Whether you call it a gaussmeter or a teslameter, any device that can read the invisible strength of a magnet is an exciting product. But before you rip a gaussmeter out of its packaging and begin carrying it from magnet to magnet, it’s good to understand the product’s ins and outs. 

Preparing Your Gaussmeter

While protocol will vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer and device to device, here are the steps you’ll generally need to follow: Before turning on your gaussmeter, plug your probe in. It’s bad practice to plug in your probe after the gaussmeter’s been powered up. Don’t jump to using your gaussmeter as soon as it’s turned on. Like a car on a cold day, it needs a few minutes to warm up. Once your gaussmeter is on, make sure it zeroes out. This can either be done digitally or by slipping your probe into a zero-Gauss chamber, which obstructs any magnetic fields acting around the probe. After zeroing your gaussmeter, run it over your reference magnet. Many gaussmeters will come with a reference magnet that you can run the probe over to check that the gaussmeter is working properly. An unusually high or low test reading may indicate one of two things: Your reference magnet has been compromised, or your gaussmeter needs to be re-calibrated. If the latter is the case, send the gaussmeter back to the manufacturer for calibration. If your gaussmeter does need to be re-calibrated, don’t be alarmed. With time and use, it’s normal for a gaussmeter to require adjustment. In fact, when you use your gaussmeter regularly, it’s good practice to ship it to the manufacturer each year for a tune-up.

Using Your Gaussmeter

A little knowledge on how magnets work makes measuring them much easier. In general, the lines of force on a magnet are most concentrated along the edges. For example, say you have a cube-shaped magnet. The readings will actually be weakest on the magnet’s broad, flat faces. The strong points will be where those faces meet. If you’re using a spherical magnet, which doesn’t have any edges, this knowledge doesn’t do you much good. On a spherical magnet, the poles are going to be where you’ll get a high reading. In between the poles, your readings will be weakest. Run your probe along the magnet to find its strongest points. A transverse probe is ideal for measuring magnetic fields perpendicular to a flat surface, and an axial probe is ideal for measuring magnetic fields parallel to the probe handle. When using a probe, be careful, especially if it’s flexible. Flexible probes tend to be more fragile than their rigid counterparts, so you must take care not to damage them.

Storing Your Gaussmeter

When you’re finished using your gaussmeter, don’t start disassembling it right away. Always power it down fully before removing the probe. Once powered down and disassembled, treat your gaussmeter the same way you would any other sensitive electronic device: Place it back in its original case and store it in a cool, dry, low-traffic area where it won’t get bumped or damaged.

Gaussmeters from Apex Magnets

Now that you know what to look for in a gaussmeter, trust Apex Magnets to supply you with a reliable gaussmeter that will ensure accurate results on each and every reading. Still aren’t sure what you need? Consult our customer service team for quick, detailed answers.