How do I properly store strong magnets?
In our assortment, you will find super magnets with high adhesive forces,
which are either impossible to separate or only with great difficulty.
One example are the rubber-coated pot magnets with threaded stud GTNG-66
that are popular for camping applications such as attaching shade sails.
When these magnets are not in use, a few things need to be considered for storage.
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Storing strong magnets
Store your magnets at a sufficient distance from each other so that they don’t inadvertently connect. If this is not possible, we recommend the following methods so that you can easily separate the magnets again:- Keep plastic spacer rings that may have come with the original packaging for later use.
- Place, for example, a piece of wood, sturdy cardboard, thicker plastic or thin sheet of iron with low ferromagnetic properties between the magnets. This will allow you to slide the magnets off sideways when needed.
Storage cases
In our assortment, you will find practical cases for the secure storage and safe transport of your magnets. The black universal protective case made of sturdy ABS plastic is available in three different sizes and is filled with foam. Make indentations in the foam to match the size of your magnets. This will protect them from dust and water and allow you to safely store and transport your magnets.
3D-printed DIY storage solution
Mr K, one of our customers from Germany, ordered powerful Q-50-15-15-N block magnets.
Since painful injuries can quickly occur when separating or joining these magnets, he was looking for a suitable storage option.
His solution: 3D-printed magnet sleeves.
The black cases are a perfect fit for the block magnets and create more distance between the magnets.
This makes it possible to separate and join these magnets without great effort and with a significantly lower risk of injury.
For more information on this project and ideas for other storage options, visit our project page 'Storing strong magnets'.
More storage tips
Below are some other tips to help you store your strong magnets.Positioning the magnets
The magnetic field can be massively reduced by arranging the magnets in a certain way. This positioning is especially recommended for storing several disc magnets.
Arrange the magnets so that the poles point in the opposite direction. The magnets will link to form a column. Bend this column in the middle to separate and place the second piece next to the first piece of the column. In the process, turn the second piece so that the north pole of the magnets points in the other direction. As a result, the magnetic field will be reduced to almost zero. You can find detailed information about this on the FAQ page Shipment by mail.
The magnetic field of a magnet decreases very quickly as the distance increases.
That’s why you should keep your magnets in a somewhat larger box.
It creates a large distance from the side of the box to the magnet.
Secure the magnets in the middle and fill the surrounding space with polystyrene, foam or other sturdy fill material.
Crumpled newspaper is not a suitable fill material because strong magnets can compress the newspaper.
Shielding the magnets
Boxes made of sheet iron are perfect for storing strong magnets.
Surrounding the magnets with sheet iron creates a “magnetic short circuit”, which reduces the magnetic field to almost zero.
But remember: The stronger the magnet, the thicker the sheet iron must be.
You can find more information about shielding on our FAQ page Shipment by mail.
Can I store magnets outside?
Untreated neodymium magnets and pot magnets that have not been made weatherproof with anti-rust paint or transparent lacquer will start to rust during permanent outdoor use. This also applies to rubberised magnet systems. We therefore recommend you store your magnets properly when not in use and do not keep them lying around outdoors.Suitable for outdoor use are ferrite magnets or waterproof neodymium magnets such as our completely rubber-coated magnets or sew-in magnets. These magnets are rustproof. Find out which magnets can be utilised outside on our FAQ page about outdoor use.
Safety tips
Exercise caution when storing magnets in seasonal use and when transporting strong magnets:- Do not store magnets near electrical devices. Magnets generate a far-reaching strong magnetic field that can damage your computer, laptop, speakers and other data storage devices (e.g. HDD). Please refer to our FAQ page on the subject of safety distances / dangers for devices.
- The magnetic field also damages the magnetic strip of credit and EC cards, rendering it unreadable. Therefore, make sure that the magnets are stored away from sensitive bank cards.
- Store magnets so that people with pacemakers cannot get too close. Magnets can interfere with the function of these devices.
- When choosing a storage place, consider the temperature resistance of your magnets. Most neodymium magnets will permanently lose part of their adhesive force at temperatures above 80 °C.
- Mind your fingers when you pack up your magnets. Magnets can attract each other in a flash which can lead to painful bruising.
You can find additional safety tips for handling our strong magnets in the safety information for neodymium magnets and ferrite magnets .