What are the parts of a magnetic
claw hand magnet?

Magnet

There are always two block magnets on each magnetic claw hand magnet; one on either side of the release system. 

Magnetic claw hand magnet handle

The handle is used to aid the lifting of the magnet and the ferromagnetic material it attracts. It also works as the magnet’s release system.

The handles of some magnetic claw hand magnets are in the form of a hook which allows the hand magnet to act as a lifting magnet. With a hook, it can be picked up by a crane to lift large pieces of sheet steel that cannot be lifted by hand.

Magnetic claw hand magnet release system

There are three different varieties of release system available on a magnetic claw hand magnet. Each of these are used to release the magnet from any ferromagnetic material it is attached to.

Push release system

The push release system is where the handle is pushed downwards to push the magnet away from the ferromagnetic material. This is the easiest of the release systems to use as it can be used on any surface not just a flat one like the other types of release system.

Folding release system

The folding release system is where you fold the handle downwards towards the magnet base so that the tip of the handle is touching the casing. This switches off the magnets by rotating them away from the casing, stopping the magnetic path of the magnets so that they are unable to hold any ferromagnetic material.

When the magnet is turned back on, the magnets turn back into position which allows the magnetic claw’s surfaces to be magnetised again.

The folding release system is useful when lifting very heavy pieces of sheet steel. This is because it is harder to use the release system accidentally as the handle needs to be folded fully before the magnet can be released. This is useful whilst carrying heavy sheets of steel as the magnet will not drop them by accident. 

Twist release system

The twist release system works in the same way as the folding release system. However to make the handle touch the magnet casing, instead of folding it downwards, the handle needs to be twisted anti-clockwise. The twist release system is useful when the sheet steel is being moved from flat surface to flat surface. This is because it is difficult to twist the handle and activate the release system when the magnet is in any position other than horizontal. 

Magnetic claw hand magnet casing

The casing of a magnetic claw hand magnet is made of either aluminium or stainless steel. These metals are both corrosion resistant, a beneficial property for a magnetic claw hand magnet due to its extended use outside.

Stainless steel is the stronger material therefore it can have a better quality and durability than aluminium. The stainless steel casing on a lift hand magnet is preferred for use in industrial circumstances, for example lifting large sheets of steel in a factory. Aluminium, however, is more lightweight so may be preferable if using for a prolonged period of time or for odd jobs around the home.

The casing of a magnetic claw hand magnet has two roles:

1. To hold the magnet in position

2. To focus the magnetic field to the bottom section of the tool. The non-magnetic materials used to make the casing stop the magnetic field of the magnet permeating the sides and top of the magnetic claw hand magnet.