Things to Know When Using Neodymium Magnets

If left exposed to the elements, the iron in the magnet will rust. To protect the magnet from corrosion and to strengthen the brittle magnet material, we recommend coating the magnet in nickel plating. Other coating options are zinc, tin, copper, epoxy, silver and gold.

Neodymium magnets must be handled with care to avoid injury and damage to you and the magnet. Keep the following things in mind when handling neodymium magnets:

• Fingers and hands can get severely pinched between two attracting magnets. It is important that they be kept out of the reach of small children.
• Neodymium magnets are brittle and can peel, crack or shatter if allowed to slam together.
• Eye protection should be worn.
• Neodymium magnets can also damage items such as credit cards, magnetic identification cards, or video tapes.
• Never place neodymium magnets near electronic devices. It is crucial to never allow them near a person with a pacemaker or similar medical aid.
• Neodymium magnets should not be machined. The material is brittle and prone to chipping and cracking, so it does not machine well by conventional methods. Machining the magnets will generate heat, which if not carefully controlled, can demagnetize the magnet or even ignite the material which is toxic when burned.