How to Drill a Magnet

Ferrite magnets

The wonders of science never cease to amaze. For those of us who are easily impressed, magnets still exert a tremendous force on us. Though students are aware of what happens when you chase one magnet with another, few are aware of what happens to a magnet when you drill a hole through it. Does it open a wormhole? Does it give birth to a black hole? No. But the end results will surprise the curious and astound the skeptical.

Things You'll Need

• Eye protection
• Bench vise
• Magnet
• 3/16-inch drill bit
• Hand drill

Instructions

1. Put your eye protection on.

2. Clamp the magnet into a bench vise, leaving about an inch of the magnet exposed. Use a magnet that is about an inch in diameter or an inch square.

3. Fit your drill with a 3/16-inch bit.

4. Place the bit firmly against the magnet and activate the drill.

5. Push the drill bit through the magnet.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear eye protection when you use a drill.

Resources

• School for Champions: Magnets