Magnetic Storage - good or bad?

[kartracer23]

On my workbench at the track, I have all of my T-handle allens, screwdrivers and wrenches stored on heavy duty magnetic tool bars. Obviously, what happens is they all become magnetized. Is this bad / good / doesn't matter? It's just so simple when working on my kart to have everything out and handy - a lot of times you have just minutes between qualifying and a race to make adjustments or fix something. And since kart manufacturers have decided that using the same size nut or bolt on any part of the kart more than once would be taboo, it takes a lot of different tools. And that some of the parts are standard and some are metric throws a wrench in it as well.

I am very careful about using anything magnetic around the carb / needles becasue something magnetized in there would not be good, but what about the rest of the tools? Is there a general consensus as to if it's a bad idea?

[eschoendorff]

I wouldn't think that the magnetism would matter - unless you are working around computers or small electronic components.

Oddly enough, I store a lot of screwdrivers and even some wrenches on powerful magnetic holder and I really haven't noticed that they have become magnetized. Weird.

[Lyaec350]

They'll only become magnetized if you drag them off rather than pull them straight off at a 90* angle.

If you don't want them magnetized just pull them directly off the thing, if you want your screwdriver tips magnetized, slide the blade across the magnet as you pull them off. Simple.

[eschoendorff]

They'll only become magnetized if you drag them off rather than pull them straight off at a 90* angle.

If you don't want them magnetized just pull them directly off the thing, if you want your screwdriver tips magnetized, slide the blade across the magnet as you pull them off. Simple.

No shit? That's so simple... I'm embarrassed that I hadn't noticed that before. Good call! :beer:

[JB740i]

Sears has a magnetizer/demagnetizer thing for about 5 bucks. I got one when I needed a filler and stuck it to the lid of my box. Haven't found any need to use it yet though.

Somewhat related, I got the Gearwrench oil pan plug ratchet set at sportsmans guide the other day for 11 bucks or so. Seems really nice, just wish there was a cheap source for their loose sockets. Might have to buy a 3/8 set of them in the future. I'll just make sure that it comes with the flex head ratchet since I've got the straight head in the current set.

[wantedabiggergarage]

I am very careful about using anything magnetic around the carb / needles becasue something magnetized in there would not be good, but what about the rest of the tools? Is there a general consensus as to if it's a bad idea?


And yet people sell magnets for the gas line for increased fuel economy!:spit::lol_hitti

I wouldn't think that the magnetism would matter - unless you are working around computers or small electronic components.



When working on computers, I and others tend to use a magnetic screwdriver. You don't want to lay it on a hard drive for a long time (or leave a huge roll of magnetic sign material next to your pc, had to diagnose a freinds pc, due to that), but they are great for keeping the screws from falling back into things (cooling fans, shorting out a motherboard, etc).

If your worried, get and leave something like Sears #45021 with them. Handy to have, and can be found elsewhere. (magnetizer, demagnetizer)

[fourfeathers]

Sears has a magnetizer/demagnetizer thing for about 5 bucks. I got one when I needed a filler and stuck it to the lid of my box. Haven't found any need to use it yet though.

Somewhat related, I got the Gearwrench oil pan plug ratchet set at sportsmans guide the other day for 11 bucks or so. Seems really nice, just wish there was a cheap source for their loose sockets. Might have to buy a 3/8 set of them in the future. I'll just make sure that it comes with the flex head ratchet since I've got the straight head in the current set.

Check Sears for cheap open stock gearwrench sockets.

[kartracer23]

Thanks guys. Guess I'll go with the magnetic bars again for my new workshop. Fortunately, it's not a dirty / dusty area so I don't worry too much about leaving stuff out. BTW-I tried a number of different magnetic strips before I found some that actually work. It will even hold my 24mm box / open end Craftsman that I use for clutch removal, and I bet that thing is close to 1 lb. Can't remember the brand, but I picked them up at Rural King-they're 24" long and black with a yellow stripe.
I don't mind the tools being magnetized, just wasn't sure if it was a faux pas in the tool world. :)

[billymade]

http://s7.sears.com/is/image/Sears/00945021000?qlt=90,0&resMode=sharp&op_usm=0.9,0.5,0,0
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00945021000P?keyword=screwdriver+mag netizer&sLevel=0

Craftsman Magnetizer, Magnet, and Demagnetizer
Sears item# 00945021000 Mfr. model# 45021 $3.99

Good little tool, works great and cheap price too!

[a390st]

I hate magnetized tools because they pick up and hold onto metal shavings. The demagnetizer thing should do the trick.

[chad s]

If you do a lot of metal fabrication, magnetized tools are a real pain!

[a390st]

I've had enough metal get in my hands from picking up tools the guys would leave out when we were fabricating things in a rush to last a lifetime. Most of the tools weren't magnetized and it was terrible. The few that were magnetized were a nightmare.