How to Make Lift Magnets
A magnet generates a magnetic field and attracts certain kinds of metals to itself. Because of this, magnets are often used to lift metal objects. Such magnets are called “lift magnets.” Some lift magnets are temporary electromagnets, made out of coils of wire wound around an iron core. Other lift magnets are permanent magnets. These are blocks of solid metal that can retain their magnetism without a magnetizing force, such as electricity. Such lift magnets can be made at home.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Metal bar (nickel, iron, aluminum-nickel-iron alloy or neodymium-iron-boron alloy)
- Propane or similarly fueled torch
- Grill
- Neodymium magnet
- Leather gloves
- Tongs
- 5-gallon bucket of water
- Safety goggles
- Large rock
Instructions
-
-
1
Choose a safe area for this project. The grill should be set up on rock, sand or concrete so that if the grill is upset or the hot metal is dropped, it will not create a fire hazard. A bucket of water should be placed nearby in case the hot metal needs to be cooled quickly. It will also serve to put out accidental fires. Wear your pants over the top of your shoes or boots so that dropped objects will not get trapped in them. Wear safety goggles.
-
2
Light the grill. Using the tongs, place the metal bar you will be magnetizing on the grill. Iron is a good choice of metal because it is very magnetizable and easy to come by. Certain alloys, like aluminum-nickel-iron or neodymium-iron-boron are even more magnetizable, but are more difficult to find. Use a propane or similar torch to get the metal as hot as possible. Turn off the torch when not in use. The bar of metal should glow red when ready.
-
-
3
Pick up the metal bar with the tongs. Always wear gloves while handling hot metal. Remove the metal bar from the heat. Place it on the large rock, still holding it with the tongs. Stroke the metal with the magnet it in one direction. Do not move the magnet forwards and backwards over the metal bar; doing so will neutralize the magnetization. When the metal starts to cool, place it back on the grill. Repeat this process several times as needed until the bar is magnetized.
-
4
Take the metal off the grill using the tongs. Set it down on the large rock and let it cool. Upon reaching room temperature, it will be a powerful lifting magnet. If you want a more powerful magnet, reheat the metal and spend more time stroking it with the neodymium magnet.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Follow all safety precautions recommended by the manufacturers of the grill and the torch.
Children should not try to make lift magnets using this procedure.
Be careful when handling the neodymium magnet around any metal. It can exert a dangerous amount of force on any metal it comes in contact with.
