Working on a car engine or fixing any motor and large equipment is always frustrating. On top of that, if the work needs to be done in the tight area of the motor or equipment, then it is more annoying.
Often gearheads are used to insert and remove nuts and bolts. Using gearheads in removing or inserting nuts and bolts is very troublesome.
In such cases, double-size tape is often stuck to the socket, but this is just a temporary solution. It will be very troublesome for the person to search for the nuts and bolts in the middle of the work.
If the socket is magnetized, then the work can be done with less effort and cost. Magnetizing a socket is quite manageable and straightforward. A magnetized socket will help to complete the task with minimum effort and time.
So, how to magnetize a socket? Let’s check out how you can do it!
How To Magnetize A Socket – A Pro Guide
Required Tools
All the required tools for magnetizing sockets are available in the local hardware store. Besides the local hardware store, all the materials are available in the online store.
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The tools required for magnetizing a socket are available in Amazon and other online stores at a very reasonable price. The tools that are required to magnetize sockets.
- A quarter-inch diameter magnet.
- Ratchet extension.
- Spark plug socket.
Estimated Cost
The total cost of magnetizing a socket is relatively cheap. Ten packets of quarter-inch diameter magnet cost $4. Hence, one packet of quarter-inch diameter magnets will cost 40 cents.
On the other hand, a ratchet extension will cost $12-$26. The price varies a little as per the quality and size.
Nonetheless, a spark plug socket will cost $13, and all the prices of the tools are from Amazon. In total, it will cost less than $30 for magnetizing a socket.
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Most expectedly, all the required items are available in all the households, but they can be brought from a local hardware store or the online store in case of exception.
Time Needed
If the tools are brought in time, it will nearly take less than five minutes for a professional motor worker to magnetize a socket. In the case of a first-timer, it may take some time to learn the skill, but it will not take more than ten minutes.
The process to magnetize a socket is pretty straightforward and time-saving. Also, using a magnetic socket will be easy and take less time to fix a motor, car, or other equipment.
Steps To Magnetize A Socket
Step 1
At first, the quarter-inch diameter magnet needs to be stuck at the end of the ratchet extension. This will generate a magnetized fastener to the socket.
While working on motors or other equipment where magnets are not available, this magnet stuck at the end of the ratchet extension will help carry out the work.
However, if aluminum or silicon bronze fastener bolts are used, magnetized sockets will not work, as magnetic attraction is not formed with aluminum and silicon bronze.
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Thus, aluminum or silicon bronze fastener bolts will drop off, creating more hindrance for the workers. Stainless fastener bolts can be used as it is partially magnetic.
If 316 stainless, 18-8 stainless, and 410 stainless bolts are used, they will work as these are partially magnetic. A magnet will help to resolve the issue and make the work process faster.
Step 2
Next, the spark plug socket needs to be put at the end of the extension, just like the magnet.
As the magnet is already placed with ratchet extension, an accurate spark plug socket needs to be stuck with the ratchet extension, which will help hold the bolts.
The size of the spark plug socket is essential to hold the bolt so that it does not get loose while working. Hence, it is better to use a 16mm (⅝) size spark plug socket and attach it with the extension.
The spark plug socket differs from the regular socket as it is specially designed to be attached to the spark plug without any defacement. If the spark plug socket is not available, then the regular socket can be used with some modification.
For modification, some packing material, precisely, styrofoam is required. Cut a small piece of styrofoam and insert it inside the regular socket.
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Then with the help of a screwdriver and make a hole where the bolts will be stuck. This is a bit difficult as the magnetic reaction between the fastener bolts and the magnet will be onerous.
That’s why it is better to use a spark plug socket when it comes to magnetizing a socket. However, suppose the nuts and bolts are made of silicon bronze or aluminum.
There is no other choice in that case than to follow this process, as silicon bronze and aluminum are non-magnetic fasteners.
Step 3
Now that the magnet is installed and the spark plug socket is attached to it, it has become a magnetized socket. Hence, the socket is magnetized; now, a fastener bolt will be attached to it due to the magnetic reaction.
The magnetized socket can be used to get the work done in motors, cars, and other equipment. This time there will be fear of dropping the nuts and bolts.
It does not need to be balanced as the magnet will hold the nuts and bolts. Also, the spark plug socket will hold the fastener bolts.
However, bolts made of aluminum and silicon bronze will not work, as a magnet does not grip aluminum and silicon bronze.
So, when silicon bronze and aluminum bolts are required, it will be painful and frustrating for the worker, especially while working in a congested part of a motor, car, and other equipment.
Step 4
Often, the customers ask why the end of the extension is not made magnetic, which will help the customers as then, it will not be required to buy magnet and extension separately.
As a user of such tools, it should be remembered that if the end of the extension is made magnetic, then the magnetic grip will not be as firm as it will be if a separate magnet is used.
If a quarter-inch diameter magnet is used to magnetize a socket, then the grip will be stronger than an extension with a magnetic end. The stronger the grip, the better it is for a socket to be magnetized.
The magnetic grip must be firm as it has to hold the nuts and bolts. If the grip is not strong, then the nuts and bolts will fall while working. This can be annoying.
Making a magnetic socket is super easy, and after using it, it will feel like how come the difficult work in the care engines, motors, and other equipment can be done without a magnetic socket.
Work becomes so easy and stressless when a magnetic socket is used. Working is an obscure part of a car, or motos can easily be done with a magnetized socket.
Final Words
Working in the garage between various machines and equipment is always frustrating and inserting or removing nuts and bolts is always stressful. I hope the DYI guideline about how to magnetize a socket is helpful for you.
It is important to mind the balance while working with nuts and bolts, and if things do not get in the way, then the nuts and bolts may fall, and it will destroy all the hard works. Searching for the nuts and bolts will take a whole day, and this is nothing but annoying.
Instead of taking easy mechanical instruments to the shop and paying for them, it is better to do the simple tasks that can be done at home with the help of a magnetized socket.
Magnetizing a socket is just not easy. It is also cheap. If there is a magnet, extension, and a spark plug socket, then just magnetize the socket with no time and use it for the necessary work that needs to be done.
FAQ
1. How Do You Make Tools Magnetic?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the method you will need to use will depend on the type of tool you are trying to make magnetic. However, some of the most common methods include using a magnet or an iron, and heat.
To make a magnet out of a metal object, you will need to use a magnet or an iron. To make an iron out of metal, you will need to heat it up until it becomes liquid and then mold it into the shape you desire. Be sure to use protective gear when handling heated metals, as they can cause serious burns.
2. Are Spark Plug Sockets Magnetic?
This is a tricky question. On one hand, magnetic connectors do exist and are often used in automotive applications. On the other hand, spark plug sockets are not typically magnetic and would not be compatible with such a connector. It’s possible that the connector is for another application and not for spark plugs at all.
3. How Do You Magnetize A Screwdriver With A 9 Volt Battery?
To magnetize a screwdriver with a 9 volt battery, you will need to purchase a magnetic screwdriver holder, an AC adapter, and a battery. First, connect the holder to the AC adapter and plug in the screwdriver. Next, insert the screwdriver into the holder and secure it with the magnetic clamps. Finally, attach the battery to the screwdriver by placing it in the slot on the side of the holder.
4. How To Weaken A Magnet?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to weaken a magnet may vary depending on the type and strength of magnet. However, some general tips that may help include using cold water, oiling the surface of the magnet with a non-permanent lubricant, or spraying it with a water or vinegar solution.
5. How To Demagnetize A TV?
There are a few ways to demagnetize a TV, depending on the type of television. For CRT and plasma TVs, use an electric field to force the electric particles in the picture tube to align and make the picture clearer. For LCD TVs, use a strong magnetic field to align the tiny magnets in the backlight.
