How to mount a magnet?
Short answer: there are five ways: (1) screw a magnet with a countersunk hole, (2) bond with two-component epoxy or construction adhesive, (3) stick on a self-adhesive magnet, (4) clamp a magnet into a milled or printed hole, and (5) screw a pot magnet with a threaded stud, threaded insert, or drilled hole. Never drill or saw into a neodymium magnet yourself: it will break and lose strength.
Which method should you choose?
| Method | Strength of the attachment | Removable? | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Countersunk hole + screw | high | yes | wood, plastic, metal; cabinets, panels |
| Pot magnet with threaded stud/insert | very high | yes | machines, boards, fixtures |
| Two-component epoxy adhesive | high | no | recessing into wood, stone, metal |
| Self-adhesive magnet | low to medium | limited | paper, cardboard, light panels, smooth surfaces |
| Clamping into a hole (press fit) | medium | no | 3D prints, wood, model making |
Bonding: which adhesive?
- 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: remains slightly flexible; good for vibrations and outdoor use.
- Super glue (cyanoacrylate): only for small magnets in model making. Becomes brittle and detaches when bumped.
- Hot melt: not for strong magnets. The magnet will pull away, and a hot glue gun can reach temperatures above 80 °C.
Important: the adhesive must be stronger than the magnet. Otherwise, a magnet that holds 5 kg will pull away from the adhesive instead of the steel. Do not heat curing adhesive above 80 °C (see magnet at high temperatures).
Screwing into a countersunk hole
- Use a countersunk screw that fits exactly into the countersunk hole.
- Tighten by hand and not too tightly: 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 perfectly fine.
Creating a closure: magnet against magnet or magnet against steel
- Magnet against magnet: screw a north pole and a south pole variant facing each other. This provides the most strength. Both variants are available for the ring magnets with countersunk holes and the block magnets with countersunk holes.
- Magnet against steel: screw one magnet and a steel counter ring with a countersunk hole of the same size on the other side. You do not need to pay attention to the poles. In which ring magnet should you choose? it states which steel ring fits for each size.
Recessing into a hole
- Drill or print the hole 0.1 – 0.2 mm larger than the magnet and secure it with a drop of adhesive.
- Mark the poles before gluing, so that the magnets will attract each other later and not repel.
- Use a magnet dispenser to remove small magnets 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 causes the magnet to lose strength. Choose a magnet with a hole or a ring magnet.
Is the self-adhesive layer as strong as the magnet?
No. The adhesive layer is usually the weak link. Self-adhesive magnets are intended for light work: paper, foil, displays. See attaching radiator foil.
Can I weld or solder a magnet?
No. The heat demagnetizes 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.
