To cut a magnet is an interesting task to do especially when we get to form them into different sizes and shapes. Magnets are found anywhere; from insoles of  shoes, television, computer disks, video tapes, credit cards, microwave tubes, telephone receivers and many more.

Aside from its dozens of purpose, one cool thing about magnet is you can also cut it into halves. There are a number of reasons you might need to cut a magnet. Few of them could be: you may need it for arts and crafts, to replace a broken or lost magnet in a motor or for a science project, or you just want to reproduce more magnets for experiments or for fun.

But you have to take note that the technique you choose to cut a magnet should depend on the style and type of the magnet that you’re trying to slice.

If your magnet is a flexible plastic one that sticks to a car, it is a rubberized magnet that is easy to cut with shears. On the other hand, ceramic and magnetite (the most magnetic mineral on Earth) magnets are much harder and more difficult to cut, and most often, it requires a diamond-plated blade.

Things you’ll need:

• Work gloves
• Protective goggles
• Face mask
• Metal shears
• Vise
• Marker
• Hacksaw
• Diamond abrasive wheel
• Dremel
• Hammer
• Chisel

Instructions on How to Cut a Magnet

For Rubberized Magnets

1.      First thing is to put on work gloves. Cutting a rubberized magnet can still produce shards that may cause splinters. Work gloves will also give you protection from the metal shears you’ll be using.

2.      Draw a line on the magnet wherever you wish to cut it, whether it’s one place or several.

3.      Use the metal shears to cut the magnet, following your line guide.

For Ceramic and Magnetite Magnets

1.      Do not forget to wear protective nose and mouth mask, heavy duty gloves and protective goggles. To cut a magnet like these will send dust and fillings into the air that are dangerous to inhale and can enter your eyes at fast pace which could result tremendous damage to your senses. Hence, every cutting technique for these magnets demands a high level of caution and protection.

2.      Position your magnet in a vise. A vise is a mechanical screw apparatus used for holding or clamping a work piece to allow work to be performed on it with tools. This also prevents the magnet from falling around beneath your sawing, which is necessary in retaining its magnetic properties.

3.      Next, trace a line on the magnet with a marker at the point where you desire to cut it.

4.      Following your marked line, cut the magnet using a hacksaw. If that procedure doesn’t work, move on and try another technique.

5.      Put your diamond-plated wheel on your dremel, constrict it in place and turn on the device. While the wheel spins, place it directly on the marker guide you made on the magnet, pushing downward as you go. Just make sure not to put an excessive amount of pressure on the dremel or you may bend the wheel. If this doesn’t work, you can try one more cutting technique.

6.      Position a chisel along the guide mark on your magnet. Strike the handle of the chisel using a hammer. This may work to break the magnet in two if cutting fails. This should be your last option, as it has the highest possibility of damaging the magnetic properties as earlier described.

Whatever type of magnet you are trying to cut, always remember that your safety is the number one priority before performing this action. Ask for assistance to ensure safety and enjoy cutting magnets to satisfy whatever purpose you wish to make of it. To cut a magnet is fun and exciting only when we observe proper safety guidelines and procedures.