Neodymium magnets are the strongest permanent magnets we sell and the surprisingly strong force between them may cause serious personal injuries, as well as to the magnets themselves.
Reviewing this checklist to help customers handle these magnets properly is strongly recommended.
Powerful attraction forces can cause serious injury.
Never put your fingers or any other body parts between two magnets. Neodymium magnets will slam together from several inches to feet apart, the huge impact may cause the body to pinch, and with larger magnets, the injuries could be severe. The safest method to apart the magnets is sliding them rather than pulling them off.
Neodymium magnets are not toys for children.
Children should not be allowed to handle or play with neodymium magnets. Small magnets can pose a choking hazard. If multiple magnets are swallowed, they can attach to each other through intestinal walls causing serious injuries and even death. If this occurs, seek immediate medical attention.
Keep neodymium magnets away from anyone with a pacemaker.
The strong magnetic fields generated by the neodymium magnets can affect pacemakers, ICDs and other implanted medical devices. Many of these devices are designed and made with a feature that deactivates the device with a magnetic field.
Keep neodymium magnets away from magnetic media.
The strong magnetic fields around neodymium magnets can damage magnetic media such as credit cards, magnetic I.D. cards, cassette tapes, video tapes or other such devices. They can also damage televisions, VCRs, computer monitors and CRT displays. DO NOT place neodymium magnets near electronic appliances.
Neodymium magnets can interfere with compasses and navigation.
Strong magnetic fields can influence compasses or magnetometers used in air and sea transport, as well as the internal compasses of smartphones and GPS devices.
Neodymium magnets can become demagnetized at high temperatures.
While operating temperatures are often listed up to 80°C (175°F), a magnet’s actual maximum operating temperature can vary depending on the grade, magnet shape and application.
Neodymium magnets are brittle, and can easily shatter and break.
Neodymium magnets normally have a shiny, metallic appearance due to their nickel plating, but unlike common metal materials like steel, neodymium magnets are very brittle and can easily shatter and break while slamming together. Eye protection should be worn when handling magnets since shattering magnets can launch small pieces at great speeds.
Neodymium magnets are not easily drilled or machined.
Those with nickel allergies should avoid contact with neodymium magnets directly.
People who have a nickel allergy should avoid handling the neodymium magnets directly or wear gloves before touching them because the magnets normally have nickel plating, or it may cause an allergic reaction such as redness and a skin rash.
Neodymium magnet dust and powder are flammable.
Avoid drilling or machining neodymium magnets. When ground into dust or powder, this material is highly flammable.
Neodymium magnets can corrode.
Most neodymium magnets have a three-layer coating, Nickel-Copper-Nickel, to provide enough protection for most applications. But using them in extreme environments, like underwater, outdoors, and in other moisture environments, may still cause the magnets to corrode and lose magnetic strength.