3 Ways To Make A Magnet - WikiHow

Home » How Can You Create A Temporary Magnet » 3 Ways To Make A Magnet - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow The Easiest (and Coolest) Ways to Make Magnets PDF download Download Article Magnetize any metal with this step-by-step guide Reviewed by Anne Schmidt

Last Updated: October 10, 2025

PDF download Download Article
  • Making a Paperclip Magnet
    • |
  • Making an Electromagnet
    • |
  • Making a Compass Magnet
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was reviewed by Anne Schmidt. Anne Schmidt is a Chemistry Instructor in Wisconsin. Anne has been teaching high school chemistry for over 20 years and is passionate about providing accessible and educational chemistry content. She has over 9,000 subscribers to her educational chemistry YouTube channel. She has presented at the American Association of Chemistry Teachers (AATC) and was an Adjunct General Chemistry Instructor at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. Anne was published in the Journal of Chemical Education as a Co-Author, has an article in ChemEdX, and has presented twice and was published with the AACT. Anne has a BS in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, and an MA in Secondary Education and Teaching from Viterbo University. This article has been viewed 1,085,176 times.

Magnets are made by exposing ferromagnetic metals like iron and nickel to magnetic fields. When these metals are heated to a certain temperature, they become permanently magnetized. It's also possible to temporarily magnetize them by using a variety of methods you can try safely at home. Learn how to make a paperclip magnet, an electromagnet, and a magnet you can use as a compass.

Making a Magnet at Home

Strip each end of a thin coated copper wire with wire strippers. Wrap the wire around a large iron nail until it's completely covered. Place one end of the exposed wire on the positive side of a D-cell battery and the other end on the negative side and secure them with masking tape. Now metal will stick to the nail!

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Making a Paperclip Magnet

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Gather supplies. 1 Gather supplies. A simple temporary magnet can be made with a tiny piece of metal, such as a paperclip, and a refrigerator magnet. Gather these items as well as a smaller piece of metal, such as an earring back or a tiny nail, that you can use to test the magnetic properties of the magnetized paperclip.
    • Experiment with different paperclip sizes, and uncoated versus coated paperclips.
    • Gather smaller objects in a range of sizes and metals to see which ones will stick to the paperclips.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Magnet 2 Rub the magnet against the paperclip. Move it in the same direction, rather than back and forth. Use the same quick motion you'd use to light a match. Continue rubbing the paperclip with the magnet 50 times, as quickly as you can.[1] Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Touch the paperclip against the smaller piece of metal. 3 Touch the paperclip against the smaller piece of metal. Does the small piece of metal stick to the paperclip? If so, you've successfully magnetized it.[2]
    • If the metal won't stick to the paperclip, rub it 50 more times and try again.
    • Try picking up other paper clips and larger objects to determine how strong the magnet is.
    • Consider recording the length of time the paper clip stays magnetized after a certain number of rubs. Experiment with different types of metal, like pins or nails, to see which one makes the strongest, longest-lasting magnet.
    4. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Making an Electromagnet

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Gather supplies. 1 Gather supplies. Electromagnets are created by running an electric current through a piece of metal to create a magnetic field. This can be done on a small scale using these supplies, which are available at hardware stores:
    • A large iron nail
    • 3 feet of thin coated copper wire
    • A D-cell battery
    • Small magnetic objects, like paperclips or pins
    • Wire strippers
    • Masking tape
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Magnet 2 Strip the ends of the wire. Use the wire strippers to remove a few centimeters of insulation from either end of the copper wire. The uninsulated ends will be wrapped around the ends of the battery.
  3. Step 3 Wrap the nail. 3 Wrap the nail. starting about 8 inches from the end of the wire, wrap the nail tightly. Each wrap should be touching the last, but don't overlap them. Continue wrapping until the nail is covered from head to tip.
    • Make sure you wrap in the same direction down the nail. In order to create a magnetic field, the electricity must flow in the same direction.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Magnet 4 Connect the battery. Wrap one end of the exposed wire around the positive side of the battery and the other end around the negative side of the battery. Use a small piece of masking tape to secure the wire in place on both sides.
    • Don't worry about which end of wire you attach to which end of the battery. The nail will become magnetized either way; the only difference is that its polarity will change. One side of the magnet is the north pole, and one side is the south pole. Reversing the wires will also reverse the poles.
    • Once the battery is attached, the wires will grow hot as electricity begins passing through them, so be careful not to burn yourself.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Magnet 5 Use the magnet. Place the nail near a paperclip or another small piece of metal. Since the nail is magnetized, the metal will stick to the nail. Experiment with different sizes and weights to see how much strength your magnet has.
    6. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Making a Compass Magnet

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Gather supplies. 1 Gather supplies. A compass works by indicating north with a magnetized needle that aligns with the earth's magnetic field. Any metal that can be magnetized can be turned into a compass. A sewing needle or straight pin is a good choice. In addition to a needle, gather these supplies to make your compass:
    • A magnetizer. Find a magnet, a nail, or even a piece of fur to magnetize the needle.
    • A cross section of cork. Slice a disc from an old wine cork to provide a base for the compass.
    • A bowl of water. Suspending the compass in water allows the magnetized needle to align with the earth's magnetic poles.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Magnet 2 Magnetize the needle. Rub the needle using a magnet, a nail, or a piece of fur, which creates a small electric current. Rub the needle in the same direction at least 50 times to magnetize it.[3]
  3. Step 3 Stick the needle through the cork. 3 Stick the needle through the cork. Slide it in horizontally, so that the needle pierces on side of the cork and comes out the other side. Keep pushing until the front and back of the needle protrude equally from the cork.
    • If the needle you're using is too big to push through the cork, you may simply rest it on top of the cork.
    • If you don't have a cork coin, use another lightweight object that floats, such as a leaf.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Magnet 4 Float the magnet. Place the magnetized needle on the surface of the water in the bowl. Watch as it moves to align itself from north and south along the poles. If it doesn't move, remove the needle from the cork, rub it 75 times with the magnetizer, and try again.
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Is a magnet natural or manmade? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer A magnet can be either natural or manmade. In nature, magnetite (also known as lodestone) is a strong, permanent natural form of magnet that was used for centuries in compasses and other objects as a magnet. Other natural magnets are weak (pyrrhotite, ferrite, and columbite), so aren’t of much use as a magnet. Manmade magnets are far more commonplace in everyday use today and come in either temporary or permanent forms. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 34
  • Question How do you magnetize a piece of metal? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer You can magnetize metal with another magnet, by striking it, with a battery or by using special tools. For more help in a detailed way, see How to Magnetize Metal. If you’re using steel, each of these methods is explained in detail here: How to Magnetize Steel. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 13 Helpful 29
  • Question Where do magnets originate? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Magnets can be found in nature (magnetite, also known as lodestone) but most are made by humans. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 14 Helpful 24
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • The more times you rub the paper clip across the magnet the more it will hold. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0
  • Make sure to keep rubbing it in the same direction. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 1
  • Try with something small to pick up with the magnet. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1
Show More Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
  • When you feel that the battery is hot, disconnect the metal wires from the battery.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Magnets can also erase phone SIM cards, so beware. Thanks Helpful 19 Not Helpful 4
  • Magnets can mess up TVs and Monitors (although the paperclip magnet you made probably won't) Thanks Helpful 16 Not Helpful 6
  • You may need adult supervision if handling these objects seem new to you. Thanks Helpful 13 Not Helpful 9
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Magnetize MetalHow toMagnetize Metal Make an ElectromagnetHow toMake an Electromagnet Make a CompassHow toMake a Compass Create a Magnet With a Wire and a NailHow toCreate a Magnet With a Wire and a Nail Magnetize SteelHow toMagnetize Steel Build a Simple Electric MotorSimple Electric Motor Project: Materials & Instructions Build a MotorHow toBuild a Motor Determine Polarity of MagnetsHow toDetermine Polarity of Magnets Magnetize a ScrewdriverHow to Make a Screwdriver Magnetic Make Refrigerator MagnetsHow toMake Refrigerator Magnets Make a Simple Electric GeneratorHow toMake a Simple Electric Generator Make Fake EarringsHow toMake Fake Earrings Make an Engine from a Battery, Wire and a MagnetHow to Build an Electric Engine With a Battery, Wire & Magnet: Step-by-Step Make an ElectroscopeHow toMake an Electroscope Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://sciencing.com/magnetize-things-6377.html
  2. ↑ https://sciencing.com/magnetize-things-6377.html
  3. ↑ https://sciencing.com/magnetize-things-6377.html
  4. http://marshallbrain.com/science/electromagnets.htm

About This Article

Anne Schmidt Reviewed by: Anne Schmidt Chemistry Instructor This article was reviewed by Anne Schmidt. Anne Schmidt is a Chemistry Instructor in Wisconsin. Anne has been teaching high school chemistry for over 20 years and is passionate about providing accessible and educational chemistry content. She has over 9,000 subscribers to her educational chemistry YouTube channel. She has presented at the American Association of Chemistry Teachers (AATC) and was an Adjunct General Chemistry Instructor at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. Anne was published in the Journal of Chemical Education as a Co-Author, has an article in ChemEdX, and has presented twice and was published with the AACT. Anne has a BS in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, and an MA in Secondary Education and Teaching from Viterbo University. This article has been viewed 1,085,176 times. 43 votes - 73% Co-authors: 96 Updated: October 10, 2025 Views: 1,085,176 Categories: Featured Articles | Plastic and Adhesive Projects Article SummaryX

To make a magnet, start by removing 1-2 inches of insulation from both ends of a copper wire. Next, wrap the wire tightly around a nail, starting about 8 inches from the end of the wire and working your way down until the nail is covered from head to tip. Wrap 1 end of the exposed wire around the positive side of a D-cell battery, then wrap the other end around the negative side. Hold the nail next to a small piece of metal to test the magnetism! To learn how to make a compass magnet, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Portuguese Russian Italian French Indonesian Arabic Dutch Chinese Hindi Korean Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,085,176 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Donna Engelberger

    Donna Engelberger

    Jul 7, 2016

    "I am running a summer STEM camp and this Saturday is all about magnets. This was very helpful in setting up the..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Anne Schmidt Reviewed by: Anne Schmidt Chemistry Instructor 43 votes - 73% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 96 Updated: October 10, 2025 Views: 1,085,176 Donna Engelberger

Donna Engelberger

Jul 7, 2016

"I am running a summer STEM camp and this Saturday is all about magnets. This was very helpful in setting up the..." more Ethol Allmew

Ethol Allmew

May 5, 2020

"I have done a magnet before, your article helped me understand more about the process of magnetizing an object." Anonymous

Anonymous

Feb 14, 2024

"I am preparing a lesson on magnetism for a children's nature camp. We will make our own magnets thanks to you!" Lynn Wong

Lynn Wong

Mar 8, 2016

"This helped me a lot, especially with the help of images. They made the descriptions easier to understand." Dominick Nims

Dominick Nims

Dec 2, 2016

"It helped me learn how to make some magnets so it will be easier for my project. Thank you very much." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

How Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWhat Wild wikiHow Article Am I QuizWhat Wild wikiHow Article Am I QuizTake QuizDeserted Island SimulatorDeserted Island SimulatorPlayIQ Test For KidsIQ Test For KidsTake QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Do QuizWhat Should I Do QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Magnetize MetalHow toMagnetize MetalMake an ElectromagnetHow toMake an ElectromagnetMake a CompassHow toMake a CompassCreate a Magnet With a Wire and a NailHow toCreate a Magnet With a Wire and a Nail

Featured Articles

150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel Special150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel SpecialWhat Does Your Tattoo Placement Mean? Spiritual & Aesthetic MeaningsWhat Does Your Tattoo Placement Mean? Spiritual & Aesthetic Meanings19 of the Rarest Wonders from around the World19 of the Rarest Wonders from around the WorldWhat Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is My Aesthetic QuizWhat Is My Aesthetic Quiz Celebrate Xmas: Expert Advice on Enjoying the HolidaysHow to Celebrate Xmas: Expert Advice on Enjoying the Holidays

Trending Articles

Make OutHow toMake OutAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Am I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday Quiz180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any ArgumentWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)Random Fortune GeneratorRandom Fortune Generator

Featured Articles

Hilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughHilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizWhy Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)Why Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)A Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body TypeA Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body Type Tell if You’re in LoveHow to Tell if You’re in LoveWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I QuizWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I Quiz

Featured Articles

What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)How Beautiful Am I QuizHow Beautiful Am I Quiz13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)Which of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceWhich of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceMental Illness TestMental Illness Test

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?What Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizIs a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?Is a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?Which Classic Christmas Movie Character Am I?Which Classic Christmas Movie Character Am I?Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?What’s My Demigod Fatal Flaw QuizWhat’s My Demigod Fatal Flaw Quiz

Quizzes & Games

The Potion Game: Brew The Perfect PotionThe Potion Game: Brew The Perfect PotionPlayWhat Is My Harry Potter Wand QuizWhat Is My Harry Potter Wand QuizTake QuizHow Lucky Am I QuizHow Lucky Am I QuizTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake QuizSuper Abilities QuizSuper Abilities QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Hobbies and Crafts
  • Crafts
  • Plastic and Adhesive Projects
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --497

Tag » How Can You Create A Temporary Magnet