10 Surprising Home Uses For Strong Magnets
You likely already use magnets to stick invitations, important reminders, memorable photographs or other notifications to your refrigerator. However, did you know that strong magnets are useful for a variety of purposes throughout your home beyond just posting that wedding invitation or your kid's report card? In fact, they can help to solve a multitude of frustrating problems you may face. Next time you're hoping to improve things around the house, consider using magnets.
Ten Surprising Uses For Magnets
Here are just some of the useful ways you can improve your life with magnets:- Clean up - Spilled some tacks? Don't fret - you don't have to deal with piercing your fingers. Simply hover a 2'' x 1'' x 1'' block magnet over the floor or surface where the pins, tacks or other objects have fallen to pick them up.
- Easy storage - There are lots of ways to store or hold important household items using magnets. Try adhering a 2" x 1/4" x 1/16" Block - adhesive backed magnet to a broom halfway down the handle. Then you can place it against the side of your fridge so it's easy to find and won't fall down. You can also attach an 3/4" x 1/8" adhesive disc magnet to the pointed tip of an ironing board and one to the wall so that when you fold it up, it stays in place.
- Keep drawers shut - If you have a cabinet door or drawer in your home that just won't stay closed, attach a 6 mm x 2 mm disc magnet to the inside panel that the door or drawer rests against with double-sided tape. Then attach another one to the door or drawer itself. The most important thing is making sure the two magnets are properly lined up. As long as they connect, the door or drawer will stay closed now.
- Remove batteries - There's hardly anything more frustrating than trying to get a stuck battery out of its case. In those cases when the battery is being stubborn, just stack 5 mm x 3 mm disc magnets to make things easier - not to mention safer. Place the magnet over the battery and it will pop out effortlessly.
- Secure trash bags - It's common for trash bags to sink, snag, and move out of place, which can cause garbage to get left in the bin. As long as the bin is made of magnetic metal, you can make sure it stays firmly in place by affixing small disc magnets, such as 5 mm x 3 mm disc magnets, around the top edges.
- Locate a stud in the wall - When you're attempting to hang a photo, wall shelf or other object, it's imperative that you locate the wall stud. In fact, one inch in the wrong place and you might see an ugly hole in the drywall. All you have to do is run a 10 mm x 10 mm x 10 mm cube magnet along the wall, though, and when you feel the force of a pull, you've found it.
- Display your knives - Instead of a costly knife holder, try using 1/2'' x 1/8'' x 1/8'' bar magnets to display them on your wall in a way that's appealing to the eyes.
- Organize your desk - Paper clips can make a mess of your desk, but if you put a 1'' x 1/8'' disc magnet inside your drawer, you can ensure they stay in one place.
- Keep cords under control - Managing a multitude of cords can be a hassle, but magnets provide an easy solution for keeping them organized. Unwind a metal paperclip or take the metal spring from a ballpoint pen and wrap it around a cord. Attaching a silicone magnetic clip to the back of your desk will hold the spring - as well as the wire - in place.
- Make an invisible tool holder - Drill a series of holes in the back of a wooden board, insert disc magnets, such as 1'' x 1/8'' disc magnets into the holes, mount the wood on a wall and you'll be able to hang all of your favorite tools onto it.