Rare earth magnet.

[Lofty]

Hi all,
I remember reading on here about using a rare earth magnet and a compass to align drilling points through a wall.
Great tip; but what I would like to know is what physical size of magnet is best

Cheers,
Lofty.

 

[Kamikaze]

Warning! Some rare earth magnets such as those made of Neodymium are combustion and explosion hazards, not to mention irritating to the eyes. Accumulated exposure also damages the liver. So you just take care!

 

[Lofty]

Hi Kamikaze,

Thanks for the warning. I was talking to a chippy the other day who uses a pair these magnets on bespoke cupboard doors i.e. kichens, as catches. Admittedly the ones he had were about the diameter of a 5p piece and about 4-5mm thick. Wonder if he knows of the dangers ?.

Cheers,
Lofty

 

[ringer]

Exactly how big a risk to health is there in using these magnets in this way? Surely if you are not cutting them or drilling in to them, there will be no dust produced. I thought, once manufactured, there is minimal exposure to dust in normal everyday use.

 

[Kamikaze]

Sorry, I was probably over reacting. Small once the size of 50 pence will be alright. Larger once usually case accidents because people underestimate the strength of the magnetic fields and trap their fingers, break wrists etc. I actually have a story about them with supreme tragicomic value but I won’t bore you with it, and you wouldn’t believe it anyway…lol. Seriously though, don’t swallow any because you will die.

 

[grantr37]

I think they are safe enough, but dont quote me on that as I am not an expert on these materials.......there is a good company called Magnet Aplplications UK Ltd that does all these different magnets if you are looking for one, all the best of stuff, they make them in their own factory...

Magnet Applications, Manufacturers of Bonded Rare Earth Magnets, Sintered Magnets and Magnetic Assemblies

 

[rocker]

I think it's mainy the dust you get when manufacturing neodymium magnets that is the worry, so as said if yoiu're not drilling them or smashing them you should be OK. Don't light them on fire, though.

 

[bugsy]

These magnets are used in wind turbines and the raw materials come mainly from china the waste generated during manufacture is highly toxic ( but china's got lakes of the stuff ) so much for eco energy