How do you separate strong magnets?
Separate strong magnets by sliding them sideways, not by pulling straight. Sideways takes only 15 – 25% of the holding power. Use a table edge, a wooden wedge or a dispenser, and then put a spacer of at least 2 cm between the magnets.
Short answer: slide strong magnets apart sideways, do not pull them straight apart. Sideways takes only about 15 – 25% of the force you need when pulling straight. Use a table edge as a lever, slide the top magnet over the edge and only let go once it is at least a few centimetres away. Then put a piece of wood or plastic of at least 2 cm between the magnets so they do not jump back.
Method per size
| Size | Method |
|---|---|
| Small discs (up to approx. Ø10 mm) | push sideways off the stack with your thumb, or use a magnet dispenser |
| Medium (Ø15 – Ø30 mm, blocks) | place the stack on the table edge and push the top magnet down over the edge |
| Large (from approx. 20 kg holding power) | tap a wooden or plastic wedge between the magnets, then slide sideways; wear gloves and safety glasses |
| Pot magnets on steel | tilt rather than pull straight; for large pot magnets use a lever or a magnet with a handle |
| Sphere magnets | twist and roll away; a chain of spheres comes apart easily when you bend it |
Step by step: the table edge method
- Place the stack of magnets on a sturdy table, with the bottom magnet against the table edge.
- Hold the lower magnets down on the table.
- Push the top magnet down over the edge: you slide it away sideways.
- Move it well away quickly (more than 10 cm for large magnets) before it jumps back.
- Immediately put a spacer in between or store it separately.
What not to do
- No screwdriver or knife as a wedge: steel is attracted, slips and damages the coating.
- Do not pull straight apart: that takes the full holding power and the magnets snap back hard afterwards.
- Do not let them snap together: neodymium is brittle and splinters. See are neodymium magnets dangerous?
- Do not heat them to get them apart: above 80 °C they permanently lose strength.
Storing without hassle
- Store large magnets with spacers of wood, cardboard or plastic between them.
- Store small discs in the dispenser or as stacks with a piece of cardboard between the stacks.
- Keep magnets away from loose steel objects, cards and electronics. See magnets and electronics.
Frequently asked questions
My two large magnets are stuck tight. What now?
Clamp one magnet in a vice with wooden jaws and tap the other sideways with a wooden or plastic mallet. Or tap a wooden wedge into the seam and then slide them apart sideways. Wear gloves and glasses.
Why is sliding sideways so much easier?
Sideways you only work against friction, not against the full magnetic attraction. See holding power, pull force and working load.
