Magnets can lose magnetism if we modify them

It's not something we usually think about, but it's true that sometimes we need to cut or puncture a magnet. It is not advisable to drill or saw magnets, but if we must cut or pierce them, we must do it the right way so that they do not lose magnetism.

Ferrite and Neodymium magnets are hard materials, but at the same time, they are very brittle, so we do not recommend working on them with common tools such as the drill, as it can overheat and general a large amount of dust that is very inflammable, as well as that usually demagnetizes the magnets. For this reason Neodymium magnets and Ferrite magnets are worked, cut or perforated, before they are magnetized. If we have to pierce or cut the Neodymium and Ferrite magnets we must use suitable diamond tools, as well as having a system that allows us to cool with water from time to time.

Actually, even if we don't believe it, there are many reasons why we may need to cut a magnet. For example, it occurs to us that you need to replace it or one that doesn't work for a project. If in this case you only have a large magnet and you need to decrease its size there are several ways to do it.

But we warn you that the way you select from the ones we propose must depend on the type of magnet you are trying to pierce or cut. Some magnets are more flexible than others. In any case, regardless of the type of magnet, we want to make some recommendations that you must take into account.

Recommendations for handling and cutting magnets

• Use work gloves, as handling a magnet, even a magnet is dangerous as splinters can be generated. Work gloves will also protect you from the tools you are going to use.

• You must mark the route on the magnet you are going to follow whenever you want to make a cut.

• We recommend cutting the magnet with a metal shear, following the guide mark.

• Wear a nose and mouth mask, gloves and goggles. Not only is there a danger of cuts with the blade in your hands, but piercing these magnets will produce dust in the air that is harmful if inhaled and can easily reach the eyes. For any cut you should always wear protection.

• Place the magnet on a vise, which will make it easier for you to use a metal saw. This method prevents the magnet from moving, which favours the conservation of its magnetic properties. The excessive vibrations favor the evasion of the magnetic electrons of the magnet, diminishing or losing the magnetic properties. By controlling this you avoid losing the magnetization.

• You can also cut the magnet with a saw, following the route you have traced to help you.

• You can also place your diamond-plated lathe on your dremel. Once in place, press it into place. Then start the device. As the lathe rotates, place it over the mark you made on the magnet, pressing as you do so. Take care not to put excessive pressure on the dremel or you can bend the lathe. - You can also use a chisel on the mark to orientate yourself on the magnet. Holding it with one hand and using a hammer you can hit the handle. This can break the magnet in two if the cut fails. But remember that this will be your last option, as it has the greatest chance of damaging the magnetic properties of the magnet, as indicated above. You can reduce them or lose them in the cutting or punching process.