Magnetic Hooks

I bought a bunch of rare earth magnets online a few years back for another project, recently while tidying up I came across some left over spares, I thought I could make use of a couple as portable / temporary hooks for use when i go away and for around the home to hang light weight objects without the need to drill holes..

I was really happy with how the quick build turned out! (Time - ~10min)

1x Brass cup hook with a metal thread to suit the magnets aperture and depth - (Self drilling threads for use with timber won't work for this build) I also found it useful to use a brass not "brass plated" hook as this helps to allow ferrous and magnetic items to hang more naturally without being influenced by the magnet's field.

1x Brass or metal nut to match the thread of the hook

1x Rare earth magnet (square or round) for this project it must have a hole bored through it and it must have one side countersunk - the magnets I used were round measuring 25mm x 10mm

Optional - thread locker or some sort of glue for maximum thread security

Hacksaw
Fine flat file
Ruler
Marking pen
Pointy nose or needle nosed pliers
A bench vice or something adequate to hold the hook

1. Insert the hook through the magnet with the countersunk side facing rear to allow the nut to sit inside (this leaves the magnet with a flush backing)

2. Mark the thread of the hook just shy of the end of the magnet using a marker or lightly scoring it with a hacksaw or measure the depth with a ruler!

3. Hold the cup hook in a vice and cut the thread to length using a hacksaw

4. File any burrs or dags off the end of the thread to allow the nut to start / screw on evenly

1. Pass the threaded hook through the magnet with the countersunk end facing the rear

2. Optional - add a couple of drops of thread locker to the thread

3. Screw the nut on the thread by hand up inside the tapered / countersunk hole

4. Tighten the nut using a pair of long nose or needle nosed pliers

Note - The nut I used sat slightly proud of the rear of the magnet - to overcome this problem i had to file and then sand the nut lightly with fine sandpaper on the workbench to allow the magnet to sit evenly on square surfaces when assembled

I found these magnets can handle quite a bit of weight!

Ideal for hanging rubbish bags as pictured in the side of my tool trolley and are really handy for almost any item that needs to be on hand and within reach around the home or workshop, the list goes on and on......

I would love to hear about how other people work with this idea and rare earth magnets.