When it comes to adhering magnets for a project or job, you may wonder, how […] The post How to Glue Rare Earth Magnets appeared first on Argus International.

When it comes to adhering magnets for a project or job, you may wonder, how can I safely and effectively glue the magnet? What kind of glue can I use? Since many stock magnets use nickel, a metal highly resistant to corrosive attack, it makes it difficult, if not impossible, for the metal to react with most chemicals found in adhesives. Additionally, if nickel plating is used, it creates a very slick and smooth surface, making it more challenging to adhere to any other material.

Prepping the surface

No matter what kind of glue you use, if you don’t properly prep the surface, it won’t work. First, clean and degrease the nickel plating surface with an industrial solvent specifically designed to degrease. In this case, alcohol or other common cleaners are not strong enough and won’t get the job done.

Then you’ll abrade the surface with a gritted cloth, making sure not to remove the plating but to rough up the surface. Then, clean and degrease again.

Finally, if you want to make sure you prepared the surface properly, you can test it with water; you’ll know you prepped well if the surface wets but does not bead. Before applying your adhesive, dry the surface completely.

Glue

Since heat makes magnets lose their magnetism, you want to choose an adhesive that doesn’t require heat for its application. So hot glue guns aside, pretty much any adhesive will work for your prepped magnet, such as super glue, liquid nails, or urethane adhesives. Be sure to follow the instructions and abide by the proper drying procedures and times.

Recap

In order to properly glue rare earth magnets, like neodymium, you need to:

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