How to separate strong magnets (PHOTO, VIDEO)
Separating neodymium magnets may not be easy. But the right technique can make it much easier for you.
What to watch out for
- Neodymium magnets are brittle and can break upon a collision.
- Wear protective gloves when handling larger magnets (3 cm and more). Strong magnets can give you a nasty pinch, cause bruises or even crush bones.
- Larger magnets can shatter on impact and the shards can hit the eyes. Wear safety goggles.
Method 1 – push to the side
It is very difficult to separate any magnets by pulling them apart. It is much easier to slide the magnet to the side:
Keep the magnets away from each other after separation. Otherwise, they will attract each other and may break when they collide.
If you are separating oblong magnets in the shape of a cube, you can rotate one of them 90 degrees. This will reduce their contact area and with it the force between the magnets.
Method 2 – table edge
Larger magnets can be separated on the edge of the table:
Again, it is important to keep the separated magnets far apart.
Method 3 – magnet separator
Here at SilneMagnety.sk, we use a special separator when packing your orders. You can also build one yourself.
Method 4 – stairs
We recommend separating large magnets on stairs or a similar surface. You can use your entire body weight to separate the magnet. Separate the magnet with one sharp movement. With slow separation, the magnet may be drawn back. Once separated, immediately pull the magnets away from each other and store in a safe place.
Wear protective gloves and goggles (not like the person in the picture)!
Method 5 – thin magnets
Very thin magnets are difficult to separate using the methods described above. This method worked best for us:
How to connect magnets
To prevent the magnets from colliding and breaking, attach them from the side:
Connect large magnets using a wooden wedge:
A few tips at the end
- If you plan to connect the ordered magnets, we can send them to you already connected. Just mention it in the purchase order notes. Magnets connected in the magnetisation direction behave the same as one large magnet.
- Make sure there are no sharp metal objects near the magnets.
- Before handling very strong magnets, practice separation on smaller magnets.
- We insert plastic separators between the stronger magnets. When joining the magnets, we recommend putting the spacers back in order to once again keep the magnets separate:
