Magnets at home: 10 handy uses

When people think of magnets, they often think of industry or technology, but they are at least as useful at home. With a few well-chosen magnets, you can keep doors closed, hang up tools, or keep cables tidy, without drilling or gluing. Below are ten applications you can easily create yourself, with the right magnet for each idea.

1. Cabinet doors and flaps that stay neatly closed

For a door that keeps falling open, use ring magnets with countersunk holes, which screw flush. You have two options: a magnet inside the cabinet with a steel ring as a counterpart on the door, or two magnets facing each other (a north-pole and a south-pole version) for more strength. Start small: a magnet that is too strong will make the door difficult to open.

2. Hanging up tools and kitchen utensils

With hook magnets, you can hang scissors, wrenches, oven mitts, or a lamp on a steel beam, workbench, or extractor hood. Note: on a vertical wall, a magnet only holds about a fifth of its stated holding strength because it slides along the surface. So choose generously, or take a rubber-coated version for extra grip.

3. Radiator foil without adhesive tape

Radiator foil behind your heater reflects heat back into the room. With radiator foil magnets, you can attach the foil to the steel radiator and remove it just as easily. Read how in attaching radiator foil with magnets.

4. A screen door that is easy to remove

You can make a simple mesh screen removable with a magnetic strip or small self-adhesive magnets. Stick the magnets to the edge of the mesh and provide a steel strip or second magnet on the door frame. In winter, you can remove it in one motion.

5. Keeping cables tidy along a desk or workbench

Keep chargers and cords that keep sliding off your desk in place with a small magnet under the tabletop or on a steel desk leg. A small hook magnet or a few disc magnets with a cable clip work well. Keep strong magnets away from hard drives and bank cards; see magnets and electronics.

6. Hanging up photos, notes, and drawings

On a steel board, cabinet, or door, a few disc magnets or ball magnets can effortlessly hold multiple sheets of paper. A refrigerator door is often thin, lacquered steel: magnets hold less than you might expect there, so choose one size larger. With a rubber protective disc, you prevent scratches.

7. Keeping screws and nails together

Place a strong magnet under a tray or stick it to the inside of your toolbox: small screws, nails, and bits will stay in place. Also useful: lightly magnetizing a screwdriver so the screw no longer falls. Read how in magnetizing tools.

8. Sewing and handicrafts

With sewing magnets, you can make invisible closures in bags, cases, and clothing. They come in a protective cover, so you can sew them in without them rusting or damaging the fabric.

9. A remote control or tablet that always lies in the same place

Stick a self-adhesive magnet on the back of the remote control and a second one where it should lie, for example on the side of a cabinet. Two magnets only attract each other if the poles are correctly positioned: state in your order note that you want them "north to south", and we will make sure they are correct.

10. Hanging up decorations without making holes

You can hang Christmas lights, garlands, or a nameplate on a steel door frame, garage door, or mailbox with hook magnets. For outdoor use, choose a magnet with a rubber coating: it protects the paint and is more resistant to moisture than a bare magnet. Also read can magnets be used outdoors?

Safe in the home

Strong neodymium magnets are not toys. Small magnets can cause serious damage if swallowed, and larger magnets snap hard against each other or against steel. Keep them out of reach of children and pets; see magnets, children, and pets. Not sure which magnet suits your idea? Use the Magnet Advisor or ask us.