Hook magnet or eye magnet? It is the same magnet
Are you torn between a hook magnet and an eye magnet? Good to know: the standard versions use the same magnet. The only difference is what is screwed on top.
How is a hook or eye magnet constructed?
The base is a neodymium pot magnet: a strong magnet in a steel pot. The pot concentrates the magnetic force on the flat front surface, making the magnet much stronger on steel than the same magnet without a pot. You can read more about this in Why are pot magnets so strong?
On top of the pot is a threaded insert with internal threads. A hook or eye is screwed into it. For a hook magnet and an eye magnet, the pot, magnet, and threaded insert are exactly the same diameter. This means the holding force is also the same.
What is the difference then?
- 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, zip tie, or rope through it. The object cannot simply slide off.
- Total height: a hook usually protrudes slightly further than an eye. Keep this in mind if you have limited space.
Sizes and holding force
We have re-measured all the dimensions. The holding force applies to both the hook and eye magnets.
| Diameter | Pot height | Height incl. threaded insert | Total with hook | Total with eye | Holding force (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ø10 mm | 4.5 mm | 11.8 mm | 33 mm | 32 mm | 3.5 kg |
| Ø13 mm | 5 mm | 12.4 mm | 37.5 mm | 31 mm | 5 kg |
| Ø16 mm | 5 mm | 13.2 mm | 37 mm | 33.5 mm | 8 kg |
| Ø20 mm | 7 mm | 14.7 mm | 38 mm | 33 mm | 13 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 | 40 kg |
| Ø40 mm | 8 mm | 18.8 mm | 48 mm | 49 mm | 55 kg |
The holding force was measured under ideal conditions: perpendicular to a flat, thick steel plate. If something is hanging from the hook or eye, it often pulls at an angle on the magnet and causes it to release sooner. Therefore, choose generously. The holding force is not a permitted working load: do not use a magnet as the sole attachment for heavy loads that could cause injury if they fall. Read how holding force is determined.
Exceptions
This applies to the standard hook and eye magnets with a steel pot and NiCuNi coating. The rubber hook and eye magnets, the hook magnet with a freely swivelling hook, and the rubber eye magnets with a stainless steel eye are constructed differently. For those products, check the dimensions on the product page.
Which one should you choose?
First choose the holding force you need, and then a hook or eye depending on how you want to hang something. View 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 away.
Help with choosing
Not sure? Use the Magnet Advisor or contact us.
