Magnet Retention

**leatherman** · 08-10-2012, 01:47 AM

A while back a friend suggested I use the magnets out of old hard drives to use in some sheaths for a little extra retention.

Well

I took one apart and found the magnets, but they are embedded in a steel frame!

How the heck do I get the magnets out of the frame?

Any help would be much appreciated.

**Stabber** · 08-10-2012, 04:11 PM

a torch may work

Why not rare earth magnets. They are strong and can be found cheap

**Noe Leather** · 08-10-2012, 05:19 PM

Leatherman. I'm not sure if this will help, but here's a video I found on youtube.

**Noe Leather** · 08-10-2012, 05:23 PM

Here are a couple more links.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-...-old-harddisk/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Pull...-get-rare-ear/

**Dwane Oliver** · 08-10-2012, 11:33 PM

K & J Magnetics sells rare earth magnets fairly cheap too.
Just FYI

**leatherman** · 08-11-2012, 01:57 AM

And now I know! Thanks for all the help!

**leatherman** · 08-12-2012, 12:48 AM

It worked! Kinda, I broke both of them in half, but the theory is sound, I just bent the backing too far and split them both.

One thing, they seemed stronger when they were on the backing, not so much now.

I've got a few more drives to scavange before I give up and just order a few larger magnets, these are for a set of Hawks so I want them nice and strong.

Thanks again for all the help!

**savage12k** · 09-14-2012, 07:31 PM

They were stronger while they were whole. If I remember science class from oh so many years ago...(Which is not guaranteed with all of my cranial injuries...) Once you break a magnet, it loses much of it's power... IMHO buy the rare earth magnets. cheap and easier than scavenging...

**L R Harner** · 10-19-2012, 09:11 AM

i jsut grind the most of the backing off when i do it being careful not to over heat the mag (thats how you lost the strength i think)

**leatherman** · 10-19-2012, 06:33 PM

Much appreciated on the info so far!

I cant seem to get the buggers off before breaking them. I have a good vice to attach them to and a good pair of pliers but still manage to twist too hard.

I found some good ones on sale at Amazon, I think this is where I need to go. The demand is worth the effort for sure. I'll post pics of the work in progress when I get the magnets in.

Thanks again!!!!!!