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Hot Topic (More than 10 Replies) Demagnitizing everything (Read 3807 times)
KFW
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Demagnitizing everything
Jul 31st, 2019 at 1:43pm
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Not a new problem, so will ask. I seem to fight daily, tools on my bench somehow becoming slightly magnetic, taps, dies, needle files, punches, chisels etc. Little metal filings or shavings cling to my tools and are a real distraction especially on a new build working assembly procedure. I have 2 small parts trays with the magnet bottoms on the bench....did these cause it by close proximity? 

How do I de-magnetize a hoard of tools?
kw
  
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calledflyer
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Re: Demagnitizing everything
Reply #1 - Jul 31st, 2019 at 2:05pm
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Google is your friend. Lots on the matter to be found there.
  
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Amoretti
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Re: Demagnitizing everything
Reply #2 - Jul 31st, 2019 at 2:09pm
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I have the same problem, really bad.  I build small magnetos and use rare earth magnets.  Only cure I know of is a demagnetizer.  It’s an electronic device that runs on 110 volts.  Got mine on eBay, new ones are available.

Worst problem is calipers that even after demagnitizing are still slightly magnetized and are a real nuisance.

I hope someone can suggest a better solution.

John
  
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calledflyer
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Re: Demagnitizing everything
Reply #3 - Jul 31st, 2019 at 2:49pm
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Amoretti, what do you make the mags for? Sorry about the hijack, but I just had to ask.
  
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marlinguy
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Re: Demagnitizing everything
Reply #4 - Jul 31st, 2019 at 3:31pm
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When I was a working electrician I often had my tools get magnetized. The supply houses sold a small donut shaped tool you could put your screwdrivers tips into the hole and either magnetize, or flip it and demagnetize tools. They worked great!
Home Depot sells them for $3.50

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Amoretti
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Re: Demagnitizing everything
Reply #5 - Jul 31st, 2019 at 4:37pm
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Calledflyer,

I build miniature magnetos to fire small gas engines I also build.  Pretty easy, the hardest part is winding the coils.

John
  
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KFW
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Re: Demagnitizing everything
Reply #6 - Jul 31st, 2019 at 4:59pm
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All righty then......looks like the gizmo from Home Depot is the place to start. Amoretti mentioned calipers that I forgot, man I hate picking out the slivers that are always stuck on the jaws. May eventually buy a 110v version too.
thanks guys
kw
  
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n.r.davis
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Re: Demagnitizing everything
Reply #7 - Jul 31st, 2019 at 7:52pm
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Just a side note, My Butchers Steel has over the years become Magnetic which I attribute to the movement of the knife in one direction.  I would suggest a Industrial Strength Demagnetizing Unit where you pass the objects over it.  Check MSC  David
  
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porchdog48
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Re: Demagnitizing everything
Reply #8 - Jul 31st, 2019 at 8:11pm
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If you have a soldering gun pass the magnetized part through the loop of the heating element while on. Pass it into the loop and back out while on will demagnetize the part. Hope I explained that ok. 
Dave
  
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Joe_S
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Re: Demagnitizing everything
Reply #9 - Jul 31st, 2019 at 10:52pm
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Regarding the little slivers that were mentioned above: Plain old generic masking tape does a good job of removing slivers from a lathe, tooling, or wherever, sometimes even from your hands.  I use it primarily to remove the small chips and slivers from magnets that I use around the shop including items that have become magnetized over the years. 
Joe S
  
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GT
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Re: Demagnitizing everything
Reply #10 - Aug 1st, 2019 at 1:16am
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A trick an old timer showed me, I won't elaborate how long ago that was - if the part can take it a light tap or rap - preferably on a vise or anvil-  knocks the small slivers off.  Like screw drivers and pliers and such, the impact will diminish the residual magnetism.

From a blog somewhere...
"Impact
Significant force can still throw a magnet out of magnetization. Hitting a magnet with enough force to destroy its north and south pole alignment will force the magnet out of alignment. Any violent trauma can cause this to happen including drilling and hitting with a tool. If the grains inside the magnet no longer line up properly, the magnet will no longer function properly."

I know most don't care to smack their precision instruments  Wink  but a lot of other items will take it.  I find using files as much as I do, a light rap on the vise, clears the chalk, filings and mag bugs that gather.

Joe, I use duct tape more often for the slivers in my hands the glue works a little better on it and if I can see the direction the sliver is going in, I use 320 grit emery paper, place it on the affected area and swipe it in the direction to pull a sliver out- if I have the wrong direction though, it runs it in deeper. 
Greg
  

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40_Rod
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Re: Demagnitizing everything
Reply #11 - Aug 1st, 2019 at 9:48am
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Try wiping them down with a dryer sheet. sounds too easy but it works.

40 Rod
  
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Re: Demagnitizing everything
Reply #12 - Aug 1st, 2019 at 2:18pm
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Dryer sheets?  I can see how it might remove slivers but magnetism?
  
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calledflyer
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Re: Demagnitizing everything
Reply #13 - Aug 1st, 2019 at 2:40pm
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Thanks for answering my question Amoretti- pretty neat hobby you have. It is a hobby, isn't it?
Dryer sheets sounds like a terrific idea- static remover, cool Smiley.
  
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Re: Demagnitizing everything
Reply #14 - Aug 1st, 2019 at 4:04pm
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you can magnetize a tool by pointing it aligned with the magnetic poles (compass) and striking it, I guess east/west alignment would have the opposite effect.

Aaron
  

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