Some people use metal detectors in the hopes of finding valuable buried treasure, while others use them just for fun. If you lean more toward the latter and are curious to see what types of metal objects you can find, whether at the beach or in a grassy field, this is the DIY magnet craft for you!  After all, if you're just looking to have fun, you probably don't want to spend too much cash on a high-end metal detector, which can set you back quite a bit of money. What You'll Need: 
  • A long pole of some type — you can go to your local home improvement store and pick up a wood pole, or simply use one from an old broom or mop.
  • Strong neodymium magnet, like a 3/4" x 1/2" x 1/4" ring magnet
  • Glue, string, or tape to fasten the pole and the magnet together.
Steps: 
  1. Place the ring magnet on a flat surface and see if the end of the pole will fit through it. If the hole is too small for the stick, consider sanding the tip until it does. The goal is to fit the end of the pole securely through the ring magnet's hole so that very little tape or glue is necessary to keep it in place.
  2. Once you have the pole through the ring magnet, decide how you'd like to keep it securely in place. A little glue around the ring should work, as will strong tape.
  3. That's all there is to it. Place some magnetic metal items on the ground and test out your newly created detector. If it's secure, head to your backyard, the beach, or anywhere else and see what types of treasures you can find. Remember, this is a way to pick up small items!
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