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Finding survey pins on 30 year old lot, for new fence.

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  • Nov 24th, 2019 11:25 pm
Deal Addict
Oct 22, 2016
1047 posts
987 upvotes
Comox Valley

Finding survey pins on 30 year old lot, for new fence.

I am going to get 2 new fences built on a 30 year old house, in a rural area. To make sure I put the fence in the right place, I am looking for the survey pins. I have found 1 of the 3 that I need to place it. I cannot find the other ones.

As I do not have original building lot docs, I have taken the following actions. Used the regional district online mapping tool. I am use to using them on different cities sites, but this district is behind the times, and I can not get a good enough measurement to narrow it down. I have downloaded from the province the lot survey from the 1960’s, and it helps but now enough to finalize it.

What else do you suggest I do?

You may wonder what the heck I am doing looking at fences in November, but it is on the West Coast, and weather has been lovely for this work.
6 replies
Deal Expert
User avatar
Jun 12, 2007
20807 posts
6623 upvotes
London
There’s a special metal detector called a schonstedt that can be rented to find survey pins. Magnatrack is another detector for survey pins
Deal Addict
Oct 22, 2016
1047 posts
987 upvotes
Comox Valley
l69norm wrote: There’s a special metal detector called a schonstedt that can be rented to find survey pins. Magnatrack is another detector for survey pins
Thanks for this. I spent at least 6 hours trying to find it by myself, with no success. Went to a rental store, and rented a schonstedt. Used it for 45 minutes and found it.

Best $27 I ever spent.
Deal Guru
Jan 25, 2007
12695 posts
7861 upvotes
Paris
User452441 wrote: Thanks for this. I spent at least 6 hours trying to find it by myself, with no success. Went to a rental store, and rented a schonstedt. Used it for 45 minutes and found it.

Best $27 I ever spent.
That sounds like one of those German words that is for something ultra specific.

schonstedt - finder of metal survey stakes when you can’t do it
Deal Expert
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Sep 1, 2005
21706 posts
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Markham
Are survey pins conclusive of property lines ie can't they move over time? Wouldnt it be a good idea to advise adjoining property owners that your're putting in fencing based on survey pins.
We're all bozos on the bus until we find a way to express ourselves...

Failure is always an option...just not the preferred one!
Deal Fanatic
Dec 5, 2009
5768 posts
3612 upvotes
Jerico wrote: That sounds like one of those German words that is for something ultra specific.

schonstedt - finder of metal survey stakes when you can’t do it
Lol

Actually looks like it’s the name of the company. Which I assume is German

The Schonstedt Instrument Company manufacturers quality products and tools that are used for Underground Utility and Magnetic Location
Deal Expert
User avatar
Jun 12, 2007
20807 posts
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London
gr8dlr wrote: Are survey pins conclusive of property lines ie can't they move over time? Wouldnt it be a good idea to advise adjoining property owners that your're putting in fencing based on survey pins.
Yes, pins can become "disturbed", so you have to both:
a) examine the condition of the pin - has it been struck/ bent by heavy machinery?
b) confirm/ compare it's position to the other nearby pins or survey markers / survey monuments

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