How to Make Magnets

The basic idea behind making a magnet is simply magnetically charging a metal object, therefore turning it in to a magnet. Making a magnet in this manner is more of a science experiment, or something you do when you are in a jam and need a magnet. Here are two examples of how to make magnets.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Metal object with iron in it
• Magnet
• 4 inch steel nail (or iron)
• 2 feet of thin gauge wire
• D-cell battery
• Small box of paper clips
• Pliers

How to Make a Magnet

1. Hold the metal object of your choice tightly and rub it across the surface of the main magnet. You will need to do this very quickly and many times.

2. Test your metal object to determine whether or not it has taken on a magnetic charge. Try holding it over a paper clip to see if the paper clip will be attracted to the newly made magnet.

3. Repeat the previous steps to increase the charge of the magnet.

4. The second way to make a magnet: using the pliers, remove the insulation from around the thin-gauge wire.

5. Wind the wire around the nail at least ten times. Leave wire remaining at the ends of the nail.

6. Bend the top end of the wire around the top of the battery (+).

7. Bend the bottom end of the wire around the bottom of the battery (-).

8. Test the magnet by holding it over the paperclips. The paperclips should be drawn to the magnet.

Tips & Warnings

• The metal object that you choose to magnetize should have a lot of iron it. The more iron the better.