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Any reason why I shlould not use magnets to hold my chisels?

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7K views 27 replies 17 participants last post by  kwhit190211 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I am looking for ideas to build a chisel rack.
Now I am thinking about using magnets to hold the chisels.
Any reason why I should not do that?
Is it going to be pain when I sharpen them?
Thanks
 
#10 ·
I can't remember all I once knew about magnets. I think your concern is the magnets might magnatize the chisels then when you sharpen them the metal dust will cling to the chisels. I believe you could easily wipe that off with a cloth or paper towel. I see no reason to not use magnets if you can make it work. It would be bad for the chisel and the owner if they ever fell and struck you.
 
#13 ·
There was a post recently, that said round magnets are rummaged from microwave ovens. The post said something about discharging a capacitor, or something along those lines.
 
#17 ·
"I've used a HD magnetic strip mourned near my lathe to hold chisels currently in use.
I'll never do that again they seem to pick up every iron (or microscopic piece of chisel) within 1 sq mile area.
I was constantly wiping off tha tools and pulling steel splinters out of my fingers."

Here is exactly my concern
 
#19 ·
"Perhaps that has something to do with the strength or type of magnet?"
Most likely the steel itself. Some steel get magnetized very easily, some do not.
I have screwdrivers that I tried to magnetize on purpose but to no avail.
 
#20 ·
OK, @kunk has a point. I should have remembered this because I have a number of screwdrivers that have become magnetized over the years and have become a PITA to clean completely. Makes me wonder about chisels on sandpaper (scary-sharp method) and then later transferring that steel dust to the wood in use. Hmm… don't know either Bert.
 
#22 ·
I use magnetic strips from Harbor Freight, they are about 16" long and cost $2.99. Never had a problem with my chisels being overly magnetized. I did cover the magnet with a strip of old t-shirt to eliminate scratches if I slide the chisel off the magnet bar.
 
#24 ·
I haven't used one, but they do make a specially shaped magnetic block that will either Magnetize or DE-Magnetize tools by sliding them through a special slot or hole, but why fool with that? I just don't magnetize them to start with. I am also a jeweler when I'm not being an engineer or electrician and I hate it when my little screwdrivers grab a tiny screw before I want to pick it up.
 
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