Whether you are trying to keep a tarp on a woodpile, a sign on a truck, or a cover on your patio grill, wind is your biggest enemy. Usually, people reach for bungee cords or heavy rocks, but those can be a pain to set up. Using magnets for wind resistance and secure fastening is an easy and effective way to keep your gear safe. Here’s how to pick the right magnet to outsmart a windy day.

Three Things That Make Magnets Fail in the Wind

To get the benefits of using magnets for wind resistance, it’s important to understand how wind actually works against a magnet.

1. The "Lift" (Air Gaps)

When the wind gets under a tarp or a sign, it tries to peel it up. This creates a tiny space called an air gap. Even a gap as thin as a piece of paper can make a magnet lose half its power! To fight this, you need a very strong magnet, like our N48 Neodymium Magnets, which stick even when the wind tries to lift them.

2. The "Slide" (Shear Force)

Wind rarely pulls a magnet straight off a surface. Instead, it pushes against the side, trying to slide it across the metal. Magnets are naturally "slippery." A magnet that can lift 50 lbs might slide around with only 10 lbs of wind pressure. This sliding action is caused by shear force. Shear force is the sideways pressure that tries to slide a magnet across a surface rather than pulling it straight off.

3. The Metal Surface

A magnet is only as strong as the metal it is sticking to. If you are sticking a magnet to a thin car door or a rusted shed, it won't hold as well as it would on a thick steel beam.

The Secret Weapon for Wind Resistance: Rubber Coatings

If you want to stop the "slide," you need friction. The best way to get it is by using Rubber Coated Magnets.

Think of it like wearing sneakers instead of socks on a hardwood floor. The rubber grips onto the metal, making it much harder for the wind to slide the magnet. Plus, the rubber protects your paint from scratches—perfect for car signs or boat covers!

Quick Tips for a Stronger Hold & Secure Fastening

  • Spread them out: It is better to use four Small Disc Magnets along the edges of a tarp than one big magnet in the middle. This stops the wind from getting underneath the corners.
  • Check the size: Not sure how big your magnet needs to be? Check out our Popular Size Grid to see exactly how large different magnets are before you buy.
  • Double up: If you are securing something thin (like a curtain), place a magnet on both sides of the fabric to "sandwich" it.

If you have any questions about what magnet to use for maximum wind resistance, reach out through our Contact page. We’d be happy to help you make a selection for your specific needs.

 

Safety Warning: Children should not be allowed to play with neodymium magnets as they can be dangerous. Small magnets pose a choking hazard and should never be swallowed or inserted into any part of the body.

Magnets can be dangerous. Neodymium magnets, especially, must be handled with care to avoid personal injury and damage to the magnets. Fingers and other body parts can get severely pinched between two attracting magnets. Bones can be broken by larger magnets. Visit our Magnet Safety page to learn more.