Fisher M97 Valve & Box Locator
Fisher M97 Valve & Box Locator
Fisher M97 Valve and Box Locator Metal Detector with 11
Fisher: Since 1931

Fisher M97 Valve & Box Locator

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Product Description

The Fisher M-97 is engineered for professionals in damage prevention, municipal utilities, and infrastructure maintenance who need to locate buried or paved-over metallic objects such as valves, boxes, and manhole covers. Built on the legacy of the M-95 and M-96, the M-97 offers improved handling and storage, while delivering reliable performance in challenging environments.


With its powerful all-metal mode, the M-97 detects targets made of iron, aluminum, brass, and lead—even through asphalt and concrete. The Ground Effect Rejection VLF circuitry filters out false signals from mineralized soil, wet surfaces, or pavement. Operators can select between “Normal” and “High” modes for quick searches or increased depth, while the Ultra Slow Auto-Tune feature minimizes drift. Audio tones and needle movement provide intuitive target feedback, and the waterproof Double-D coil ensures effective use in varied field conditions.


The M-97’s rugged yet lightweight design includes an adjustable shaft with a double-locking stem and simple two-knob interface with a pushbutton retune. It operates on two 9V batteries with up to 25 hours of life and features a built-in battery tester. Designed for portability, the searchcoil folds flat for compact storage in its optional hard case—making it a practical, dependable tool for demanding utility work.


Purpose: Locates buried or paved-over valves, boxes, and manhole covers in concrete or asphalt.

Specifications

Manufacturer: First Texas Products, LLC
Brand Name: Fisher Research Labs
Country of Origin: USA
Warranty: 2 Years
Output Frequencies of Search Coil: 4.5 kHz
Sensitivity: 0.20 mV RMS for full scale
Sensitivity Adjustment Range: 12:1
Output Indication Meter: 1 mA, 0–100 linear scale
Output Indication Speaker: 16-ohm impedance
Output Indication Headset (optional): 8-ohm impedance
Audio Frequency: 450 Hz
Power Supply: (2) 9V batteries
Battery Life (Alkaline): 25–35 hours
Power Consumption – Base: (-9V) 13.8 mA
Power Consumption – Minimum Sound: 8 mA
Power Consumption – Maximum Sound: 50 mA
Power Consumption – Audio Threshold: 17.5–18.5 mA
Search Coil Configuration: Double-D
Weight with 8" Search Coil: 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg)
Weight with 11" Search Coil: 3.9 lbs (1.8 kg)
Dimensions: 38 to 50 inches adjustable (96 to 127 cm)
Shipping Dimensions: 6" x 13" x 35" (15.12 x 32.76 x 82.2 cm)

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Manual

M97

Support

For more information and to purchase, visit where to buy , email us , chat with us, or call us at 1-800-685-5050   for any questions.
For repair service in warranty or out of warranty please fill out the RMA form.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of metals can the M-97 detect?

The M-97 is an all-metal detector and can detect ferrous and non-ferrous materials including iron, steel, aluminum, brass, and lead—ideal for locating valves, boxes, and manhole covers.

Can the M-97 differentiate between metallic targets and mineralized ground?

Yes. The M-97 uses Ground Effect Rejection VLF technology to suppress false signals from mineralized soil, wet ground, and pavement, enhancing detection accuracy in high-interference environments.

How does the M-97 perform in concrete or asphalt conditions?

The M-97 is designed specifically for paved-over environments. Its high sensitivity and 450 Hz audio frequency allow it to locate deep targets under concrete or asphalt surfaces effectively.

What is the purpose of the “High” sensitivity mode?

The “High” mode increases gain and detection depth, which is useful for locating deeper metallic objects. However, it may require more precise tuning to maintain stability in mineralized conditions.

How do I fine-tune the M-97 for maximum sensitivity?

Use the Precision Tuning Method: raise the coil 12–18 inches off the ground, press the Retune button, then adjust the Ground control until changes in tone are minimal when lowering the coil back to ground level.

Can I use the M-97 to trace utility lines?

No. The M-97 is designed to detect discrete metallic objects, not for conductive line tracing. For pipe and cable tracing, use a dedicated line locator from Fisher’s TW series.

What is the benefit of the Ultra Slow Auto-Tune feature?

Ultra Slow Auto-Tune minimizes drift caused by environmental changes or slow sweeping, allowing for more stable target identification during prolonged surveys.

How does the retune function assist in target pinpointing?

The Retune button resets the baseline sensitivity to current ground conditions, allowing you to detune near a target and more accurately define its edges with successive passes.

Is the search coil waterproof?

Yes, the M-97 features a waterproof Double-D search coil, making it suitable for use in wet environments or shallow water, though the control housing is not submersible.

What’s the recommended sweep technique for valve and box locating?

Use a slow, overlapping half-circle sweep while maintaining a constant coil height. Avoid swinging the unit like a golf club—consistent motion and positioning ensure accurate detection and outline formation.

Testimonials

What Our Customers Are Saying

'...he found his first coin. A 1946 wheat. I'm glad to say we have a new Digger in the family."





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Landon Howlett

Fisher F70

This is a Union Officers belt plate from the Civil War, it was found at a G.A.R. 1895 Civil War reunion encampment...





JimDoan

Jim Doan

Bounty Hunter Quickdraw II

'...great detector please keep me informed on the new machines coming out i got pictures of your detectors for years finding things in fields that have been hunted by everything till the First Texas hit the ground.'


RyanVecchio1

Ryan Vecchio

Bounty Hunter Platinum

"Great contact information, wonderful interaction and the product is wonderful. I will expand my accessories, new usable work products, thanks for this convince and an all USA (EL Paso TX) buy local products."
JamesKSample

James K. Sample

Fisher TW6

'...i pulled the trigger on it just in time to detect the new yard my son was on and all i can say is this machine is one serious coin shooter the first yard I scan with it I get my first silver quarter (1946) and my first Morgan dollar (1900) which was 11in .

DaveBrumfield

David Brumfield

Bounty Hunter QuickDraw Pro

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