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Few thing are as frustrating as trying to drive a screw into a loaded niche or over your head , only to have it fall to the ground just as you ’re getting it lined up . as luck would have it , the resolution to this problem is as dewy-eyed as grade school scientific discipline .
Running a neodymium or other rare - earth magnet in one direction along any metal putz that contains some iron will magnetise it to pull other smoothing iron - based items . This trick isespecially usefulfor hand prick like screwdriver , which will not just lift the piece of tail but hold it in place while you solve .
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Take just 5 bit to magnetise a screwdriver today for immediate , easy mending down the line .
Tools & Materials
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Step 1: Get a neodymium magnet.
Obtain aneodymium magnetwith a pull force of ¼ pound to 1 pound . If you do n’t already have one , they are easy enough to purchase online .
Step 2: Clean the screwdriver.
Wipe any dirt or debris from all alloy parts of the screwdriver with a ironic rag or cloth . If especially muddied , stifle the rag to thoroughly clean the tool , then leave the alloy to dry out before proceeding .
Step 3: Slide the magnet along the screwdriver’s shaft.
carry the screwdriver in one hand and the magnet in the other . Slide the magnetslowlyalong the tool ’s alloy shaft from grip to gratuity , continuing the motion just past the end that will come into contact with the screws .
Repeat several time , going in one focal point only ; pinch the attractive feature back the other management over your screwdriver ’s tool can loosen any magnetism you ’ve achieved thus far . Then give the tool a tail turn and repeat .
go on the one-quarter turn and stroke process four meter . The more separatrix ( and the more iron content in the instrument ) , the more powerful the magnetism will be .
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Step 4: Check the screwdriver’s magnetism.
screen the forte of the newly mesmerise screwdriver to see if it ’s sufficient for your needs .
Touch the number one wood toa screwand see how well it lift and holds the fastener . If you want a stronger pull , reprize Step 3 .
Final Thoughts
The screwdriver should stay magnetized for at least 3 months ; accidentally flatten the tool will throw the magnetic elements out of knock . To deliberately degauss the tool ( utile if you need to beat back a screw into something made of metal ) , reverse the commission in which you get behind the magnet along the screwdriver shaft — in this case , from tip to treat .
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Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
