how to magnetize tools

[tomga]

how do you magnetize and demagnetize tools? thanks for any ideas

 

[loko17]

I have seen either "magnetizers" or "demagnetizers" advertized in either Northern Tool or Harbor Freight. Not sure which one but I think it was Northern Tools. Don't know if they work but one of these companies are selling them. LOL.

 

[Mathias NY]

To magnetize, wrap coils of wire around the tool and touch the ends of the wire to opposite terminals of a battery (momentarily). It will spark on both ends, but the tool will be magnetized. I don't know of a quick way to demagnetize, but if you bang it repeatedly on metal it will loose its power.

Just to clarify: I'm not suggesting anyone try this, just offering things I've seen.

 

[Gun guru]

Get a surface grinder, with mag base. Lay tool(s) on and turn on the magnet. Done.....As far as demagnetize...........Get a demag coil, dont know where to find one, we had one a the last company I worked for.

 

[tomga]

thanks for the information on magnetizing tools. i will try and see if i can do it

 

[GeneMO]

I dont know the exact method, but I have watched my uncle take a regular AC stick welder, clamp the electrode holder and the ground together, then form a "coil" of the welder cable. He would put the item he wanted to magnatize inside this coil of welder cable, then flip the welder off and on in rapid succession 8 or 10 times. Seems like he said this worked.

Dont know anything about it. Not recommending it, just telling what I remember.

Gene

 

[MarkB_MI]

Easiest way is with a magnetizer/demagnetizer. These are sold under various brands, but I think they're all made by the same company. Here's one from General Tools; you can probably pick one up at Home Depot.
Magnetizer/demagnetizer

 

[Anonymous-0]

I have used the coiled wire/battery method that Mathias NY describes many times. Typically I have done screwdrivers when I have had to start a screw in a hard to get at spot. Works great, just quickly touch the battery terminals as it is basically a direct short. Do it as many times as necessary to get the amount of magnet needed.

 

[Dusty MI]

It's not a direct short put because the conductor/wire forms a coil it is an electric magnet.

Dusty

 

[Dusty MI]

It's not a direct short put because the conductor/wire forms a coil it is an electric magnet.

Dusty

 

[johndeere720GA]

I believe you wrap a coil of wire around the tool or portion of the tool you want to magnetize and touch it to a battery or other DC source. To demagnetize you hook the coil to an AC source.
The higher the current the higher the magnetic field produced. In the case of AC the field forms and collapses then forms the other direction 60 times a second for household wiring.
you could demagnetize with dc as well you just have to reverse the polarity of the coil from what was used to magnetize the tool to start with.

 

[Anonymous-0]

A weller soldering gun will demagnetize small items.

 

[IOWA NORTHEAST]

I have been doing it for over fifty years. I use covered wire, and arc it on a battery, as otheres have said. The more wraps, the better, but they must all go the same direstion.
I did see a battery explode here a couple months ago, so use it near the starter, instead of the battery area.

 

[guido]

Hello tomga,
You can use a magnet. For a screw driver you put the head of the magnet close to the handle, and run the magnet in contact with the screwdriver to the tip. Do it all around the metal a couple of times. Not a permanet magnet but the stronger the magnet you use the longer it will stau magnatized. You can also buy a magnatizer, i have one that i use for screwdriver. Pass it trough one one to magnatize, and the other way to demagnatize.
I think i posted the picture of it at one time.
Got it a Sears for $4.
Large tools you need to induce a lot of DC current to them to magnatize.
Guido.

 

[barn E]

Stick the tool close to industrial spot welder and fire it. Bigger the better. Like the guns used to weld floor pans on cars. Need a buddy in auto plant.