How to Magnetize a Screwdriver In Just A Few Minutes

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Let me explain why it’s important to know how to magnetize a screwdriver: Picture this: you’re on a ladder, trying to screw something into the wall or a tight corner, but the screw slips from your hand and falls to the ground, and you can’t even find where it went.

How many times has this happened to you? Definitely hundreds, if not thousands. But here’s a trick I’ve been using for years—magnetizing your screwdriver. This simple trick makes the screws stick to your screwdriver, so you’ll never lose one again. Stay with me, and I’ll show you my own methods to magnetize a screwdriver.

4 Ways to Magnetize a Screwdriver

There are many ways to magnetize your screwdriver, from old-fashioned methods to newer tools that are changing the way industries work.

Related Article: How to Unscrew a Screw Without a Screwdriver

I’ve gathered four of my preferred methods, which I’ve been using for years. Give them a try, and you’ll find yourself using them every time from now on!

How To Magnetize A Screwdriver Using a Magnet

Everyone likely has a magnet in their home. The most common types are often found on the fridge. If you frequently work from home and have a collection of tools, you probably have a strong neodymium magnet in a drawer or inside an old device. If not, you can easily order one online, as they are quite affordable. Here’s how to magnetize your screwdriver:

Start by cleaning your screwdriver.
Rub the magnet along the shaft of the screwdriver.
Test the screwdriver’s magnetism. If it isn’t strong enough, repeat the process.

Now you’re ready to go! a magnetized screwdriver, simple and effective!

a picture of magnetizing a screwdriver with a magnet

How To Magnetize A Screwdriver Using a Battery

This method is just as easy as the others. You probably have a battery in your workshop or home—just make sure you have a wire as well. I recommend using a telephone wire since it’s likely within reach.

Start by wrapping the wire tightly around the shaft of the screwdriver.
Then, connect the ends of the wire to the battery terminals (I used a 6V battery) and wait for a few seconds.
After that, disconnect the wire from the battery.
And there you go! you now know how to magnetize a screwdriver! Test it out, and you’re all set.

How To Magnetize A Screwdriver With A Car Battery

Another method to magnetize a screwdriver is by using a car battery. While this approach is less common, it’s a great option if you have access to one and need a magnetized screwdriver. Just remember, safety is essential when working with a car battery, as sparks or short circuits can occur if connections aren’t made properly. Be sure to wear safety gloves and safety glasses.

Here’s how to do it:

Take an electrical wire and wrap it tightly around the shaft of the screwdriver.
Strip the ends of the wire and connect them to the battery terminals.
Attach one end of the wire to the positive terminal of the car battery and the other to the negative terminal.
Wait for about 15 seconds, then disconnect the wire from the battery terminals.
If it doesn’t work on the first try, repeat the process.

How To Magnetize A Screwdriver With A Magnetizer Tool

As soon as I discovered this tool, I fell in love with it. It’s a compact device that makes magnetizing or demagnetizing your tools quick. Simply insert the end of the screwdriver into the designated slot and slowly pull it back out. Many of these tools also include a slot for demagnetizing, using the exact same process. It’s that simple! easy peasy!

How To De-Magnetize a Screwdriver

Imagine working on a small, delicate circuit board filled with tiny parts. If you use a magnetized screwdriver, it could easily damage something. To prevent this, you need to demagnetize your screwdriver and test it before using it. You don’t want to make any mistakes, right?

While some people magnetize their screwdrivers on purpose, many workers need to demagnetize them. Here are a couple of simple ways to do this:

Using a Demagnetizer Tool: A demagnetizer tool is a quick and easy way to remove the magnetism from your screwdriver, usually in under a minute. So, having this small but practical tool in your workplace can be a big help.
Hitting the Shaft: It may be an old method, but it still works. To demagnetize a screwdriver, you can tap the metal part of the handle with a hammer a few times. The impact causes the magnetic particles inside to lose their alignment, making it lose its magnetism.
Rub with Another Metal: This method isn’t as reliable as others, but it often works for me, so you might want to try it if you need to demagnetize your screwdriver. Simply move the screwdriver back and forth against another piece of metal in different directions. This could help reduce the magnetism.

Conclusion

Here are the methods I prefer and have used to magnetize a screwdriver. As you can see, there are many ways to do it, and sometimes even the most unexpected methods can work surprisingly well. If you know of any other techniques or have tips on how to magnetize a screwdriver differently, feel free to share them in the comments!

FAQ

How long does a screwdriver stay magnetized?

A screwdriver can stay magnetized from a few hours to several years, depending on the strength of the magnetization and other factors like temperature.

What are the benefits of magnetizing a screwdriver?

Magnetizing a screwdriver makes it easier to hold and insert screws, prevents dropping them, especially in tight spaces.