----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Forrest Christian" <forrestc@imach.com>
To: "Microcontroller discussion list - Public." <piclist@mit.edu>
Sent: Thursday, April 03, 2008 2:56 AM
Subject: [EE] Tool Demagetizer


>I seem to regularly have some tool or another which somehow becomes
> magnetized - rendering it either annoying (ever tried to trim leads with
> a magnetized set of cutters?) or just plain useless (magnetized tweezers
> used to place parts anyone?).
>
> I've tried a "passive" tool magnetizer/demagnetizer with no luck - it
> seems to leave plenty of residual magnetism, and maybe even makes it 
> worse.
>
> I know that I can build a TV style degauss unit out of a big (meaning
> long and also large around) coil of magnet wire attached to an AC plug,
> but the plans I've found of course require lots of magnet wire, and are
> definately not designed for tool demagnetizing.   I'd try winding a
> similar amount of wire onto a smaller form, but creating a unknown
> inductance and plugging it into an AC wall outlet scares me for obvious
> reasons.  I've also given some thought of making one and putting it in
> series with a 100W indandescent "current limiter and light producer",
> but that isn't really what I want.
>
> So, to ask my questions:
>
> 1) Has anyone had luck with any of the "passive" demagnetizers, meaning
> that a specific type seems to remove all traces of magnetism from a
> given tool?
>
> 2) How about some of the commerical "active" demagetizers.  Seems like
> there are a few that are around $100 or so, but I don't want to buy 2-3
> to find one which works.
>
> 3) Finally, are there any kits/plans available to build your own ...  or
> does someone have one they built which works?  And perhaps related -
> let's assume I build one, does anyone have an idea of the inductance
> and/or DC resistance I would need to not pop the breaker and/or cause
> glowing wire?   Let's assume US 120V 60Hz.
>
> Thanks.
>
> -forrest
>
>
> -- 
Possibly one of the links available here may help:

http://www.thomasnet.com/products/demagnetizers-22000608-1.html

Good luck,
Richard


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