Magnetometers can be used as metal detector. Gauss meter is generally used to detect magnetism after demagnetizing. It has a scale of positive and negative polarity in small divisions reading in gauss, 10-0-10 or 20-0-20 or 50- 0-50.
Gauss meter can be used to detect DC magnetic fields in steel and iron objects.Gauss meter is used to test a variety of metal objects around the home to see if they have been magnetised due to stray voltage in the air. Simply place the tester near to or against the object being tested and the needle will indicate any present magnetism and its polarity.