How to Make a Magnet Out of an Ordinary Nail-Iron

Science projects incorporating electricity have been around about as long as there has been electricity. One of those science projects involves a large nail and a battery. Making a magnet using a nail and a magnet only works if the proper procedure is followed.

Things You'll Need

• Thin, covered wire
• 9-volt battery
• Electrical tape
• 8d box nail

Instructions

1. Coil the wire around the nail until it covers all but the tip of the nail.

2. Be certain to allow three inches of the wire to be free on both ends of the nail.

3. Strip the covering off the ends of the wire.

4. Attach the ends of the wire to the terminals on the battery. It won’t matter which wire connects to the positive pole.

Tips & Warnings

• Coil wire tightly around the nail.

• Once the wire hits the terminals it will magnetize the nail.

Resources

• Making a Magnet