Non Magentic Screw Driver Magnetized

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of a non-magnetic screwdriver becoming magnetized, the implications for electronics, and methods for demagnetizing tools. Participants explore both practical experiences and theoretical approaches related to magnetism and degaussing.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant humorously notes that a non-magnetic screwdriver left on the floor became magnetized overnight.
  • Another participant mentions that some screwdrivers are made from non-magnetic materials to avoid such issues.
  • There are inquiries about easy methods to demagnetize a steel screwdriver that has become magnetized, with suggestions to avoid storing them near magnets.
  • A method for demagnetizing is proposed, involving subjecting the screwdriver to an alternating magnetic field with decaying amplitude.
  • Further discussion raises questions about the effects of varying voltages and currents on the degaussing process, seeking to identify an "optimum" approach.
  • One participant suggests that the optimum degaussing field should exceed the magnetization of the object to effectively reverse it, while cautioning about the potential risks of using excessive power.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the methods of demagnetization and the factors influencing effectiveness, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

Discussions include assumptions about the properties of materials and the effectiveness of different degaussing techniques, but these remain unresolved and dependent on specific conditions.

phibonacci
I have a lot of electronics, computers, CBs, HAMs located within my room. During a few events I left a non-magnetic screw driver on the floor. The next day it became magnetic. It was slightly humorous. :-p
 
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Which is why some screwdrivers are made out of hard plastic or other non-magnetic material.
 
Is there an easy way of demagnitizing a regular steel screwdriver that's become magnitized? I guess if I don't want them magnitized, I shouldn't keep them in the same drawer with magnets, huh? :rolleyes:
 
Q_Goest said:
Is there an easy way of demagnitizing a regular steel screwdriver that's become magnitized?
Subject it to an alternating magnetic field with decaying amplitude. (ie: run AC though any coil/loop with your tool next to it, and slowly move the tool away).
 
Thanks! :smile:
 
Gokul43201 said:
Subject it to an alternating magnetic field with decaying amplitude. (ie: run AC though any coil/loop with your tool next to it, and slowly move the tool away).
That's the same way I manually degaussed a TV tube.
 
What would be the differences if I ran different amounts of voltages and currents through? What would be "optimum," if it is not different depending on what object you are degaussing?
 
Mk said:
What would be the differences if I ran different amounts of voltages and currents through? What would be "optimum," if it is not different depending on what object you are degaussing?
Probably the optimum is a peak magnetic field from the coil that is just a bit bigger than the magnetization of the object. The peak magnitude of the degausing field has to be bigger than the magnetization of the object so that it can drive the magnetization at least a bit the other way. You can make the degausing field a lot bigger, but that takes more power and it's more likely that you might accidentally degaus something important like your credit cards...
 

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