Question 1

Can the magnets be shipped by air?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, and multiple times too. Our magnets are documented to conform with IATA's packing instruction 953, and are NOT classified as dangerous goods when shipped in original tool cases. Read more about the regulations here (external page). Our magnets, in original tool cases, belong to this category: "If the maximum field strength observed at a distance of 2.1 m (7 ft) is less than 0.159 A/m (0.002 gauss) or there is no significant compass deflection (less than 0.5 degree), the article is not restricted as a magnetized material.

Question 2

How is the holding force rating defined?

Accepted Answer

Every single magnet is tested at the factory to ensure that the holding force is well above the rating. This is measured by pulling the magnet perpendicularly from a 30mm thick, clean mild steel plate. Out in real life, the holding force will be affected by steel thickness, steel quality, and gap between magnet and steel which may be caused by rust or uneven steel surfaces.

Question 3

What is the lateral holding force?

Accepted Answer

There is no definite answer to this, because it depends on the friction coefficient between the magnet and surface. Important factors are paint, marine growth, corrosion, wet or dry. As a rule of thumb, you can assume 20-30% of the normal holding force rating.

Question 4

Will the magnets demagnetize?

Accepted Answer

Our magnets don't demagnetize, as long as you keep the magnets below 100 degrees Celsius (212 Fahrenheit) and follow the instructions in the user manual.

Question 5

Can you do custom designs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, of course. We control all aspects of the design and magnetic calculations, and have delivered tailored magnets in the past. Send us an e-mail with some specifications, and we'll get right to it.

Question 6

Are there any health hazards with such strong magnets?

Accepted Answer

The magnetic field is not strong enough to pose any health hazard. Field strength (or flux density) is usually measured in Gauss or Tesla. 1 Tesla equals 10 000 Gauss. For reference, the flux density close to a diving magnet is in the range of a few milligauss, while an MR scanner produces several Tesla - ten million times stronger than our magnets.

Question 7

Aren't they difficult to remove by hand?

Accepted Answer

Not really. Our diving magnets are designed to be removed with one hand using the release lever. The strongest diving magnet, Willy 800 kg, requires around 30 kg pull force to release it. And that's only momentarily. Once you have turned the lever a tiny bit, the rest is easy.

Question 8

Can the magnets damage any electronic equipment?

Accepted Answer

Generally, the only type of equipment that is sensitive to magnetic fields are those that rely on magnetism themselves to work. A magnetic compass contains a needle that might get permanently altered if exposed to a strong external magnetic field. Most smartphones contains compasses, which is why we recommend to keep them away. Check out our safety instructions if you want to get into the details. However, keep in mind that when the magnet is attached to a steel surface, the field becomes concentrated in that steel. This is because the magnetic flux choses the path of least resistance between the poles. In this case, any equipment nearby is safe.

Frequently asked questions