Sure, magnets hold a huge importance in our day-to-day lives. From the moment we wake up until the moment we go to sleep, magnets are working behind the scenes in our microwaves, cars, our computers, and many other tools we take for granted. 

While magnets are useful in intricate gadgets, it’s crucial we don’t forget their simplicity. The reason: Their simplicity (and effectiveness) makes them excellent tools to have on hand around the workplace. With a little ingenuity, a tiny neodymium magnet can solve a major headache you’ve accepted as part of your daily job.

Best Ways to Use Magnets

Here are a few of our favorite tricks for using magnets in the workplace:

1. Locating metal studs behind walls.

Don’t have time to dig a stud finder out of the toolbox? Drag a small but powerful neodymium magnet over the wall to figure out where the metal studs are located. Tip: Use multiple magnets. Once you find a stud, leave the magnet against the wall, then use another magnet to locate the next stud.

2. Seal off HVAC vents.

When you need to quickly stop the stream of air, take a piece of fabric, wood, or rubber about the size of the vent and drape it over top. Then use the magnets to keep the material in place. This will stop the flow of air and make it easy to take down when you’re done.

3. Prevent corrosion in freshwater intakes.

Place a magnet on the freshwater intake pipe to catch destructive calcium particles (and other unwanted metallic materials) before they get inside.

4. Pin blueprints to the roof (or side) of a truck.

Don’t have a workbench while out on the site? No matter. Four magnets can turn a truck into a convenient makeshift desk while you’re out on the job. Just plop the magnets onto the corners of the blueprint.

5. Clean up fallen nails or metal shavings.

Prevent loose metallic pieces from causing serious damage down the road. Run a magnet over spills to pick up loose bits. Another option: Use a magnetic sweeper, which is designed to pick up these particles even more effectively.

6. Hang tools.

You’ve probably seen chefs who use magnetic knife holders. You could also use these to keep small, handy tools, like screwdrivers and saws, within arm’s reach.

7. Keep garbage liners (or lids) in place.

Tired of sagging trash bags in metal cans? The next time you drop in a bag, place a magnet on the outside to keep the bag from falling in. Just make sure not to throw them out when you take out the trash! Magnets are also an easy way to keep lids from blowing off in the wind. Simply place magnets under the lid and at the top of the garbage bin. The magnetic attraction will keep the lid down tight until someone comes along to remove it.

8. Turn walls into magnets.

By using a few coats of magnetic primer in a high-traffic area, you can transform walls into convenient magnetic surfaces for hanging clipboards, signs, and tools. Remember: The more coats you apply, the stronger the finished product will be.

9. Keep wires organized.

Whether you want to hold loose plugs in place, keep stored cables together, or keep cords from moving around, magnets can provide a quick solution.

Ready to unlock the power of magnets in your facility? Look through our huge selection of powerful magnets to get started.