Where to Buy Magnets: A Practical Selection Guide
Where to buy magnets and how to choose the right type
The best place to choose magnets is a specialist online shop where you can compare their dimensions, material, strength, operating temperature and intended use. A typical stationery shop usually only offers office magnets, while technical projects require a precisely selected product.
- Office and coloured magnets are suitable for boards.
- Neodymium magnets are suitable for DIY and technical projects.
- Self-adhesive magnetic foil can be used to make your own magnets.
- Industrial applications require specialist magnetic aids.
A specialist shop offers magnets in various shapes, sizes and materials. The right choice depends mainly on what the magnet needs to hold, the surface it will be used on and its working conditions.
Magnets for school and office use
Office magnets in plastic or silicone cases are suitable for attaching documents, timetables, photographs and notes.
Ferrite magnets may be sufficient for a standard painted steel board. A glass magnetic board usually requires a stronger neodymium version because the glass increases the distance between the magnet and the steel backing.
Magnetic boards can also be written on with suitable markers and used for teaching, planning or presentations.
Neodymium magnets for DIY projects
Neodymium magnets provide high holding force even at a very small size. They are used, for example, for:
- model making and small structures,
- magnetic closures,
- holders and organisers,
- sensors and electronic devices,
- making decorations and promotional items.
Before buying, compare the dimensions, direction of magnetisation, strength, coating and maximum operating temperature.
Magnetic foil for your own creations
Magnetic sheet is a flexible material made from ferrite powder and a plastic binder. It can be cut with scissors or trimmed to the required shape.
The self-adhesive version sticks on one side to a photograph, label, paper item or lightweight decoration. The magnetic side then attaches to a steel board, fridge or shelving.
Which product should you choose?
- Documents and notes: an office magnet.
- Small technical project: a neodymium magnet.
- Your own photo magnet: self-adhesive magnetic sheet.
- Teaching and presentations: a magnetic board.
- Manufacturing and separation: an industrial magnetic product.
What should you check before ordering?
- Is the surface really ferromagnetic?
- How large and heavy is the object the magnet needs to hold?
- Will the load pull straight off, or will the magnet tend to slide down the surface?
- Will it be used in dry, damp or high-temperature conditions?
- Do you need a bare magnet, a magnetic mount, foil or a ready-made aid?
Pull force is not a general load capacity
The stated pull force applies to full contact with clean, flat and sufficiently thick steel, with the magnet pulled off perpendicularly. Paint, a gap, rust, thin sheet metal or a sideways load can significantly reduce the actual holding force.
Selected magnetic products
Magnetic board 150 × 100 cm
A large whiteboard for teaching, training, presentations, planning and working with magnetic aids.
- Dimensions 150 × 100 cm
- White painted surface
- Aluminium frame
- Writable with whiteboard markers
- Dry-wipe surface
- Weight 12 kg
- Product code 10570
Neodymium cylinder magnet 5 × 2 mm
A compact magnet for model making, closures, small holders and other technical projects.
- Diameter 5 mm
- Height 2 mm
- Pull force 5.9 N
- Approximate force 0.59 kg
- Weight 0.29 g
- Magnetic properties VMM5
- Axial magnetisation
- Nickel-plated surface
- Temperature resistance up to 80 °C
- Product code 20037
Self-adhesive magnetic foil 1 mm
Flexible foil for making magnets, labels, signage and lightweight magnetic decorations.
- Thickness 1 mm
- Width 0.62 m
- Standard length 1 m
- Ferrite powder bonded with plastic
- Self-adhesive layer
- Approximate pull force 58 g/cm²
- Weight 2.33 kg per metre
- Temperature range −20 to +40 °C
- Product code 10102
Important: the foil is itself a magnet. It is not a steel noticeboard to which other magnets will reliably attach.
View productFrequently asked questions
Where can I buy a strong magnet?
From a specialist online shop that lists dimensions, material, direction of magnetisation, operating temperature and approximate pull force.
How can I tell whether a magnet will hold?
Test the surface with an ordinary magnet. Aluminium, copper, plastic, wood and non-magnetic stainless steel are not suitable mating surfaces.
Is a neodymium magnet always the best choice?
No. It is very strong, but brittle and susceptible to corrosion. A different material or a protected magnetic mount may be more suitable for higher temperatures or outdoor conditions.
Can magnetic foil be cut?
Yes. Standard foils can be shaped with scissors or a sharp knife.
Is the stated force the actual load capacity?
No. It is a value measured or calculated under specified conditions. In actual use, the force may be significantly lower.
Summary
Choose a magnet according to its intended use, the surface, dimensions, required strength and working conditions. A specialist shop offers a wider choice and more detailed technical information than an ordinary stationery or DIY shop.
Magnetic boards and office magnets are suitable for schools and offices, neodymium magnets for DIY projects and self-adhesive magnetic foil for making your own magnets.
Choose a magnet for your particular application
Compare magnets, foils, boards, magnetic mounts and other magnetic aids by size, strength and operating environment.