Which magnetic eyelet do you choose? By holding force and design
An eye magnet is a neodymium pot magnet with an eye. You place it on a steel surface and attach a hook, chain or cable to it. The steel pot concentrates the magnetic force on the flat front, giving far more holding power on steel than the same magnet without a pot. Read more about the principle in Why are pot magnets so strong?
Step 1: choose the version
- Standard eye magnet: steel pot with NiCuNi coating, for dry indoor spaces such as workshops, warehouses and shops. This is the same pot magnet as the hook magnet of the same diameter, just with an eye instead of a hook. Hook magnet or eye magnet?
- Rubber eye magnet: the rubber coating protects the surface the magnet sits on and provides grip, so it is less likely to slide.
- With stainless steel eye: the rubber eye magnets Ø66 and Ø88 mm are also available with a stainless steel eye.
Step 2: choose the holding power
The holding power in the table is measured under ideal conditions on a flat, thick steel plate. In practice the actual holding power is lower due to rust, paint, an air gap or a thin surface. An object hanging from the eye also pulls on the magnet at an angle, so it releases sooner than with a perpendicular pull. So choose generously. The holding power is not a permissible working load: do not use a magnet as the only fastening for heavy loads where a fall could cause injury. Read how holding power is determined.
Quick selection
| Size | Holding power (approx.) | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Ø10 to Ø16 mm | 5.1 to 9.3 kg | Cables, small chains, light objects |
| Ø20 and Ø25 mm | 16 to 18 kg | Cables, lamps, workshop |
| Ø43 mm rubber | 14 kg | Where grip and surface protection matter |
| Ø32 mm | 29 kg | Chains and heavier objects in workshop and warehouse |
| Ø66 mm rubber | 27 kg | Heavier objects with rubber grip |
| Ø40 to Ø50 mm | 47 to 72 kg | Heavy objects on a thick steel surface |
| Ø88 mm rubber | 55 kg | Heavy objects with rubber grip |
| Ø60 mm | 96 kg | Very heavy-duty applications |
See the full range of eye magnets. Prefer a hook? Take a look at the hook magnets.
Safe use
Magnets are not toys and should be kept out of reach of children. Keep strong magnets away from pacemakers, electronics and bank cards. Large eye magnets snap forcefully against steel; keep your fingers clear.
Help choosing
Torn between two sizes? Use the Magnet Advisor or contact us.
