What Are Neodymium Magnets? (And Why We Use Them in Everything)

If you've ever snapped shut a handmade wooden needle case or clicked a magnetic row counter closed and thought "that's a satisfying magnet" — you were probably holding a neodymium magnet. Here's what they are, why they're so good, and how to take care of them.

What is a neodymium magnet?

Neodymium magnets (also called rare earth magnets or NdFeB magnets) are the strongest type of permanent magnet available. They're made from an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron — and despite being small, they produce a magnetic field far stronger than traditional ceramic or ferrite magnets of the same size.

To put it in perspective: a neodymium magnet the size of a fingernail can hold many times its own weight. That's why they're used in everything from hard drives and headphones to medical equipment and — yes — handmade craft accessories.

Why neodymium magnets in craft accessories?

When we design magnetic closures for needle cases, row counters, and dice towers, neodymium magnets are the obvious choice for a few reasons:

• Strong, secure closure — a neodymium magnet snaps shut with authority. You won't accidentally open your needle case in your project bag and scatter needles everywhere.
• Small footprint — because they're so strong for their size, we can use small magnets that don't add bulk or weight to the piece.
• Permanent — neodymium magnets don't lose their magnetism under normal use. A well-made magnetic closure should last the lifetime of the piece.
• Satisfying — honestly, the snap of a good neodymium magnet is just deeply satisfying. This is a feature, not a coincidence.

Are neodymium magnets safe?

For most people in most situations, yes — with a few things to be aware of:

• Pacemakers and implanted medical devices — strong magnets can interfere with pacemakers and some other implanted devices. If you or someone you're gifting to has a pacemaker, keep magnetic accessories at least 6 inches away from the device and consult your doctor.
• Credit cards and magnetic stripe cards — neodymium magnets can erase magnetic stripes on cards. Don't store your needle case directly on top of your wallet.
• Small children — small neodymium magnets are a serious swallowing hazard. Keep magnetic accessories away from young children.
• Pinching — strong magnets can snap together with enough force to pinch skin. Handle with care when two magnetic pieces are near each other.

How to care for neodymium magnets

Neodymium magnets are low-maintenance, but a few things can weaken or damage them:

• Heat — neodymium magnets begin to lose their magnetism at around 176°F (80°C). Don't leave magnetic accessories in a hot car, near a stove, or in direct sunlight for extended periods. Normal room temperature and even warm environments are fine.
• Competing magnetic fields — storing two strong magnets directly against each other in opposing orientations over a long period can gradually weaken both. Store magnetic accessories normally — closed, as designed — and you won't have any issues.
• Impact — neodymium magnets are brittle and can chip or crack if dropped onto a hard surface or struck sharply. The magnets in our accessories are embedded in wood or acrylic, which protects them from most impacts.
• Rust — neodymium magnets are iron-based and can rust if exposed to moisture over time. The magnets in our pieces are coated (usually nickel-plated) to resist corrosion, but it's still best to keep them dry.

Will the magnet weaken over time?

Under normal use, neodymium magnets lose less than 1% of their magnetism per century. For practical purposes, a well-made neodymium magnet closure is permanent. If a magnetic closure ever feels weaker than it used to, the more likely culprit is wear on the wood or housing around the magnet, not the magnet itself.

The short version

• Neodymium magnets are the strongest permanent magnets available
• They're used in handmade accessories for their strength, small size, and satisfying snap
• Keep away from pacemakers, credit cards, and small children
• Avoid prolonged heat and moisture, and snapping them from long distances. 
• Under normal use, they last essentially forever

Have questions about a specific product? Browse our fiber arts accessories and gaming accessories — all featuring neodymium magnetic closures, made in small batches in Seattle.