How to Make Magnets

The basic idea behind making a magnet is simply magnetically charging a metal object, therefore turning it in to a magnet. Making a magnet in this manner is more of a science experiment, or something you do when you are in a jam and need a magnet. Here are two examples of how to make magnets.

Things You'll Need

  • Metal object with iron in it
  • Magnet
  • 4 inch steel nail (or iron)
  • 2 feet of thin gauge wire
  • D-cell battery
  • Small box of paper clips
  • Pliers

Instructions

  1. How to Make a Magnet

    • 1

      Hold the metal object of your choice tightly and rub it across the surface of the main magnet. You will need to do this very quickly and many times.

    • 2

      Test your metal object to determine whether or not it has taken on a magnetic charge. Try holding it over a paper clip to see if the paper clip will be attracted to the newly made magnet.

    • 3

      Repeat the previous steps to increase the charge of the magnet.

    • 4

      The second way to make a magnet: using the pliers, remove the insulation from around the thin-gauge wire.

    • 5

      Wind the wire around the nail at least ten times. Leave wire remaining at the ends of the nail.

    • 6

      Bend the top end of the wire around the top of the battery (+).

    • 7

      Bend the bottom end of the wire around the bottom of the battery (-).

    • 8

      Test the magnet by holding it over the paperclips. The paperclips should be drawn to the magnet.

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