How to mount a magnet?
Short answer: there are five ways: (1) screwing a magnet with a countersunk hole, (2) gluing with two-component epoxy or construction adhesive, (3) sticking a self-adhesive magnet, (4) clamping a magnet in a milled or printed hole, and (5) screwing a pot magnet with a threaded stud, threaded bush or through hole. Never drill or saw a neodymium magnet yourself: it breaks and loses strength.
Which method should you choose?
| Method | Strength of the fixing | Removable? | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Countersunk hole + screw | high | yes | wood, plastic, metal; cabinets, panels |
| Pot magnet with threaded stud/bush | very high | yes | machines, signs, light fittings |
| Two-component epoxy glue | high | no | installation in wood, stone, metal |
| Self-adhesive magnet | low to medium | limited | paper, cardboard, light panels, smooth surfaces |
| Clamping in a hole (press fit) | medium | no | 3D prints, wood, model making |
Gluing: which glue?
- Two-component epoxy (for example UHU Plus): the best choice for neodymium in wood, metal and stone. Degrease the magnet with alcohol first.
- Polymer or construction adhesive: stays slightly elastic; good with vibrations and outdoors.
- Superglue (cyanoacrylate): only for small magnets in model making. Becomes brittle and lets go on impact.
- Hot melt: not for strong magnets. The magnet pulls itself loose, and a hot glue gun can exceed 80 °C.
Important: the glue must be stronger than the magnet. Otherwise a magnet that holds 5 kg pulls itself off the glue instead of off the steel. Do not heat curing glue above 80 °C (see magnets at high temperatures).
Screwing into a countersunk hole
- Use a countersunk screw that fits the countersunk hole exactly.
- Tighten by hand and not too firmly: neodymium is brittle and can crack if the screw head presses too hard.
- Preferably use stainless steel or brass screws. A steel screw becomes magnetic itself and attracts screws and bits, but otherwise works fine.
- For a closure you need a north and a south pole magnet, or a magnet with a steel counter plate. See which block magnet should you choose?
Installing in a hole
- Drill or print the hole 0.1 – 0.2 mm larger than the magnet and secure it with a drop of glue.
- Mark the poles before gluing, so the magnets will attract rather than repel each other later.
- Use a magnet dispenser to take small magnets off one by one.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drill a hole in a neodymium magnet?
Not yourself. The material is hard and brittle, the drilling dust is flammable and the heat makes the magnet lose strength. Choose a magnet with a hole or a ring magnet.
Does the self-adhesive layer hold as strongly as the magnet?
No. The adhesive layer is usually the weak link. Self-adhesive magnets are intended for light work: paper, film, displays. See attaching radiator foil.
Can I weld or solder a magnet?
No. The heat demagnetises the magnet and damages the coating.
Read also
- Which pot magnet should you choose?
- Do magnets work through wood, glass and plastic?
- Which ring magnet should you choose?
Need help choosing? Use the Magnet Advisor or contact us.
