FAQ - Questions and answers about neodymium magnets
Neodymium magnet – what is it and how does it work? What do we use these strong magnets for?
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of neodymium magnets – discover their extraordinary power and versatile applications! You will find here detailed answers to the most frequently asked questions, helping you better understand how they function and what they can be used for. Learn why neodymium magnets are considered the most powerful among permanent magnets and how their use can make your life easier.


1. Orders, logistics, and payments
Everything about the purchasing process, B2B invoices, and international shipping.
Transaction details:
All electronic transactions are encrypted with SSL protocol (256-bit). In the case of a traditional transfer, we ship the goods after the payment is credited (usually the next business day). Cash on delivery allows for immediate shipping. Full transfer details can be found in the transport and payments tab.
Logistics in detail:
The DHIT warehouse operates continuously on business days. If you order goods on Friday before 2:00 PM, the courier will pick them up the same day, and delivery will take place on Monday. InPost Parcel Lockers in some regions are also serviced on Saturdays ('Parcel in Weekend' service), but this depends on the carrier's current offer. You will receive the shipment status via email immediately after the label is generated.
Why does weight matter?
Neodymium magnets are heavy (density similar to steel). A small package can weigh several kilograms. The cart system automatically sums up the weight of all products and selects the cheapest option. The detailed price list can be found in the transport section.
Information for accounting:
The invoice is generated automatically after the goods are shipped and sent in PDF format to the e-mail address provided in the order (according to the 'paperless' idea). If you need a paper invoice attached to the package, please include this information in the order notes. We also handle ICS (Intra-Community Supply) transactions with a 0% VAT rate for EU companies with an active VAT-EU number.
Transport restrictions:
Due to the strong magnetic field, air transport (outside Europe) is subject to restrictive IATA regulations (Class 9 dangerous goods). Therefore, we standardly offer road transport within Europe. If you wish to order air shipping (e.g., to the USA), please contact us individually for a quote on special shielding packaging.
2. Basics: what are magnets?
Definitions, chemical composition, and basic differences between materials.
Chemical formula and structure:
The basic component is the tetragonal phase Nd2Fe14B. This structure has exceptionally high magnetocrystalline anisotropy, which means it is very difficult to change the direction of its magnetization. This feature gives neodymium magnets such huge coercivity (resistance to demagnetization) and allows them to store powerful magnetic energy in a small volume.
Full list of Rare Earth Elements (REE):
- Scandium (Sc, 21)
- Yttrium (Y, 39)
- Lanthanum (La, 57)
- Cerium (Ce, 58)
- Praseodymium (Pr, 59)
- Neodymium (Nd, 60) – key component of magnets
- Promethium (Pm, 61)
- Samarium (Sm, 62) – used in SmCo magnets
- Europium (Eu, 63)
- Gadolinium (Gd, 64)
- Terbium (Tb, 65) – additive increasing temperature resistance
- Dysprosium (Dy, 66) – same as above
- Holmium (Ho, 67)
- Erbium (Er, 68)
- Thulium (Tm, 69)
- Ytterbium (Yb, 70)
- Lutetium (Lu, 71)
Comparison of properties:
- Strength (BHmax): Neodymium (up to 52 MGOe) vs Ferrite (up to 4 MGOe).
- Appearance: Neodymium is silver (nickel-plated), Ferrite is dark gray/black (ceramic).
- Corrosion: Neodymium rusts very easily (must have a coating), Ferrite is completely resistant to rust (iron oxide).
- Price: Neodymiums are much more expensive due to the content of rare earth elements.
- Conductivity: Neodymium conducts electricity (metal), Ferrite is an insulator.
3. Magnet fishing (underwater search)
Equipment selection, GOLD series (3 eyelets), technical tips, and law.
Detailed specification of the GOLD series:
- F200 GOLD (UMP 75x25 [M10x3]): Ideal compromise. Field intensity ~7500 Gauss. Two side mounts and one top. Great for starting, light but effective.
- F300 GOLD HOLOGRAM (UMP 94x28 [3xM10]): Universal 'workhorse'. Larger diameter (94mm) and thickness (28mm) generate a field of ~9000 Gauss. This is the model most often chosen by advanced amateurs.
- F550 Silver Black (UMP 94x40 [3xM10]): A monster for special tasks. It has a special Silver Black coating resistant to salt and harsh chemical conditions. It is almost twice as thick as the F200, which translates to deep magnetic field penetration.
By mounting the eyelet on the side, you shift the center of gravity. Pulling the rope forces the magnet to lie flat against the river bottom. Thanks to this, you use 100% of the active surface of the magnet, not just its edge (as in cheap magnets with one top eyelet).
Our sales ranking and recommendations:
1. Choice No. 1 (Universal): Set F200 GOLD (290kg). This is the best price-to-performance ratio. You will pull out a bike, safe, or road signs, and you won't tire your arm after 10 throws.
2. Choice No. 2 (Strong): F300 GOLD (330kg+). If you have the budget and strength, this model will give you an advantage thanks to a wider magnetic field (you search the bottom faster).
3. Choice No. 3 (Extreme): F550 Silver Black. Only for people aware of the risk – this magnet 'sticks' so strongly that detaching it from a flat sheet underwater may be impossible without a winch.
Physics of the rope and knot:
Every knot weakens the rope by about 30-50% of its nominal strength (notch effect). Therefore, the rope must have a huge reserve of power.
- Material: Polypropylene (PP). It does not absorb water (doesn't get heavy), is resistant to acids and bases, floats on water (easier to fish out if you let go of the end).
- Braid: Core braid. The outer sheath protects against abrasion on stones, the core carries the weight.
- Diameter vs Ergonomics: For F200, 6mm is enough (strength ~500kg). For F550, we recommend 8-10mm. Why? A thin rope under heavy load acts like a knife – it cuts into hands. A thicker rope means greater pulling comfort.
Legal interpretation:
- Monuments (Act on the Protection of Monuments): Searching for hidden or abandoned monuments using electronic and technical devices (including magnets) requires a permit from the Provincial Conservator of Monuments (WKZ). If you pull out an old sword, coin, or tank part – it becomes the property of the State Treasury. Appropriation is a crime.
- Weapons and unexploded ordnance (Act on Weapons and Ammunition): Fishing out a gun or grenade imposes on you the obligation to immediately notify the Police (112). You must not move it, take it home, or clean it. This is a deadly threat (unexploded ordnance is chemically unstable) and a criminal risk (up to 8 years in prison for possession).
- Utility scrap: Pulling out modern trash (caps, pipes, cans) is treated as cleaning the environment and is allowed, unless the regulations of a given water body (e.g., PZW) state otherwise.
Maintenance procedure:
1. Washing: After fishing, rinse the magnet with clean tap water (wash off silt, algae, and humic acids).
2. Drying: This is key. Wipe it dry. Water trapped in the handle housing will cause the core to swell and the nickel coating to crack.
3. Maintenance: Lubricate the steel handle housing with oil, WD-40, or wax. The steel housing (even galvanized) loses its protective layer over time from hitting the bottom. F550 Silver Black models have better factory resistance, but also require care.
Rescue techniques:
- Change the vector (Angle): Walk 50-100 meters sideways along the bank. By pulling at an angle, you change the peeling force (the greatest) into a shearing force (sliding), which is about 80% lower. The magnet will slide to the edge of the obstacle and let go.
- 'Shot' method: Tension the rope like a guitar string and release it abruptly. The shock wave on the rope can break the magnet's grip.
- Leverage: Use a thick branch as a lever, wrapping the rope around it.
- Last resort: Hand winch or car winch. Remember – the rope has its breaking strength!
Finds statistics:
- 80% - Scrap: Caps, nails, wires, fence fragments, cans, parts of agricultural machinery.
- 15% - Utility items: Bicycles, scooters, workshop tools (wrenches, hammers), fishing rods, phones, and even safes (usually empty after theft).
- 5% - Militaria and history: Bayonets, helmets, casings, weapon parts, uniform buttons. Most people start their adventure with Magnet Fishing for this 5%.
4. Technical parameters and physics
Detailed knowledge for engineers and constructors.
Deciphering the symbol:
- Letter 'N': Means 'Neodymium' and standard maximum operating temperature (80°C).
- Number (e.g., 38, 42, 52): Means the so-called BHmax (Maximum Energy Product) expressed in MegaGauss-Oersteds (MGOe).
The higher the number, the stronger the magnet at the same volume. An N52 magnet is about 35-40% stronger than an N35 magnet of identical dimensions. N52 is currently the strongest material available in mass production.
Available high-temperature classes:
- N (Standard): up to 80°C
- M (Medium): up to 100°C
- H (High): up to 120°C
- SH (Super High): up to 150°C
- UH (Ultra High): up to 180°C
- EH (Extra High): up to 200°C
- AH (Axial High): up to 230°C
Remanence (Br):
This is the so-called magnetic remanence. It determines how strong a magnetic flux remains in the material after its saturation. For neodymiums, it is usually from 1.1 to 1.48 Tesla. This parameter speaks about the 'strength' of the magnet.
Coercivity (HcJ):
This is the magnetic field intensity needed to completely demagnetize the material. The higher the coercivity, the harder it is to 'spoil' the magnet through external fields or temperature. Neodymiums have very high coercivity, which is why we call them permanent magnets.
Measurements:
- Inside the material (Br): 11,000 - 14,800 Gauss (1.1 - 1.48 T).
- On the pole surface: Depends on the shape! A flat plate magnet may have 2,500 Gauss, and a long N52 cylinder even 6,500 Gauss at the center of the pole. Usually, it is from 0.3 to 0.6 Tesla.
5. Mounting, gluing, and processing
How to safely join magnets with other materials.
Recommendations:
The best results are obtained with two-component epoxy glues (e.g., Distal, Poxipol, UHU Endfest 300). They create a hard joint that fills irregularities well. For very small magnets, cyanoacrylate glues ('SuperGlue') can be used, but they are brittle and may let go upon impact. The magnet surface should be degreased before gluing (alcohol, acetone) and gently roughened with sandpaper (watch out for dust!).
Hot glue guns heat the glue to temperatures of 150-200°C. Applying such hot glue to a standard neodymium magnet (max 80°C) will cause its immediate, partial, or total demagnetization. The magnet will lose power irretrievably. Use only cold glues.
Sliding technique:
1. Place the joined magnets on the edge of a stable, wooden table (wood is not magnetic).
2. Lean one magnet against the tabletop and slide the other one off the edge.
3. Pressing hard, slide one magnet off the other downwards. The shear force needed to move it is much smaller than the pulling force.
4. Immediately move the magnets away from each other to a safe distance (min. 50 cm) so they don't 'snap' back (this risks crushing fingers and breaking magnets).
6. Practical applications
Inspirations for home, workshop, and industry.
Legal warning:
Using magnets for this purpose is illegal and treated as theft of utilities (energy, water, gas). Modern meters are equipped with special magnetic field strips/indicators. Bringing a neodymium close causes an irreversible color change of the indicator or logs an error in the electronic meter's memory. During an inspection, this is irrefutable proof of manipulation, which results in huge financial penalties (often counted in thousands of zlotys) and criminal proceedings.
How does it work?
During engine operation, microscopic metal filings are created (wear of bearings, rings, shafts). The paper oil filter catches impurities down to approx. 20-30 microns. Smaller filings circulate in the oil, acting like abrasive paste. Attaching a strong neodymium magnet to the filter housing (or drain plug) catches ferromagnetic particles from the flowing oil, 'gluing' them to the wall. When changing the oil and filter, you throw away these impurities along with the old filter.
Physics of the problem:
Such a board consists of a steel sheet covered with a thick pane of glass (usually 4-6 mm). Glass creates a huge 'air gap'. The attraction force of a magnet decreases drastically with distance (inverse square law). Ordinary black ferrite magnets are too weak to penetrate through the glass. You need large, thick neodymium magnets (e.g., cylinders 20x10mm or cubes) that generate a sufficiently deep magnetic field.
7. Safety and health
Hazards for people, children, and electronics.
Pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) have built-in magnetic switches (reed switches) used to switch them into service/test mode. Bringing a strong neodymium magnet close can:
1. Switch the pacemaker to constant (asynchronous) mode.
2. Disable therapy in the defibrillator (it won't work in case of a heart attack).
People with implants must maintain a safe distance, usually a minimum of 30-50 cm from magnets.
In the intestines, two magnets can attract each other through the intestinal walls, pinching the tissue between them. This leads to necrosis, intestinal perforation, sepsis, and life-threatening danger. Immediate surgery is required. Therefore, neodymium magnets (e.g., NeoCube balls) must be kept strictly out of the reach of small children.
Modern electronics:
- Smartphones: They are relatively safe, but a strong field will disrupt the compass, magnetometer, and may affect optical image stabilization (OIS) in the camera. Usually, after removing the magnet, everything returns to normal.
- SSD drives / Memory cards / Pendrives: They are completely resistant to magnetic fields (electronic recording, not magnetic).
- HDD drives (platter): They have strong neodymium magnets inside, but applying a gigantic magnet from the outside can damage data or mechanics.
- Payment cards: The magnetic strip will be erased. The chip is safe.
8. Troubleshooting
Why doesn't the magnet work as it should?
When you hang a magnet on a wall (vertically), a shear force acts on it (gravity pulls down). The force needed to slide the magnet on metal is usually only 15-20% of its maximum lifting capacity. Additionally, neodymium magnets are coated with nickel, which is very smooth and slippery. To prevent the magnet from sliding, you must increase friction – use a magnet in a rubber housing or back it with thin rubber/insulating tape.
- Austenitic steels (e.g., 304, 316): Are the most popular in gastronomy and balustrades. They are non-magnetic (or very weakly magnetic after processing). The magnet won't catch them.
- Ferritic (e.g., 430) and martensitic steels: Are magnetic and attract magnets, although usually weaker than regular black steel.
9. Water and fuel magnetizers (Turbomag)
How to get rid of scale in pipes and save fuel?
10. Magnetic separators (industry)
Cleaning loose and liquid products in production.
11. Toys and education
NeoCube balls, physics experiments, and learning.
12. Custom manufacturing and services
Unusual magnets and solutions for companies.
13. Automotive and workshop (PDR, Taxi)
Magnets in the car, body repairs, and organization.
14. Construction and renovation
Locating profiles, inspection flaps, and cleaning.
15. Advertising and printing
Mounting banners, magnetic foils, and gadgets.
16. Modeling and hobbies (figures, RC)
Magnets in wargaming, flying models, and mock-ups.
17. Tailoring and fashion
Magnetic clasps, handbags, and clothing.
18. Office and organization
Boards, cable organization, and magnetic paints.
19. Meteorite hunting and geology
Identification of stones and mineral separation.
20. Electronics and sensors
Reed switches, Hall effect, and DIY projects.
21. Codes, customs, and law
Commercial and legal data.
22. Curiosities
Curiosities with neodymium magnets.
23. Prices, buying, and metals market
Why do prices change and how to buy cheaper?
24. Storage and maintenance
How to care for magnets so they serve for years?
25. Myths: free energy and perpetual motion
Facts and myths about magnetic motors.
Didn't find the answer to your question?
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