Where can I get a strong magnet?

3.10.2023

Where can you find strong magnets at home?

Strong magnets can also be found in ordinary household appliances and electronics. Most commonly, these are neodymium magnets or larger ferrite or AlNiCo magnets, which are used in hard drives, speakers, drives or microwave ovens.

We will show which devices can contain interesting magnets.
You will learn what types of magnets are typically found in individual appliances.
We will explain the difference between neodymium, ferrite and AlNiCo magnets.
We will also add safety recommendations for disassembly.
We will add suitable products if you want ready-made magnets without taking devices apart.

If you are a magnet enthusiast and are looking for a way to get strong magnets for experiments, home use or technical projects, there are several interesting options. Many older electrical appliances and electronic devices contain magnets that can be reused after disassembly.

However, it is useful to know exactly where to look for these magnets, what type you can expect and what to watch out for when removing them. In some cases, it may also be more practical to buy a ready-made magnet with the required shape and strength.

Why are strong magnets found in electronics?

Magnets are an important part of many electrical devices because they help transmit force, create movement, ensure precision or influence electrical signals. This is why you can find them in hard drives, speakers, headphones or various drives.

However, each device usually contains a different type of magnet. Some use small and very strong neodymium magnets, while others contain larger ferrite or AlNiCo magnets.

Hard disk drive (HDD)

One of the most interesting sources of strong magnets is an older hard disk drive. In a traditional HDD, you will usually find two very strong neodymium magnets, often shaped like arcs or segments.

Neodymium magnets are among the strongest commonly available permanent magnets. Although they are relatively small, their strength is often surprisingly high. This is why hard drives are a popular source for home experiments and technical projects.

What can you find in an HDD?

Usually very strong neodymium magnets with small dimensions but high holding force. They are suitable for experiments and technical use if they are not damaged during disassembly.

CD/DVD drive

Another place where you can find interesting magnets is in old CD or DVD drives. Inside, there are often smaller magnetic prisms that are usually smaller than those from a hard drive but can still provide very good strength.

These magnets can be very practical for smaller home projects or experiments because they are easy to handle and have a compact shape.

Speakers

Older speakers often contain larger AlNiCo magnets. Although they are not as strong as modern neodymium magnets, they offer the advantage of larger dimensions and often an interesting shape.

By contrast, newer speakers more often use neodymium magnets because they provide high strength in a small volume. This is particularly important where space needs to be saved while maintaining performance.

Headphones

Small magnets can also be found in headphones, most commonly neodymium magnets. They are very compact, but their strength can be surprising considering their size. This makes them suitable for devices where space is limited but good sound performance is required.

If you want to obtain very small magnets for more precise work or experiments, old headphones can be an interesting source.

Microwave oven

In an old microwave oven, you may find larger ferrite magnets. Although they are usually not as strong as neodymium magnets, their larger dimensions provide a larger magnetic area and can make them suitable for other types of applications.

Ferrite magnets are suitable where you do not need extreme strength in a small size but prefer a larger volume and magnetic working area.

Which type of magnet is suitable for what?

When choosing or obtaining a magnet from an old device, it is useful to know what properties to expect. Different types of magnets have different advantages.

Magnet source	Magnet type	Typical properties
Hard disk drive	Neodymium	Very strong, small, compact
CD/DVD drive	Neodymium or another small magnet	Smaller size, practical shape
Speakers	AlNiCo or neodymium	Larger dimensions or higher strength
Headphones	Neodymium	Very small but strong
Microwave oven	Ferrite	Larger size, lower strength than neodymium

A few final tips

When removing magnets from household electrical devices, it is important to proceed carefully. Some magnets are very strong, while others are brittle and prone to damage. Stronger neodymium magnets can also snap together or onto metal objects very suddenly.

Safety when removing magnets

Work carefully because neodymium magnets are brittle.
Do not allow two strong magnets to collide suddenly.
Be careful not to pinch your fingers.
Do not place magnets near credit cards or sensitive electronics.
Always take care when disassembling older devices.

When is it better to buy a ready-made magnet?

Although obtaining magnets from old electronics can be fun, it is not always the most practical solution. If you need a specific size, shape or reliable strength, it is often better to buy a ready-made magnet. You save time and get exactly what you need.

This is especially true for smaller neodymium magnets, which are suitable for experiments, technical use and everyday household tasks.

Don't want to search for magnets in old electronics?

If you need a specific magnet straight away without taking appliances apart, it is worth choosing ready-made neodymium magnets. They are precise, strong and suitable for home and technical use.

Frequently asked questions about obtaining magnets from appliances

Where can I find the strongest magnets at home?

Very often in old hard drives, which usually contain strong neodymium magnets. Other options include CD/DVD drives, headphones or some speakers.

Are magnets from hard drives really strong?

Yes. Despite their small size, they are often very strong and are among the strongest magnets commonly found in old household electronics.

What is the difference between a neodymium magnet and a ferrite magnet?

A neodymium magnet is significantly stronger at the same size. A ferrite magnet is usually cheaper and often larger, but has lower magnetic strength.

Is it safe to dismantle old appliances to get magnets?

Only if you know what you are doing and follow safety precautions. Disassembling some devices can be risky, especially if they contain hazardous components or sharp parts.

When is it worth buying a ready-made magnet?

If you need a specific size, shape or reliable performance without time-consuming disassembly, buying a ready-made magnet is usually the more practical solution.

Summary

Strong magnets can also be found in old household electrical appliances, especially in hard drives, drives, speakers or headphones. Most commonly, these are neodymium magnets, which stand out for their high strength despite their small size. However, if you need a precise shape, reliable strength and a quick solution, it is usually more practical to buy a ready-made magnet.

Looking for strong magnets without dismantling electronics?

Choose ready-made neodymium magnets for experiments, the home, workshop and technical use.

View magnet range