Hook magnet or eye magnet? It is the same magnet
Torn between a hook magnet and an eye magnet? Good to know: for the standard versions, it is the same magnet. The only difference is what is screwed on top.
How is a hook or eye magnet built?
The basis is a neodymium pot magnet: a strong magnet in a steel pot. The pot concentrates the magnetic force on the flat front, making the magnet much stronger on steel than the same magnet without a pot. Read more in Why are pot magnets so strong?
On top of the pot is a threaded bush with an internal thread. A hook or an eye is screwed into it. The pot, the magnet and the threaded bush are exactly the same for a hook magnet and an eye magnet of the same diameter. That means the holding power is the same too.
So what is the difference?
- Hook: handy for quickly hanging something up, such as tools, a bag, cables or a lamp.
- Eye: handy if you want to pass a carabiner, chain, S-hook, cable tie or rope through it. The object cannot simply slide off.
- Total height: a hook usually sticks out a little further than an eye. Keep this in mind if space is limited.
Dimensions and holding power
We have measured all dimensions ourselves. The holding power applies to both the hook and the eye magnet.
| Diameter | Pot height | Height incl. threaded bush | Total with hook | Total with eye | Holding power (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ø10 mm | 4.5 mm | 11.8 mm | 33 mm | 32 mm | 5.1 kg |
| Ø13 mm | 5 mm | 12.4 mm | 37.5 mm | 31 mm | 6.4 kg |
| Ø16 mm | 5 mm | 13.2 mm | 37 mm | 33.5 mm | 9.3 kg |
| Ø20 mm | 7 mm | 14.7 mm | 38 mm | 33 mm | 16 kg |
| Ø25 mm | 8 mm | 14.8 mm | 44.5 mm | 43 mm | 18 kg |
| Ø32 mm | 8 mm | 17.9 mm | 46.5 mm | 45 mm | 29 kg |
| Ø40 mm | 8 mm | 18.8 mm | 48 mm | 49 mm | 72 kg |
The holding power is measured under ideal conditions: perpendicular to a flat, thick steel plate. If something hangs from the hook or eye, it often pulls on the magnet at an angle and it releases sooner. So choose generously. The holding power is not a permissible working load: do not use a magnet as the only fastening for heavy loads where a fall could cause injury. Read how holding power is determined.
Exceptions
This applies to the standard hook and eye magnets with steel pot and NiCuNi coating. The rubber hook and eye magnets, the hook magnet with swivel hook and the rubber eye magnets with stainless steel eye are built differently. For those products, check the dimensions on the product page.
Which one should you choose?
First choose the holding power you need, then a hook or eye depending on how you want to hang something. See the hook magnets and the eye magnets, or read Which hook magnet should you choose? and Which eye magnet should you choose?
Safe use
Magnets are not toys and should be kept out of reach of children. Keep strong magnets away from pacemakers, electronics and bank cards. Large pot magnets snap forcefully against steel; keep your fingers clear.
Help choosing
Not sure? Use the Magnet Advisor or contact us.
