Which disc magnet will you choose? Per application
Which disc magnet is right for your job? An overview by application, from model making and jewelry to cabinet doors, displays, and mechanical engineering, including size advice and the limits of each size.
Choose the right disc magnet based on the application, not on the number in the product name. Below you can read which size is suitable for each application, when a magnet is too small, and what you should pay attention to. All disc magnets are made of neodymium. Want to calculate how much holding power you need? Use the calculation tool below or the Magnet Advisor.
Quick selection by application
| Application | Usually fits | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Model building and dioramas (removable roofs, hatches, miniatures) | Ø2 to Ø6 mm | Ø2 x 2 mm, Ø6 x 2 mm |
| Closures in jewelry and small boxes | Ø3 to Ø10 mm | Ø5 x 3 mm |
| Cabinet doors, hatches, and panels (furniture construction, camper, caravan) | Ø10 to Ø25 mm | Ø10 x 3 mm, Ø20 x 5 mm |
| Displays, trade fair stands, and interior design | Ø10 to Ø25 mm, often self-adhesive | Ø10 x 1 mm self-adhesive |
| Mechanical engineering: inspection panels, maintenance hatches, covers | Ø30 mm and larger | Ø30 x 10 mm, Ø40 x 20 mm |
| Screw-mount (countersunk hole) | Ø60 mm and larger | Ø60 x 25 mm with hole |
This is a guideline. Always test with one or two magnets before ordering a large batch or installing them.
Calculate how much holding power you need
Enter the weight, the number of disc magnets, and the surface material. The calculation tool indicates the minimum holding power you need per magnet and shows suitable disc magnets from our range. It is a guideline: always test with one or two magnets.
Small (Ø2 to Ø6 mm): precision and small parts
Small disc magnets have holding powers in the range of tens to hundreds of grams (e.g., Ø5 x 3 mm: approx. 910 g). They are intended for light parts: a removable roof on a model house, a small hatch, a small closure. They are too small for anything that needs to carry a load or that is pulled frequently.
Jewelry
A small disc magnet can act as a clasp in a bracelet or necklace. Note: our disc magnets have a NiCuNi coating (nickel-copper-nickel) and the outer layer contains nickel. This is not suitable if the magnet is in long-term contact with the skin, especially in cases of nickel allergy. Therefore, embed the magnet in the jewelry, for example in a housing or insert, so that the skin does not come into contact with it.
Medium (Ø8 to Ø25 mm): doors, panels, and displays
This group offers the widest selection, with holding powers from approx. 800 g to 18 kg (Ø10 x 3 mm: approx. 1.6 kg, Ø20 x 5 mm: approx. 4.9 kg). They are used for removable cabinet doors, panels in campers and caravans, and in displays and interior design where an invisible, quickly demountable attachment is desired. Self-adhesive versions can be stuck onto flat surfaces. A magnet of this size is too small for a heavy door or a large panel; in that case, use multiple magnets or a larger size.
Large (Ø30 mm and larger): mechanical engineering and heavy panels
From Ø30 mm upwards, we are dealing with holding powers of tens of kilograms (Ø30 x 10 mm: approx. 17 kg, Ø40 x 20 mm: approx. 49 kg). These sizes are used in mechanical engineering for inspection panels, maintenance hatches, and machine covers, as well as in warehousing and logistics. Versions with a countersunk hole can be screwed into place. Large magnets can snap together or against metal with great force: keep your fingers away and wear gloves when using them.
Things to keep in mind
- Holding power is a laboratory value. It is measured on a flat, thick steel plate. In practice, the actual force is lower, especially with thin, uneven, or coated surfaces, or if there is an air gap. Read how holding power is determined. As a rule of thumb, calculate with significantly less than the stated value and test.
- Grade (N35, N48, etc.). A higher number means a stronger magnet of the same size. Read what N35, N42, N48, and N52 mean.
- Temperature. Our disc magnets are suitable for use up to 80 °C. Above this temperature, the magnet may permanently lose power.
- Dry indoor use. NiCuNi-coated magnets are best suited for dry indoor areas. For humid conditions, an epoxy version is available, for example for steel doors (read more).
- Safety. Magnets are not toys and should be kept out of reach of children. Keep strong magnets away from pacemakers, electronics, and credit cards.
