Magnet Myths

At MagTech, we are here to help you make the right decision for your magnet needs. Here is a list of the most common magnet myths.

Magnets cannot destroy a computer’s hard drive
Some people worry about having magnets and computers in close proximity, the idea that one can destroy a hard drive is one of the top magnet myths. A computer’s hard drive already contains a powerful magnet that controls many internal movements. If this magnet safely functions inside your computer, a magnet near the outside is entirely harmless.

All Metals Are Attracted to Magnets
Magnetic materials are metal and magnets are only attracted to particular kinds of metals. Metals with high iron content have a strong magnetic attraction, steel also has high magnetic properties. Other metals like aluminum, zinc, copper, gold, and brass are not magnetic. You can bend this rule by adding a small amount of a strong magnetic metal like iron to a metal with no magnetic properties.

Water Will Decrease a Magnet’s Strength
People use magnets in underwater applications every day. Commercial fishers and boaters may use a magnet retrieval tool to recover lost items like expensive fishing rods from the water. Plus, divers seeking sunken treasure frequently use devices with magnetic properties.

Larger Magnets Are More Powerful Than Smaller Magnets
It’s true that some metals have higher magnetic properties than others. However, that fact stems from composition instead of size. Some smaller magnets are just as powerful as larger ones. Still, a large magnet made from the same material and shaped like a smaller magnet will have higher magnetic properties.