In a past post we covered how magnets were discovered in China during the Qin dynasty (221-206 BC.) We used some of their original techniques to make a compass using a sewing needle and bowl of water, but sometimes a bowl of water is not around when you really need a compass, like when taking a hike. For those who don’t have bowl handy, you can use this DIY magnetic compass to find the true magnetic north.

Supplies:

  • 3/8" x 1/16” Disc Neodymium Rare Earth Magnet
  • Rubber O-ring - 1/4" inside diameter and 7/16” outside diameter
  • 2 thin flat head screws approximately 2.5”
  • 12” of thread
  • Red and white nail polish or tape to differentiate poles
  • Scissors

Directions:

  1. Paint the threaded side of each screw either white or red. The paint will help us tell the difference between the poles and while they dry you can move onto the next steps.
  2. Attach the string to the O-ring by tying a knot. After the knot is completed cut off any remaining string left in the knot.
  3. Carefully insert the disc magnet into the O-ring, making sure that it will stay in place with the remaining string not caught in between.
  4. After the paint has dried attach each screw to a side of the magnets. Make sure that the magnet stays in the O-ring.
  5. When finished point the red side of the magnet North to find the true magnetic North direction.
Although this compass will not work without knowing which direction is North, you will still be able to know the exact magnetic North. Magnetic north differs from time to time as the poles change locations. The reason for magnetic pole shift is because of the movement in the Earth’s crust, changing the magnetic field of the Earth. The best way to use your new compass is to take it outside, away from any metal objects and allow it to freely find the direction. Let us know in the comments section how your compass turned out, and where you get the best directions with it!