A pot magnet is a strong magnet in a steel pot. The steel concentrates the magnetic force at the contact surface, making a pot magnet hold much more than a loose magnet of the same size. At Magnetenspecialist you will find neodymium pot magnets from Ø10 to Ø88 mm with a holding force of approx. 4.5 to 107 kg, with countersunk hole, threaded bush, threaded stud, internal thread, for gluing or with rubber coating. For heat and humid environments there is also a ferrite pot magnet.

What are pot magnets?

A pot magnet consists of a magnet core in a steel housing that is open on one side. The pot directs the magnetic field from the back and the sides to that open front. This way almost all the force ends up on the contact surface, while the back is barely magnetic. The steel also protects the magnet against impacts and splintering. Most pot magnets have a core of neodymium, the strongest type of magnet there is.

Types of pot magnets

Which pot magnet you choose depends mainly on how you want to attach it.

Pot magnets with countersunk hole

You screw the magnet in with a countersunk screw; the screw head falls into the recess and lies flat with the contact surface. Handy for cabinet doors, flaps, panels and displays. Available from Ø13 to Ø75 mm.

Pot magnets with threaded bush

On top is a bush with internal thread (M3 to M8) into which you screw a bolt, hook or eye. This way you make a sturdy, screwed connection with a bracket, frame or lamp.

Pot magnets with threaded stud

A protruding threaded stud with which you pass the magnet through a hole and secure it with a nut. Ideal if you want to mount the magnet to a plate or profile.

Pot magnets with internal thread

The thread is in the pot itself, keeping the magnet low and compact. You screw a bolt or threaded rod into it (M4 to M8).

Pot magnets for gluing

A flat pot without hole or thread, for places where drilling or screwing is not possible. Use a two-component epoxy glue such as UHU Plus for a strong bond.

Rubber coated pot magnets

A rubber coating prevents scratches on paint and sensitive surfaces. Note the difference: due to the small gap the rubber creates, the holding force is lower than with a bare steel pot, but thanks to the grip the magnet slides away less quickly. On a vertical wall rubber is therefore often the better choice, on a ceiling a steel pot.

Hook and eye magnets

A pot magnet with threaded bush into which a hook or eye is screwed. With it you can directly hang something on a steel beam, ceiling or cabinet. View our hook magnets and eye magnets, or read hook magnet or eye magnet?

Ferrite pot magnet

Besides neodymium we have a ferrite pot magnet of Ø63 mm with threaded bush M8. It is less strong (approx. 36 kg), but can be used up to 200 °C and does not rust. Handy with machines, ovens or in humid environments.

The advantages of pot magnets

• Much force in a small size: a pot magnet holds several times as much as a loose magnet of the same size.
• Attach without drilling into the steel: the magnet adheres directly to steel and can be detached and moved again.
• Protected: the steel pot protects the brittle magnet core against impacts and splintering.
• Many mounting options: with screw, bolt, nut, glue, hook or eye.

Applications of pot magnets

Pot magnets are used in workshops, warehouses, shop and stand construction, furniture and interior construction and machine building. Think of attaching lighting, signs and panels on steel frames, hatches and cabinet doors that close magnetically, displays and presentation systems, jigs and parts during assembly, and hanging points on steel beams and ceilings.

Which pot magnet do you need?

First choose the attachment (see the table above) and then the size:

• Ø10 to Ø20 mm, approx. 4.5 to 11 kg: light attachments, displays, doors and flaps.
• Ø25 to Ø40 mm, approx. 10 to 25 kg: workshop, lighting, signs and panels.
• Ø48 to Ø75 mm, approx. 37 to 107 kg: heavy industrial mounting and clamping.

The stated holding force is measured perpendicular to a thick, flat steel plate. A thin plate, paint, rust or an air gap lower the holding force. If you pull sideways, as with a magnet on a vertical wall, the magnet slides away at approximately 15 to 20% of that force. So allow a generous margin. Read how holding force is determined or view the difference between holding force, pulling force and working load, use the Magnet Advisor, or read Which pot magnet should you choose? and Why are pot magnets so strong? Still in doubt? Contact us.

Safe use: large pot magnets snap against steel with force and can pinch fingers. Detach them by tilting, not by pulling straight. See working safely with magnets.

Frequently asked questions

Why is a pot magnet stronger than a regular magnet?

The steel pot directs the magnetic field from the back and the sides to the contact surface. This way almost all the force ends up on the front.

Do pot magnets work on all metals?

No, only on ferromagnetic metals such as iron and steel. On aluminium, copper and most types of stainless steel a pot magnet does not stick or barely sticks. Test it beforehand with any magnet. See is stainless steel magnetic?

What do I use as a counterpart on wood or plastic?

A steel plate or a steel ring with countersunk hole, which you screw down just as flush as the pot magnet. Choose the ring with the same diameter as the pot.

What is the difference between a neodymium and a ferrite pot magnet?

Neodymium is much stronger and holds a lot of weight in a small size. Ferrite is weaker, but can withstand higher temperatures (up to 200 °C instead of 80 °C) and does not rust. Choose ferrite for heat and moisture, neodymium for maximum force.

Can I use a pot magnet on a painted surface?

Yes, but the paint acts as a gap and lowers the holding force. If you do not want to damage the surface, choose a pot magnet with rubber coating.

Can I use a neodymium pot magnet outside?

Not permanently. Neodymium is sensitive to rust; the nickel coating protects, but with moisture and damage the magnet will still rust and lose force. For outdoor use a ferrite pot magnet is better. See also can magnets be used outdoors?

May I lift with a pot magnet or hang something above people?

Not as the only attachment. The stated holding force is measured under ideal conditions and is not a permitted working load. For lifting, use a certified lifting magnet; above heads always use an extra safety measure.

How do I prevent damage to a pot magnet?

Do not let the magnet snap hard against steel or other magnets: the neodymium core is brittle and can crack. Set it down in a controlled way by letting it approach at an angle, and detach it by tilting.

How do I store pot magnets?

Dry, at room temperature and away from electronics, bank cards and other magnets. Lay them down so they cannot shoot against each other or against steel objects.

Do I get a discount for larger quantities?

Yes. You automatically get a volume discount of 5% to 20%, depending on the quantity and the unit price. For pot magnets from €10 per piece the discount starts from 10 pieces, and from €50 per piece already from 3 pieces; for cheaper magnets from larger quantities. You can see the tiers per product on the product page. Do you need even larger quantities, or are you ordering as a wholesaler or company? Request a quote with the Request a quote button on the product page, or visit our business page. Business customers can also email a purchase order and order on account.

When will my order be shipped?

Ordered and paid on working days before 16:00, it will be shipped the same working day if in stock. Free shipping within the Netherlands from €45. Consumers have a 30-day cooling-off period.