Which magnetic eyelet do you choose? By holding force and design
An eye magnet is a neodymium pot magnet with an eye or eye bolt. You place it on a steel surface and hang a hook, chain, or cable from it. The steel pot concentrates the magnetic force towards the flat front side, making the holding power on steel much higher than that of the same magnet without a pot. Read more about the principle in Why are pot magnets so strong?
Step 1: choose the version
- Standard eye magnet: steel pot with NiCuNi coating, for dry indoor areas such as workshops, warehouses, and shops.
- Rubber eye magnet: the rubber coating protects the surface against which the magnet is placed and provides grip, so it is less likely to slide.
- With stainless steel eye: for the Ø66 and Ø88 mm rubber eye magnets, a version with a stainless steel eye is also available.
- Eye bolt magnet: pot with an M5 threaded eye bolt, for those who want to use a bolt instead of a fixed eye.
Step 2: choose the holding power
The holding power in the table is measured under ideal conditions on a flat, thick steel plate. In practice, the actual holding power is lower due to rust, paint, an air gap, or a thin surface. Furthermore, an object hanging from the eye pulls at an angle on the magnet, causing it to detach sooner than it would with a perpendicular pulling force. Therefore, choose with a generous margin. Holding power is not a permitted working load: do not use a magnet as the sole support for heavy loads where a fall could cause injury. Read how holding power is determined.
Quick selection
| Dimensions | Holding power (approx.) | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Ø10 to Ø16 mm | 3.6 to 4.9 kg | Cables, light chains, light objects |
| Ø20 mm | 8.5 kg | Light objects, displays |
| Ø43 mm rubber | 14 kg | Where grip and surface protection matter |
| Ø32 to Ø48 mm | 22 to 28 kg | Cables, chains, lamps, workshop |
| Ø50 and Ø60 mm | 30 to 31 kg | Heavier objects in workshop and warehouse |
| Ø66 mm rubber | 27 kg | Heavier objects with rubber grip |
| Ø88 mm rubber | 55 kg | Heavy objects with rubber grip |
View the full range in the eye magnets collection. Prefer a hook? Then take a look at the hook magnets.
Safe use
Magnets are not toys and should be kept out of the reach of children. Keep strong magnets away from pacemakers, electronics, and bank cards. Large eye magnets snap against steel with force; keep your fingers away.
Choosing help
Are you unsure between two sizes? Use the Magnet Advisor or contact us.
