The small magnetiser from Wera is designed to magnetise tool tips. We’ve been trying it out.
For some machine repair work you can find yourself lacking a third hand, like when trying to position a screw when up a ladder. If there is no magnetised screwdriver or drill bit available, the job of attaching the screw seems to become much more challenging.
To be able to magnetise and demagnetise ferrous metal tool tips, tool maker Wera now markets a nifty bit of kit that polarises the tip of the screwdriver as you pull it lightly over the magnetiser. We ordered the tool from an online retailer to see what it brings to the toolbox party.
The 9500 Magnet SB is basically a magnet housed in a plastic casing. Recesses in the housing guide users on how to pass the tip of the screwdriver over the magnetiser. The 6cm long tool goes into any trouser pocket, but you should not place the magnet next to a mobile phone or other electronic devices. Alternatively, it can be attached to a tool bag using the eyelet.
We had a go at magnetising various different tools. For screwdrivers with a diameter of 4-8mm, magnetising by pulling them two to three times over the marked surface worked quite well. Afterwards we could lift screws or nails weighing up to about 10g with a steady hand. M6 x 50mm panhead screws or similarly long 6mm wood screws fall into the same category.
To demagnetise the tool tip, pass it through the indentation in the side of the head. The device reaches its limits with thicker tool tips or painted or galvanised tools.
At about £9, the magnetiser is a useful addition to any toolbox. However, the magnetic field generated is quite weak, which is why the holding power is only sufficient for smaller screws weighing up to 10g.
