/steel detector in a disguised product form. I suggest that you email them and ask if it can find plastic pipe and what other types of pipe materials.
Regards Alan K



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EricG.NH

07-08-1999 05:50:12




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 Re: Re: Pipe Locators? in reply to Alan K, 07-07-1999 17:54:40  
The ad clearly states "No batteries" and also goes on to say it can locate PVC, iron, steel, ceramic,...concrete, and even fiber optic to a depth of 10ft! In response to the e-mail I sent them, they replied with a very long winded description, running on, how everything has a magnetic field.
Needless to say, I don't believe it. If it really is just a divining rod, then it seems very out of character for them, which is why I'm somewhat confused! :o(
Eric

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Alan K

07-08-1999 10:42:25




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 Re: Re: Re: Pipe Locators? in reply to EricG.NH, 07-08-1999 05:50:12  
In general everything has a magnetic influence with the rotation of the earth around the North and South Poles. The sales people you contact may not know the technical details, but are ready to sell you the product. So you may have to dig deeper. Sounds like a great product and affordable - if it works ??? Good luck Alan K



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JerryU

07-08-1999 12:02:21




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: Pipe Locators? in reply to Alan K, 07-08-1999 10:42:25  
I believe what you see is what you get-looks like an auto antenna at right angles on a pivot from a hand grip. I believe the principle is the same as a divining rod. I once worked with a fellow in the Plant Engineering group at a large manufacturing plant. We bought an underground pipe locator with two boxes - an electronic sender and receiver (this was pretty sophisticated in the early '70's). The fellow said he could take two welding rods, bend 90 degree bends in them and locate pipes, wires, etc. buried. I watched him do it and we confirmed it with the locator. Am still skeptical to this day how it works, but I have seen it work. Presume this is the same thing. Doubt that I would put a lot of stock in it though.

Just my nickel's worth.

JerryU

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Dusty

07-09-1999 19:25:50




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Pipe Locators? in reply to JerryU, 07-08-1999 12:02:21  
Any kind of wire bent in an L shape works. I do not know why but it works. I have been doing this for many years.

Dusty MI.



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