How to demagnetize a screwdriver or a metal object using a magnet

Tips for builders | 03/02/2017

Anyone who often works with small screws or self-tapping screws has encountered the fact that at the most inopportune moment, the fastener inevitably falls. And it would be fine if it just fell, but no - it flies to the side and completely disappears from sight. After a dozen such accidents, work ceases to be enjoyable and the mood quickly deteriorates. And to prevent this from happening, today we will learn how to magnetize a screwdriver at home and talk about special magnetizers for screwdrivers.

We create a device for demagnetization with our own hands

To do this, you will need a spool of wire that can withstand 120-127 volts and a powerful step-down transformer. The structure is assembled according to the following scheme.

Wind the wire around the coil of the transformer and connect it to it. After this, a screwdriver is placed in the internal cavity of this coil and alternating voltage is applied.

Homemade demagnetization loop

Sometimes a magnetized tool is needed, for example, a screw will not fall off a magnetized screwdriver, but for example, it is inconvenient to work with a magnetized file, pliers, or drill.

There is also a need to demagnetize a CRT TV or monitor.

If your TV or monitor is covered with multi-colored spots, you can fix it yourself without much difficulty.

This is what a demagnetized kinescope looks like.

TVs and monitors have a built-in demagnetization circuit, but this happens due to a malfunction of this circuit or in the case of a strong magnet, for example, speakers (acoustic speakers).

Some models of CRT monitors have an item in the menu - Degauss. It also helps to demagnetize the kinescope.

To demagnetize a kinescope, you need a demagnetization device or, in our case, a demagnetization loop. The easiest and fastest way is to take a standard demagnetization loop from an old unusable TV, roll it several times into a donut of smaller diameter and demagnetize the kinescope.

Loops from old tube, UPIMCT, 3USTST color TVs are suitable. On 3USTST TVs, 2 loops connected in series were used - they can also be used. Black and white and LCD TVs do not have them.

How to make a demagnetization loop?

We disassemble an old TV.

On the kinescope we find this loop:

Next, fold it in half using a figure eight.

Then again with eight in four:

Then we solder an electrical cord with a plug to it. Below is a photo of a loop made from two loops from a 3USTST TV connected in series.

Then you can wrap the resulting loop with electrical tape or any other insulating material.

It turns out something like this:

The second way to make a demagnetization loop with your own hands.

You can also wind the demagnetization loop on a pan or bucket with winding wire of the PEL, PEV or similar brand. The wire can be taken from transformers, chokes and other coils.

A ring with a diameter of 30-35 cm is wound, a wire with a diameter of 0.7-0.9 mm, 800 - 1000 turns.

How to use a degaussing loop?

We plug the loop into the socket.
Using circular smooth movements, you begin to move the loop as close to the screen as possible. Approximately 3 - 5 laps are enough. You can drive in any direction (clockwise or counterclockwise).
Then gradually move the loop to a distance of at least 1.5 - 2 meters.
Place it across the TV screen (at 90º). For less impact on TV.
Turn off the loop.

The loop gets hot, so you can’t keep it turned on for a long time. To demagnetize the kinescope, 5-7 seconds are enough; the loop does not have time to get very hot.

What other ways are there?

If you have a round magnet with a hole in the middle in your house, you can use it to demagnetize a screwdriver.

To do this, simply thread the screwdriver through the magnet, starting from the tip and ending with the bottom of the handle. This action is performed at a leisurely pace. As a rule, one time is enough to demagnetize, but you can repeat it if necessary.

If there is no hole or it is not wide enough, there is a second method. Position the screwdriver in relation to the magnet at the minimum distance at which it is not attracted to it. Then, making small “oscillatory” movements, move it from one pole to the other, gradually moving away from the center. The further away it is, the less vibration should be. After this it should demagnetize.

For the third method we will need a magnetometer. First, determine the level of magnetic field strength of the screwdriver. Then find a field with the same voltage on the magnet, but at a pole with the opposite sign. After that, all you have to do is press the screwdriver exactly to this part.

1.7.8 Demagnetization of pipes and joints before welding.

Demagnetization with permanent magnets

Sections of gas pipelines during repair and restoration work (RVR) are subject to demagnetization in cases of the presence of residual magnetism in the metal of the pipes after diagnostics of gas pipelines using in-pipe mobile magnetic flaw detectors, the use of magnetic particle flaw detection of welded joints, as well as the location of gas pipeline sections near power lines, etc.

To reduce the influence of magnetic blast and improve the stability of the arc when welding gas pipelines with residual magnetization, it is necessary:

carry out symmetrical grounding of pipes;
provide each welding station with a separate return cable with a minimum distance between the return cable and the welding point;
place welding cables parallel to the edges being welded;

do not allow the electric holder or bare welding wire to come into contact with the surface of the gas pipeline;
carry out welding in the direction of fastening the return cable; the inclination of the electrode during welding should be in the direction opposite to the deflection of the welding arc.

The magnetization of pipe metal before welding is classified into levels:

weak – less than 20 G;
medium – from 20 to 100 Gs;
high – more than 100 Gs.

To demagnetize a section of a gas pipeline to permissible magnetization limits (no more than 20 Gauss), it is necessary to create a demagnetizing magnetic field with a larger magnetic field and the opposite direction.

Using a demagnetization device

The demagnetization device comes in three variations. The basic elements can be selected at home, using simple methods that do not require much effort to manufacture. There are special devices that can both demagnetize and magnetize an element.

Magnetometer

Magnetometers are used in the following sequence:

The magnetic field strength of the instrument is an important parameter that needs to be determined, because it is possible to get a negative result;
the same parameter must be found on a magnet of the opposite sign;
touching the tool to the area of the device will demagnetize it.

The process takes place within 10 seconds; at home, no connection to the electrical network is required. The functionality is checked as follows: the self-tapping screw is brought to the magnetized metal, and the level of magnetization is checked. Afterwards the demagnetization process occurs and is checked again.

How to magnetize a screwdriver without a magnetizer?

It is clear that buying a special magnetizer is not always justified, especially if work with fasteners is carried out infrequently. In such cases, the question arises: how to magnetize a screwdriver using improvised means? If you have a relatively powerful magnet, you can run it several dozen times along the metal part of the screwdriver, starting from the middle to the tip. You need to do it in such a way as not to touch areas close to the handle. Sometimes, if magnetized instruments are constantly needed, they are simply kept “stuck” to a powerful magnet. This is usually sufficient. You should not use a magnet that is too powerful - breakdowns and strong interference, especially when working with electronics, can cause serious problems.

Unfortunately, if you need a screwdriver with a magnetized tip urgently, it can be difficult to find a sufficiently powerful magnet nearby and, even more so, a screwdriver magnetizer. In this case, you can remember that you can make an electromagnet from scrap materials. And with its help, magnetizing any steel object, for example, a screwdriver, will not be difficult.

One of the simplest methods: several hundred turns of varnished copper wire are wound on a screwdriver wrapped in paper. The coil thus obtained is supplied with voltage from a battery or battery (you can use a charger). A voltage of 5 or 12 volts is enough to magnetize any object inside the coil at home. You can make a more powerful electromagnet or restore the lost properties of a factory magnet (by placing it in a magnetic field) using the same method, only you need to make a larger number of turns on the coil.

They also use household voltage. In this case, a small fuse or a section of thin wire (0.1–0.15 mm in diameter) is connected to the coil, which also serves as a fuse. When you connect the coil to an outlet, the fuse will burn out (you should be careful, it is advisable to cover the fuse or a thin section of the wire with paper or something similar), but the powerful electromagnetic field will have time to give the metal inside the coil magnetic properties.

It is clear that experiments with life-threatening voltages should only be carried out if you are completely sure of the possible consequences. It is probably safer and more reliable to buy a screwdriver magnetizer and keep it at home or at work. In addition, be sure to remember that when working with computers or any other electronics, highly magnetized screwdrivers can do more harm than good.

Description of the experiment

So, in the experiment we observe how a permanent magnet moves inside a hollow copper pipe at a constant speed. Let's fix an arbitrary point in the body of the copper tube and mentally draw a cross section. A magnetic flux created by a permanent magnet passes through this section of the copper pipe. Due to the fact that the magnet moves along the pipe, an alternating current

magnetic flux, either increasing or decreasing depending on whether the magnet is approaching or moving away from the point where we mentally drew the section. An alternating magnetic flux, according to Maxwell's equations, generates a vortex electric field, generally speaking, throughout space. However, only where there is a conductor, this electric field sets in motion the free charges located in the conductor - a circular electric current arises, which creates its own magnetic field and interacts with the magnetic field of a moving permanent magnet. Simply put, a circular electric current creates a magnetic field of the same sign as a permanent magnet, and a certain dissipative force acts on the magnet, and more specifically, a frictional force. The reader may rightly ask the question: “Friction of what against what?” Friction occurs between the magnetic field of the dipole and the conductor. Yes, this friction is not mechanical. Or rather, the bodies do not touch. Well, let! There is still friction!

In general, in words everything looks more or less smooth, but can it be described in the language of mathematics? Let's get started...

Alternatives to neodymium magnets and commercial magnetizers

If you don't want to go to the store to buy a magnetic screwdriver or screw drill, it's unlikely that you'll want to make a trip to buy a neodymium magnet or commercial magnetizer. No problem. You probably have magnets around the house that will work just as well. Here are some places to look:

Any of these fun decorations attached to your refrigerator can magnetize your screwdriver.

Objects stuck to refrigerator doors often have magnets strong enough to do the job. The harder it is to get an object out of the refrigerator, the better it will work.
Audio speakers are built with strong permanent magnets. If you can access the back of the speaker, rub the screwdriver shaft along the flat part where the speaker wires are attached. For safety reasons, be sure to disconnect the wires first.
Kitchen and bathroom cabinets often have magnetic latches. Rub a screwdriver along one of these magnets to magnetize it.
Your battery drill may have a magnetic screw holder on the base. This magnet should be strong enough to magnetize your screwdriver or threaded head.

tips

Using a steel alloy drill bit in combination with a magnetic holder will magnetize the drill bit and it will remain magnetized even if you use it without a holder. The field wears off after a few months - sooner if you drop a screwdriver or hit it with a hammer. When the screwdriver becomes demagnetized, use it with the holder or rub it with a magnet to turn it back on.

Only ferromagnetic materials can be magnetized

DIY electronics in a Chinese store.

The atoms align with the permanent magnet's field.

You can purchase a magnetized screwdriver or screwdriver bits, but there's no point in spending the money because it's easy enough to magnetize a screwdriver yourself. However, there is one condition: the drive shaft must be made of a ferromagnetic material, which means it must contain iron, nickel, cobalt or a rare earth element such as gadolinium or ruthenium.

Fortunately, almost all screwdrivers and bits are made from a steel alloy that contains iron, the most famous ferromagnetic material. Special screwdrivers made from non-ferromagnetic materials such as superhard titanium or titanium alloys cannot be magnetized.

Magnetizer for screwdrivers and more

The magnetic properties of the tool make life much easier. There is confidence that not a single screw, even the smallest one, will fall out or get lost. In any case, it will remain at the tip of the tool.

But there are also situations when this turns into a “disservice”. If you work with electronics, a magnetized tool can have a negative impact. This led to the invention of the so-called magnetizer.

The operating principle of this device is very simple, but nevertheless very effective. It allows you to quickly endow any screwdriver with the properties of a magnet, and, if necessary, get rid of this effect. The device, which is very simple in design and principle of operation, allows you to magnetize the tip:

screwdriver;
scissors;
self-tapping screws;
screws;
screws

Essentially, any metal object can be given magnetic properties. Due to the fact that the device does not require the use of an electrical network or additional charging, it can be used in any conditions. The compact size also contributes to this to a large extent. In this case, you do not need to have any special knowledge or skills.

The body of the structure consists of polymer. Two magnets are placed inside. Two holes on the body allow you to impart magnetic properties or, conversely, demagnetize. In order not to confuse which one is intended for what, all holes have corresponding markings.

If you place a screwdriver or other metal object inside the corresponding hole, it will be magnetized. If these magnetic properties are no longer needed, the object is placed in another hole. If, apart from screwdriver bits, nothing else needs to be magnetized, then you need to purchase a device that has small slots. This is why the cost changes.

In addition, a small hole affects the proximity of the magnets, and, accordingly, the strength of their influence. The reverse is also true: a larger tool or fastener will require a device with larger holes.

In fact, the entire device is a small piece of plastic with two holes, and sometimes with one or two magnets. Small size, light weight - all this allows the device to be used not only in the workshop, but also to be easily transported. The cost of the product is low, usually no more than six hundred rubles, but some models cost much more.

Other tools

You can magnetize other tools, such as a hammer, if you need it.
Remember that the item must contain iron. Otherwise, you simply won't be able to magnetize it. You can also buy a special magnetizing machine

But wouldn't it be better to play with magnets, remember your childhood and save some money so that you can spend it on something more important later? In addition, the magnetization process will not require much effort and time from you. By purchasing a new set of tools, you can always provide a new function for them

To do this, it is enough to have just one powerful magnet on hand.

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How to demagnetize using the device

It is impossible to completely remove the magnetic properties of a metal product. You can only reduce its magnetism to such an extent that chips and small parts do not stick

This is important to consider when repairing electronics.

For such a decrease (or, conversely, an increase, if necessary), there are special demagnetizers, which can be purchased at repair stores or companies selling tools. They are inexpensive and look something like this:

As you can see, everything is simple: two spaces, the upper one demagnetizes, the lower one, on the contrary, magnetizes. The tool is placed into the desired area and held there for about ten seconds, after which it is ready for use.

There are different sized models of such devices: from pocket-sized ones - for small tools, to huge ones - for use in industrial conditions. Accordingly, they differ in the power of impact.

What makes such a pocket-sized device convenient is that it does not require connection to anything - it is always ready to use. It’s easy to check its effect even in a store: you just need to take a screwdriver and some small part, for example, a nut, and conduct an experiment. After magnetizing the screwdriver, the nut should be easily attracted to it, and after demagnetization it should not “stick” even with close contact.

Demagnetize the screwdriver

But unfortunately, there are situations in which it would be better if the screwdriver were not magnetic. After all, if you put it on the table, then it can collect all sorts of little things around itself, from which it will then take a long time to clear the tip in order to start working at the right and crucial moment. In such a situation, you can demagnetize the screwdriver at any time

This procedure requires a round magnet with a hole in the middle. Such magnets are used in speakers, so finding them is not difficult. In the garage of every motorist there is an old and not working pump, which can always be disassembled for spare parts.

But here the main thing is to act carefully and try to insert the back of the screwdriver into the hole in the magnet without touching the walls. Doing this is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. No explosion or short circuit will occur, so if you fail the first time, you can try again until the back of the screwdriver is completely immersed in the core of the magnet.

But there are some subtleties here too. You need to take only intact magnets that do not have any cracks or other defects. Otherwise, nothing will work out, and the screwdriver will remain magnetic, which on the one hand is not so bad. Perhaps this is due to the magnetic fields that are closed in a magnet with a solid circle, but be that as it may, the result is obvious.

By the way, you can use this technique to quickly demagnetize turning tools. If they need to be sharpened, then the magnetic properties will not allow you to achieve the most accurate result, since during sharpening, all the chips and fine dust will be magnetized to the base.

Therefore, if you decide to disassemble or simply throw away old speakers or just speakers, then you should think about whether you feel sorry for throwing away such a useful magnet? It's best to pull it out and leave it until better times. A magnet will never be superfluous in the household. Even if you have a lot of them, you can use one to collect metal shavings from the floor after work.

Magnetize the screwdriver

In fact, there is nothing unusual or supernatural here. In order for the screwdriver to become magnetized, simply touch the very tip to the surface of the magnet. All this can be done in a matter of seconds, and a previously simple screwdriver can instantly turn into the newfangled magnetic model itself.

Now you can easily remove small nails or screws from a jar of nails and not worry about them scratching or pricking you. This is convenient, because if you are holding a shelf against the wall with one hand that needs to be screwed, and the screw has fallen, you can only lift it by touching it with the tip of a screwdriver.

A magnetized screwdriver can serve as an elongated magnet if a bolt or nut falls onto the protection during car repairs. It will be almost impossible to get there by hand, but with a screwdriver you can reach almost any part of the protection.

Making a magnet at home

Man first became acquainted with magnets in ancient times. However, very quickly this natural stone ceased to satisfy people's needs. It was then that the technology for making magnets was developed. Of course, a lot of time has passed since then.

Technology has changed significantly, and now it is possible to make a magnet at home. You don't need any special skills or knowledge to do this. It is enough to have all the necessary materials and tools at hand.

So, making a magnet looks like this.

Soft magnetic materials

All materials capable of magnetization can be divided into soft magnetic and hard magnetic. There is a significant difference between them. Thus, soft magnetic materials do not retain magnetic properties for long.

You can conduct an experiment: run iron bars over a strong magnet several times. As a result, the material will acquire the properties of attracting other metal objects. However, the manufacture of a magnet that constantly possesses these abilities is impossible in this case.

Hard magnetic materials

Such materials are obtained by magnetizing an ordinary piece of iron. In this case, the properties are preserved much longer. However, they completely disappear when the object hits a sufficiently hard surface. Also, the magnetic properties are destroyed if the material is heated to 60 degrees.

What you will need

Making magnets with your own hands will not take much time and will not require any special expenses. For this you need:

screwdriver;
oiled paper;
fuse;
switch;
copper wire;
the strongest permanent magnet.

Method one

This method is considered the simplest. It is enough to hold a magnetized object several times in one direction against a permanent strong magnet. That's all.

However, it should be taken into account that magnets made using this method do not hold a magnetic field for long and very quickly lose their properties. Such products are suitable only for simple manipulations.

For example, such a magnet can help remove a needle that has fallen out of a crack or tighten bolts, but nothing more. Therefore, this method should not be seriously considered.

Let's look at an example with a screwdriver. To begin with, the tool should be wrapped in an insulator, and then wound about 300 turns of wire. It is better to use the one that is used for the manufacture of transformers. After this, the wire must be connected to a battery or battery, preferably 5-12 volts. As a result of such manipulations, the electromagnetic field will magnetize the screwdriver.

Method three

Making a magnet may seem like a daunting task. Since the above methods do not guarantee that the properties will be maintained for a long time. A stronger magnet can be created using an inductor coil.

The metal blank must be small, since it will need to be placed inside the coil. After this, you should follow exactly the same procedure as indicated in the previous method. The only difference is that you need to make twice as many turns of wire, that is, 600.

Only in this case can a good magnet be obtained.

Method four

The manufacture of a magnet in this case involves the use of current from the electrical network

This method is quite dangerous, so all manipulations should be performed carefully and carefully. We need a fuse, without which nothing will work

It must be connected in series with an inductor coil, inside of which there is a metal workpiece.

Of course, when such a design is connected to the network, the fuse will blow. However, during this short period of time, the metal workpiece will have time to charge, since in this case a fairly strong electromagnetic field is created. Here it is worth considering one nuance: the higher the current strength, the stronger the magnet will be. To wind the coil you should use only copper wire.

Finally

Making permanent magnets at home is a fairly simple process. However, you should be careful when using certain schemes.

Neodymium is considered the most powerful permanent magnet. You can make it at home, but this requires a piece of rare earth metal - neodymium. In addition, an alloy of boron and iron is used. Such a workpiece is magnetized in a magnetic field. It is worth noting that such a product has enormous power and loses only 1 percent of its properties over a hundred years.

The main reasons for metal magnetization

Magnets are media that create their own magnetic field. Main groups of magnets:

paramagnetic materials;
ferromagnets;
Diamagnets.

Steel products based on alloys of iron, cobalt or nickel refer to substances whose own magnetic field is higher than the external one, i.e. to ferromagnets. The magnetization of a substance is considered to be the sum of the magnetic properties of particles per unit volume.

At the moment the Curie temperature threshold is reached, spontaneous domains with magnetization are formed, which spread until they are completely filled. Under normal conditions, it is possible to obtain a magnetized tool when working close to electric motors, magnetrons and other elements. The metal takes away the properties of magnetism from a nearby emitter, thereby becoming magnetized.

Working with small parts with a magnetized tool can cause a lot of trouble. Sharpening metals with increased magnetism properties is impossible to ideal sizes, because... the material is covered with shavings.

Screwdriver magnetizers

Sometimes it is much more convenient to work with a magnetized tool; there is no need to worry that some screw or screw will fall - it remains hanging on the end of the bit or screwdriver. However, in some cases, excessive magnetization is harmful - this can be confirmed by any technicians who often have to open computer system units or laptop cases. When working with computer components, too much magnetization can cause harm. Therefore, today quite often a simple and effective device has begun to be used - a screwdriver magnetizer. It can quickly magnetize a regular screwdriver or, if necessary, also quickly demagnetize it.

A simple device in design and use, the screwdriver magnetizer is designed, as the name implies, to magnetize the ends of screwdrivers, scissors, and other metal objects, including fasteners (self-tapping screws, screws). The device is self-contained and does not require a connection to the network or charging; it can be useful for any type of activity that requires working with fasteners. To use this device you do not need skills or any special knowledge.

The design is very simple - there are two magnets in a polymer case. In the same body, two slots are made, one for magnetization, the second, on the contrary, for demagnetization. The slots are usually signed or marked. In order to give the end of a screwdriver or other object magnetic properties, it is enough to place it in the appropriate slot for a while. To demagnetize, an object is placed in another.

If you plan to work only with bits or something similar, you should purchase a screwdriver magnetizer with narrow slots. The end of a screwdriver or bit can easily fit into them, and due to the short distance to the magnet, more effective action is possible. If there is a possibility that you will have to magnetize other types of tools (scissors, pliers or tweezers) or slightly larger fasteners, then you should prefer a device with wider windows. It will be easier to place the part intended for magnetization into it.

The screwdriver magnetizer looks like a small plastic block with two or even one slot (demagnetization occurs in a groove on the top of the body). Small in size and weight, the device also has a low price - the device is sold for 100–400 rubles, although there are options for 1–1.3 thousand rubles.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=WkCwAvij1Z0%3F

We use a magnetizer

This method is one of the simplest. It only requires the device itself, which is a small polymer box containing two strong magnets. Each has its own slot, where one magnetizes, and the second works with the opposite effect. All you need to do is hold the tool in one of the holes. Five to ten minutes is enough.

It is worth noting that there are different magnetizers designed for specific types of screwdrivers. So, for example, for bits or something similar, it is better to take a device with not so large holes, since the distance between the same bit and the magnet also has its own meaning. The closer, the more effective.

How to magnetize a screwdriver without a magnetizer

As in the case of a special screwdriver, a magnetizer can become unnecessary and an unjustified waste of money and time. This is especially true in cases where the need for a magnetized screwdriver is extremely rare.

And then there is a need to find a handy way to solve the problem. There are several methods on how to magnetize a screwdriver at home without using the device described above:

Using a powerful magnet. If there is such an item, then you can bring the instrument to the desired state in a few minutes. You need to move the screwdriver from the tip to the middle with a magnet. If you always need such a tool, then after work you can leave it on the magnet.

Using an improvised reel. In cases where there is no good magnet, and you need a screwdriver right now, you can make the missing item yourself. To do this, you need to wrap a metal object with paper and varnished copper wire.

For a good result, the wire will need a lot, two to four hundred turns around the selected object. The result is a coil to which voltage must be applied. To do this, you can use a battery, batteries, charger, and so on.

Through the voltage of the household, general power supply network. The same coil is also used here, only the voltage is supplied from the outlet

An important difference is the presence of a fuse that can protect against short circuits. You should be especially careful, because the fuse will burn when connected

Each of these methods should be done following safety rules, otherwise it can cause harm to health. It is best if you do not have the appropriate skills or knowledge to seek help or advice from a person knowledgeable in this area.

Otherwise, each of these methods will be able to magnetize any metal object. The cheapness of each method should be considered individually, based on the availability of the necessary components.

Video on how to magnetize and demagnetize a tool without special equipment

Introduction

In order for repairs, installation and other work to proceed quickly and efficiently, nothing should interfere, especially if it is a small screw that tends to fall off the screwdriver. For convenience, you can buy a special analogue with a magnetic tip.

But don’t throw your regular screwdrivers in the trash, because you can make these out of them too. To do this, most craftsmen use magnetizers, but there are also other ways to make such a miracle screwdriver. And for this you don’t need services, everything can be done easier and faster. Read on to learn how to magnetize a screwdriver at home.