Magnetic Pick-Up Tools and Belt Magnets: A Practical Guide

Why are magnetic tools useful?

Magnetic tools let you quickly pick up ferromagnetic objects without complicated dismantling or searching across the floor.

They are useful, for example, when:

• repairing cars and motorcycles,
• assembling furniture,
• servicing machines and appliances,
• working in a workshop or garage,
• searching for dropped screws, nuts and tools.

A magnet mainly picks up ordinary steel, iron and cast iron. It does not attract aluminium, copper, brass or most non-magnetic stainless steels.

Belt magnet

The magnet attaches to a work belt using a clip on the back. You no longer need to keep screws in your pockets or hold them dangerously in your mouth.

It is particularly useful for:

• machine screws and wood screws,
• nails,
• nuts and washers,
• smaller bits.

Keep heavy pliers, hammers, sharp tools and electrical devices in a secure mechanical holster. A belt magnet is not a safety holder for heavy tools.

Flexible magnetic pick-up tool

The bendable rod can be shaped to fit between hoses, cables or engine components. On the flexible automotive magnet, the magnetic tip stays retracted until the spring in the handle is pressed.

This reduces unwanted attachment to surrounding metal parts while inserting the tool.

Telescopic magnetic pick-up tool

A telescopic magnet has an extendable steel rod that can be adjusted to the depth of the space.

It can help retrieve, for example:

• a dropped screw or nut,
• a key from behind furniture,
• nails from grass,
• a small tool from an engine compartment,
• a steel component from a deep container.

How do you use a magnetic pick-up tool?

1. Check that the object you are looking for responds to a magnet.
2. If working inside a machine, switch it off and secure it against start-up.
3. Insert the rod slowly to avoid damaging cables or hoses.
4. Once the object is caught, withdraw it smoothly.
5. Remove the object over a safe surface.
6. Clean the magnetic tip after work.

Working safely

• Do not insert a magnetic rod into a running machine or engine.
• Do not use it near exposed live electrical parts.
• Protect sensitive sensors, watches and magnetic cards.
• Wear work gloves when removing sharp objects you have retrieved.
• Do not use the rod as a pry bar.
• Stop using a damaged telescopic section, handle or magnetic tip.

Recommended magnetic tools

Screws close at hand

Belt magnet

A compact aid for keeping small steel fasteners close at hand during assembly.

• Magnet diameter 50 mm
• Weight 77.65 g
• Clip on the back
• For machine screws, wood screws and nails
• Product code 10666

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For irregular spaces

Flexible automotive magnetic pick-up tool

A bendable magnetic tool with a retractable tip for finding parts in engine compartments and between metal components.

• Overall reach 570 mm
• Magnetic section diameter 10 mm
• Weight 173.5 g
• NdFeB neodymium magnet
• Rated holding force up to 900 g
• Flexible rod
• Retractable magnetic tip
• Product code 10254

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Longest reach

Telescopic magnetic pick-up tool

A lightweight extendable rod for finding steel objects in deeper but readily accessible gaps.

• Retracted length 190 mm
• Maximum length 770 mm
• Weight 80 g
• NdFeB neodymium magnet
• Rated holding force up to 6.8 kg
• Lightweight foam handle
• Product code 30026

Important: the stated 6.8 kg applies with suitable contact against a clean steel object. This tool is not designed for lifting loads.

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Frequently asked questions

Summary

A belt magnet keeps small fasteners close at hand. A flexible magnetic pick-up tool suits irregular engine compartments, while a telescopic model extends your reach into deeper gaps.

Choose the tool according to the shape of the space and the weight of the object to be retrieved. The stated holding force applies only under suitable conditions and does not replace safe lifting equipment.