TV Researcher needs help w/ electromagnet

[cm.jwmprod]

Hi-

I'm a researcher for a TV production company, and I'm trying hammer out a basic idea - perhaps members of this forum could enlighten me a bit, as my science knowledge is a bit weak...

How powerful of an electromagnet could I create with an iron manhole cover, wrapped with rather thick wire and a (or a few) car battery(ies)?

Is there a next step up in powering a magnet like this without tapping into the power grid?

This being TV and all, the classic D battery & nail setup won't work. I have visions of a making a DIY junkyard magnet, making things like monkey wrenchs leap. I could very easily be misunderstanding this concept, though...

Thanks,
Chris
cm.jwmprod@gmail.com

 

[TVP45]

Of course, you ought to just try it. That's the best way. But, frankly, it is unlikely to do what you want.