Do you use neodymium magnets for jobs/projects?

[r_c]

I recently learnt about neodymium magnets and there seem to be heaps of different shapes and sizes available (e.g. https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Magnets/119111/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=neodymium+magnets).

I understand that these strong magnets can be used in electric motors and generators, and some people use the big ones to go magnet fishing (!).

I was wondering what home uses can the small neodymium magnets be put to? I'd be keen to hear how they can be used around the house (inside or out), or in projects.

 

[endecotp]

I tried to make a magnetic saucepan lid holder thing once, but I discovered that stainless steel is not magnetic

 

[rsgaz]

what home uses

• Stud finder for screwing heavy objects to stud walls.
• The chuck key for my drill press stays stuck on the belt cover with a disc magnet, so I don't lose it or put it down where it gets lost amongst the junk pile!!
• Wall tool holders for flat items, like a plasterers trowel, which has no hanging hole of course.

 

[Notch7]

I use 12mm dia neo magnets when making kitchens.

1 magnet in the top of the door and a matching 1 in the face frame.

The door magnet is set further in.

The magnets cant touch, they are about 1mm apart.

They work really well, a positive pull, but you dont have to tug to open and a door stop with a 5mm thick felt pad means a silent stop.

https://www.first4magnets.com/circu...ymium-magnet-2-5kg-pull-p3626#ab_1-1|ps_2-714

They do magnets up to 2000kg pull

You need north and south magnets.

Neo magnets are brittle and break easily.

 

[mattylad]

Just don't get your fingers between them as they snap together

 

[motorbiking]

I had a go at making this with the kids - it didn't work as well, but did move.

We also made a Jet powered model car using a bean can Jet engine (pulse jet) but we couldn't get it to move much. I think there is a lot of engineering required to focus the thrust.

 

[lostinthelight]

I pop magenets, out of hdd's in the odd pockets of clothing when doing jobs. very handy to stick removed screws/ bent nails or store driver bits and small tools on the outside.
litl

 

[Ian H]

^^. That's genius!!!

 

[bernardgreen]

Amazing,

 

[r_c]

@motorbiking That made me laugh. But I am now a bit worried after seeing how strong those small button magnets were pulled into the battery. I might have to dispose of these (bought but not yet arrived) before I hurt myself

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5pcs-N50...-Rare-Earth-Neodymium-Industrial/152082050914

@lostinthelight That looks odd but obviously works well for you.

 

[mattylad]

We use them at work for door closers (metal door) they have a hole in.
This makes them very useful for all sorts of things, for instance I have a soldering iron stand (the springy bit) that has 2 on and with this I can use the iron almost anywhere when working in the factory (lots of stainless steel around).
I have an LED lamp that has 2 on so I can use it when I'm in a small\mobile hot cupboard so I can see (my body blocks the light).

I have not managed to use one to extract a metal splinter yet... Pity.

 

[lostinthelight]

I have not managed to use one to extract a metal splinter yet... Pity.

Funny you should say that but, Ive used one several times to take metal filings and rusty bits out of my eye, I stick a masonary bit accross one which has a nice smooth curve on the shank and carefully get it in close, I know it shouldnt have got bits in there in the first place and im not recommending my method but it has saved a 40 mile round trip to the hospital.
litl

 

[lostinthelight]

As we know, Another use for magnets is picking up pins,small nails, or rusty things but small bits of rust break off, this makes it difficult to pull off powerfull magnets
Place the magnet in marge tub or the other side of a plastic lid, then when the objects have been picked up hold it over a container and pull off the magnet releasing them.
litl