Sometimes when you're working on a project and you need both hands. One to hold the pieces together and the other to tighten the screws, you might find that difficult unless you have a set of screwdrivers that are magnetized.
But if you don't have a magnetized set and you don't want to go out and buy a set, you can simply buy a magnetizer/demagnetizer. A magnetizer/demagnetizer is a small little cube of a magnet with a hole in the center. Simply put the screwdriver through the opening and it becomes magnetized and will pick up screws. With a magnetic screwdriver you can have you screw ready to go and hold your project with your other hand.
Then when you're finished simply demagnetize the screwdriver by running it across the top of the cube. Something this simply can make your life a lot easier and save you money because you don't have to buy brand new set of magnetized screwdrivers.
The magnetizer/demagnetizer we used came from General Tools. Here is more information on other magnetic tools from General.
Alnico Magnets/Magnetic Tools
Aluminum, nickel and cobalt alloy makes General's Alnico line of magnets strong and permanent. Under normal working conditions and temperatures, Alnico magnets will retain their magnetic force indefinitely. Removable keepers insure permanence. All weights and measurements are approximate.
BENDABLE MAGNETIC PICK-UP
An excellent tool for retrieving steel parts from hard-to-reach places. High-power neodymium magnet is six times more powerful than a cobalt magnet of the same size and density. Knurled aluminum body with bendable 15" wire. Overall length is 20". Lifts up to 2 pounds.
EXTRA-LONG, MAGNETIC PICKUP WITH PIVOT JOINT
An excellent tool for retrieving steel parts from hard-to-reach places. High-power neodymium magnet lifts up to five pounds and will never lose its magnetism. Steel body measures 13" and can be extended to 27". Locking pivot joint allows user to pick up objects around corners. Body is chrome plated, with a vinyl cushion grip handle.
FLEX-O-STIFF MAGNETIC PICKUP
An ideal tool for retrieving steel parts from hard-to-reach places. No. 384N has a high-powered neodymium magnet, which is six times more powerful than a cobalt magnet of the same size and density. Permanent magnetic power magnet is fitted into an 18" nickel-plated holder, which can be extended to a 32" flexible retriever
HAND MAGNETS
Powerful, permanently charged hand magnets will hold many times their own weight. Suspend work lights and electrical cords. Clean up scattered nails, screws and washers. The No. 357 Retrieving Magnet has an eyebolt for line-rope attachment, which can be used for retrieving metal objects from lakes or bodies of water. Lifting capacities are subject to holding surface. Uneven contact or uneven load dispersion will reduce maximum lift capacities.
MAGNETIC PICKUP WITH PIVOT JOINT
Pocket clip for convenient storage. An excellent tool for retrieving small steel parts from hard-to-reach places. High-power neodymium magnet lifts up to two pounds and will never lose its magnetism. 8-3/4" overall length. Locking pivot joint allows user to pick up objects around corners. Nickel-plated steel body with cushion grip handle.
MAGNETIC STRIP
Our flexible magnetic strip with adhesive backing adheres to most smooth surfaces. Holds small-metal objects. 1/16" thick and easily cuts to desired length with scissors or knife.
PICKUP/RELEASE MAGNETS
A one-hand operated magnetic tool for picking up and releasing iron and ferrous objects. Wide 4" diameter magnetic surface holds more pieces. 16 lbs. of lifting power. Ideal for cleaning-up around power equipment such as drill presses, milling machines and lathes.
POCKET MAGNETIC PICKUPS
Powerful permanent magnet in a knurled aluminum holder with handy pocket clip. No. 386 has a high-powered neodymium magnet, which is six times more powerful than a cobalt magnet of the same size and density. Ideal for retrieving small steel and iron parts from hard-to-reach areas. Small magnet size actually measures 2/10" x 1/4". Measures 5-1/2" overall.
TELESCOPING MAGNETIC PICK Ups
A powerful permanent magnetic pickup tool. Ideal for retrieving steel and iron parts from hard-to-reach work areas. Magnet is fitted in a 5-1/2" long nickel-plated steel handle that can extend up to 23-1/2". Holder is fitted with a pocket clip.
But if you don't have a magnetized set and you don't want to go out and buy a set, you can simply buy a magnetizer/demagnetizer. A magnetizer/demagnetizer is a small little cube of a magnet with a hole in the center. Simply put the screwdriver through the opening and it becomes magnetized and will pick up screws. With a magnetic screwdriver you can have you screw ready to go and hold your project with your other hand.
Then when you're finished simply demagnetize the screwdriver by running it across the top of the cube. Something this simply can make your life a lot easier and save you money because you don't have to buy brand new set of magnetized screwdrivers.
The magnetizer/demagnetizer we used came from General Tools. Here is more information on other magnetic tools from General.
Alnico Magnets/Magnetic Tools
Aluminum, nickel and cobalt alloy makes General's Alnico line of magnets strong and permanent. Under normal working conditions and temperatures, Alnico magnets will retain their magnetic force indefinitely. Removable keepers insure permanence. All weights and measurements are approximate.
BENDABLE MAGNETIC PICK-UP
An excellent tool for retrieving steel parts from hard-to-reach places. High-power neodymium magnet is six times more powerful than a cobalt magnet of the same size and density. Knurled aluminum body with bendable 15" wire. Overall length is 20". Lifts up to 2 pounds.
EXTRA-LONG, MAGNETIC PICKUP WITH PIVOT JOINT
An excellent tool for retrieving steel parts from hard-to-reach places. High-power neodymium magnet lifts up to five pounds and will never lose its magnetism. Steel body measures 13" and can be extended to 27". Locking pivot joint allows user to pick up objects around corners. Body is chrome plated, with a vinyl cushion grip handle.
FLEX-O-STIFF MAGNETIC PICKUP
An ideal tool for retrieving steel parts from hard-to-reach places. No. 384N has a high-powered neodymium magnet, which is six times more powerful than a cobalt magnet of the same size and density. Permanent magnetic power magnet is fitted into an 18" nickel-plated holder, which can be extended to a 32" flexible retriever
HAND MAGNETS
Powerful, permanently charged hand magnets will hold many times their own weight. Suspend work lights and electrical cords. Clean up scattered nails, screws and washers. The No. 357 Retrieving Magnet has an eyebolt for line-rope attachment, which can be used for retrieving metal objects from lakes or bodies of water. Lifting capacities are subject to holding surface. Uneven contact or uneven load dispersion will reduce maximum lift capacities.
MAGNETIC PICKUP WITH PIVOT JOINT
Pocket clip for convenient storage. An excellent tool for retrieving small steel parts from hard-to-reach places. High-power neodymium magnet lifts up to two pounds and will never lose its magnetism. 8-3/4" overall length. Locking pivot joint allows user to pick up objects around corners. Nickel-plated steel body with cushion grip handle.
MAGNETIC STRIP
Our flexible magnetic strip with adhesive backing adheres to most smooth surfaces. Holds small-metal objects. 1/16" thick and easily cuts to desired length with scissors or knife.
PICKUP/RELEASE MAGNETS
A one-hand operated magnetic tool for picking up and releasing iron and ferrous objects. Wide 4" diameter magnetic surface holds more pieces. 16 lbs. of lifting power. Ideal for cleaning-up around power equipment such as drill presses, milling machines and lathes.
POCKET MAGNETIC PICKUPS
Powerful permanent magnet in a knurled aluminum holder with handy pocket clip. No. 386 has a high-powered neodymium magnet, which is six times more powerful than a cobalt magnet of the same size and density. Ideal for retrieving small steel and iron parts from hard-to-reach areas. Small magnet size actually measures 2/10" x 1/4". Measures 5-1/2" overall.
TELESCOPING MAGNETIC PICK Ups
A powerful permanent magnetic pickup tool. Ideal for retrieving steel and iron parts from hard-to-reach work areas. Magnet is fitted in a 5-1/2" long nickel-plated steel handle that can extend up to 23-1/2". Holder is fitted with a pocket clip.
