Simple, Cheap and Quick and Powerful Magnetic Metal Parts Retriever

by Dave Malby in Workshop > Tools

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Simple, Cheap and Quick and Powerful Magnetic Metal Parts Retriever

powerful.png
4B tighen Vice to start crimp.png
2 Cut EMT at 42 inches.png
6C Showing Bend.png
7 Get A Nice Powerful Magnet New or Used.png
7B Magnet.png
8B 3-8 x 1.5 Bolt.png
8c Bolt in washer.png
9 Place Washer on bottom of magnet.png
9B Washer and Bolt Top View.png
10 Installing Magmet on Handle.png
10B Installing Magnet.png
10C adding Top Washer.png
10D adding Nut.png
10E Hand tightened.png
10F Tighten with Wrench.png
11 Finished - Magnet Mounted.png
11B Finished View.png
11C Finished View.png
11D Finished View.png
12 Bicycle Handle.png
13 Dawn Soap.png
14 Heating Handle with Heat Gun.png
15 Install Handle.png
16 Finished Product.png

It's done in only 15 minutes! It looks professional and is super efficient, too!

I was not pleased with the commercial parts retrievers currently being sold. I figured out how to make a much more powerful tool. This is a quick way to solve the problem of retrieving small metal parts. By using a scrap length of inexpensive metal conduit (EMT), a new or surplus powerful magnet, a bicycle handle, a bolt, a nut, and two washers, you can quickly solve the problem of picking up nuts, bolts, screws, washers, and small metal parts with ease with this custom tool you made for under $5!

Supplies

  1. (1) 42" length of 3/4-EMT
  2. (1) 3/8"-13 - 1 1/2" Bolt
  3. (2) 3/8" Washers
  4. (1) 3/8"- 13 Nut
  5. (1) 60 lb pull or better Magnet
  6. (1) Bicycle Handle

Measure and Cut EMT

1 Mark1 EMT at 42 inches.png
2 Cut EMT at 42 inches.png

Cut 3/4" EMT to 42" in length to make the tool handle.

Crimp Tube for Magnet Support

3 Place EMT in Vice.png
4 Tighten Vice to start crimp.png
4B tighen Vice to start crimp.png
4c tighen Vice to start crimp.png
4d tighen Vice to start crimp.png
4e Place EMT in Vice to expand crip.png
4f Place EMT in Vice to expand crip.png
4g Place EMT in Vice to expand crip.png
4H End of Crimp in vicep.png

Crimp end of the tool handle (EMT) using the aid of a vice. Work the ends first then widen the crimp to 2 1/2" wide. A heavy hammer and an anvil can also be used. Vices seem to make a cleaner crimp. Finishing can be done with a disc sander.

Bend Crimped End

6 Bend Crimped End in Vice at 45 degree angle.png
6b End of bend.png
FRCHK4ALVO0M3QM.png

With your vice, bend the crimped end to a 45° angle to the tool handle.

Drill Hole

5B Dilling 1-4 hole.png
5B Drilling HOle.png
5C Completed Hole.png
5C Enlarge Hole to 3-8 diameter.png
  1. Mark a hole in the center of the crimp
  2. Drill 1/4" pilot hole
  3. Expand hole to 3/8"
  4. Clean off any burrs with a disc sander

Install Magnet

FBY9J9RLVO0M3QT.png
FCKYS7VLVO0M3RV.png
FEMRHXNLVO0M3S7.png
FCG7S14LVO0M3SK.png
10E Hand tightened.png
PXL_20240501_154617889.jpg
FL03LN6LVO0M3X3.png
FWO49KTLVO0M3VE.png
FIZ1P7CLVO0M3XU.png
  1. Insert the Washer and 3/8" bolt through the hole of the magnet.
  2. Attach the above assembly through the crimped hole of the tool handle.
  3. Add washer
  4. Hand tighten 3/8" nut to bolt.
  5. Tighten everything with a wrench

Install Handle

12 Bicycle Handle.png
13 Dawn Soap.png
14 Heating Handle with Heat Gun.png
15 Install Handle.png
  1. Apply a small amount of liquid dishwashing detergent onto the end of the tool handle to slicken and reduce friction
  2. WEAR GLOVES FOR THIS PROCEDURE! Gently soften the handle with a heat gun for 15 seconds or less! DO NOT BURN THE GRIP!
  3. The grip will easily slide onto the handle. (If Not... REPEAT)
  4. FINISHED!