How To Magnetize A Screwdriver: 10 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Make a Screwdriver Magnetic PDF download Download Article Get a grip on loose screws with the power of magnets Co-authored by Barry Zakar and Luke Smith, MFA

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 Fact Checked

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  • Using a Magnet
    • |
  • Using a Battery
    • |
  • Other Ways to Magnetize a Screwdriver
    • |
  • Q&A
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Barry Zakar and by wikiHow staff writer, Luke Smith, MFA. Barry Zakar is a professional handyman and the founder of Little Red Truck Home Services based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over ten years of experience, Barry specializes in a variety of carpentry projects. He is skilled at constructing decks, railings, fences, gates, and various pieces of furniture. Barry also holds his MBA from John F. Kennedy University. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 263,296 times.

Save yourself the pain of wobbly, hard-to-stabilize screws by turning your screwdriver into a long-lasting magnet! We’ll show you how to magnetize your screwdriver using a magnet, a battery, and a few other simple methods, so you can put your days of dropped, lost screws behind you.

Things You Should Know

  • Slide a strong magnet from the handle of the screwdriver to the tip 10-15 times, rotating the screwdriver slightly between each turn.
  • Alternatively, strip the ends of a wire and wrap it around the screwdriver, then touch the ends to a 9V battery (see below for important safety info).
  • Give your screwdriver a magnetic charge without special tools by pointing it north and gently striking the tip 25-50 times with a hammer.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Using a Magnet

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  1. Step 1 Slide a strong magnet from the handle of the screwdriver to the tip. 1 Slide a strong magnet from the handle of the screwdriver to the tip. For best results, use a bar magnet with at least ¼ pounds of pull force, and which is made of neodymium or a rare earth metal. Touch one end of the magnet to the metal surface of the screwdriver, next to the handle, then drag it down to the tip.[1] This causes small magnetic regions (domains) in the iron to align in the direction of the magnet's field.[2]
    • Take a moment to wipe the screwdriver clean with a spare rag before you magnetize it to make the effect stronger.
    • Also, cover the screwdriver with a thin sheet of paper, which helps prevent scratches from the magnet.
    • On a large screwdriver, magnetize the half closest to the tip instead of the whole tool.
  2. Step 2 Rotate the screwdriver a quarter turn and repeat the motion. 2 Rotate the screwdriver a quarter turn and repeat the motion. Take the magnet off the screwdriver, turn the screwdriver about 45 degrees in your hand, then drag the magnet from the handle to the tip again. Repeat this 10-15 times, using the same end of the magnet each time.[3]
    • It doesn’t matter which end of the magnet you use, as long as you use the same end on each stroke. If you’re using a circular magnet, the orientation doesn’t matter, but hold it in a consistent position.
    • Do not drag the magnet back from the tip to the handle. This will undo your work.
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  3. Step 3 Test the screwdriver’s magnetism on some metal screws. 3 Test the screwdriver’s magnetism on some metal screws. Touch the tip of the screwdriver to a loose metal screw. If the screwdriver can't hold the screw on its tip, repeat the process.[4] If it still doesn't work after 10-15 passes on each side, try again with a stronger magnet.
    • A hard steel screwdriver can stay magnetized for months. If you'd like to demagnetize it, run the magnet back the other way (tip to handle), or whack the screwdriver against the wall a few times to scramble its magnetic domains again.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Using a Battery

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  1. Step 1 Strip the insulation from both ends of a piece of wire. 1 Strip the insulation from both ends of a piece of wire. Cut off a piece of wire at least 7 in (18 cm) long, then strip about an inch (2.5 cm) of insulation off each end.[5] To do this, place the end of the wire in the jaws of a wire stripper, then pull the stripper toward the end of the wire.
    • Thin wire can overheat, while thick wire will be less effective. Try 16–22 AWG (1.3–0.6mm diameter) wire instead.[6]
    • Thinner insulation enables stronger magnetization. Enamel-coated wire gives the best results. To strip the enamel off the ends, rub the end of the wire with 220-grit sandpaper.[7]
  2. Step 2 Coil the wire around the screwdriver. 2 Coil the wire around the screwdriver. Wrap the wire tight around the screwdriver shaft 10 to 20 times.[8] Double back for a second layer if the screwdriver is too short, but don't reverse the direction of the loop. For example, you might work left–right–left along the screwdriver, but make sure to wind every loop clockwise. Tape the wire in place if necessary.
  3. Step 3 Attach the wires to a household battery for 20-30 seconds. 3 Attach the wires to a household battery for 20-30 seconds. Place the screwdriver on a table, then, holding the insulated portion of the wire, touch the ends to the terminals of a 6V or 9V battery. Touch 1 end of the wire to the positive terminal, and the other to the negative, at the same time. The current flowing through the coils creates a magnetic field, which in turn magnetizes the screwdriver.
    • Using higher voltage batteries is not recommended unless you have experience handling them safely. Anything more powerful than a 9V battery only needs to be connected for a split second to magnetize the screwdriver.
    • Wear insulated gloves to protect from shocks and sparks.
  4. Step 4 Disconnect the battery. 4 Disconnect the battery. The screwdriver will always be magnetic while connected to the battery, but the wire and battery terminals will heat up quickly.[9] Disconnect the battery after 30 to 60 seconds, then try to pick up a screw with the screwdriver. In most cases, it will still be magnetic.
    • If the screwdriver loses its magnetism after the battery is disconnected, wrap a few more loops of wire and try again.
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Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Other Ways to Magnetize a Screwdriver

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  1. Step 1 Use a commercial magnetizer tool. 1 Use a commercial magnetizer tool. Many hardware stores sell magnetizer tools specially made for magnetizing screwdrivers. They vary in design, but typically operate in much the same way. Insert the end of the screwdriver into the indicated slot, then slow drag it back out.[10] Often, these tools also provide a slot that demagnetizes the screwdriver using the same method.
  2. Step 2 Use a small magnet to give a screwdriver a weak pull. 2 Use a small magnet to give a screwdriver a weak pull. If you don’t have a strong magnet on hand, you may be able to use a fridge magnet or another small magnet. Place the magnet just below the tip of the screwdriver and keep it there as you work. The small magnet lends the screwdriver’s tip a small magnetic charge—sometimes enough to hold onto screws.[11]
    • Test this method with a loose screw before you try it on your project. Not every small magnet is strong enough to lend a charge.
  3. Step 3 Hit the tip of the screwdriver with a hammer. 3 Hit the tip of the screwdriver with a hammer. Tape the screwdriver down so the tip points north. Gently but firmly strike the tip of the screwdriver 25-50 times, or until it gains a charge (test it by trying to pick up a screw). Hitting the screwdriver knocks loose the atoms in the iron and encourages them to realign with the earth’s magnetic field, magnetizing the screwdriver.[12]
    • The screwdriver will become less magnetic over time. Dropping the screwdriver or hitting things with it will demagnetize it more quickly.
    • Be careful and monitor your screwdriver for damage as you work. If the hammer deforms your screwdriver, try another method, instead.
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Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Can't I also magnetize it using 2 magnets aligned the same way? I was able to do that with drill bits. Community Answer Community Answer You really only need one strong magnet - just rub it along the metal shaft repeatedly, going in the same direction each time. The more times you rub the magnet along the shaft, the stronger its magnetization will be. It should only take a few seconds. 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 5 Helpful 16
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Video

Tips

  • Your screwdriver must contain iron in order for it to be magnetized. Screwdrivers made without iron can’t be magnetized.[13] Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
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

  • Some electronic components can be damaged by magnets. A magnetized screwdriver is usually not strong enough to cause issues, but keep this in mind if you’re working electronics. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
  • Powerful neodymium magnets (including any salvaged from hard drives) can pinch your fingers hard enough to draw blood. Handle with caution. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
  • Do not use non-insulated wire to connect your screwdriver to the battery. The current will short across the wire instead of producing a magnetic field, and will shock anyone who touches it. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
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Things You'll Need

Magnet Method

  • Screwdriver
  • Strong magnet (at least ¼ pounds of pull force)

Battery Method

  • Screwdriver
  • 16–22 AWG (1.3–0.6mm diameter) wire
  • Wire strippers (or sandpaper for enamel-coated wire)
  • Tape
  • 9V battery

Other Methods

  • Screwdriver magnetizer tool
  • Small magnet
  • Hammer

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References

  1. ↑ https://hadleyhelps.org/sites/default/files/2020-07/Repairs_MagnetizedScrewdrivers_HO_ACC_FINAL.pdf
  2. ↑ https://www.nde-ed.org/EducationResources/HighSchool/Magnetism/magneticdomain.htm
  3. ↑ https://toolever.com/5771/how-to-magnetize-screwdrivers/
  4. ↑ https://yardandgardenguru.com/how-to-magnetize-a-screwdriver/
  5. ↑ https://www.myunfinishedhome.com/how-to-magnetize-screwdriver/
  6. ↑ https://www.teachengineering.org/activities/view/cub_mag_lesson2_activity1
  7. ↑ https://youtu.be/Pd5Q-XDmvys?t=37
  8. ↑ https://yardandgardenguru.com/how-to-magnetize-a-screwdriver/
  9. ↑ https://www.teachengineering.org/activities/view/cub_mag_lesson2_activity1
More References (4)
  1. ↑ https://www.protoolreviews.com/tools/power/accessories/the-klein-magnetizer/33998/
  2. ↑ https://toolever.com/5771/how-to-magnetize-screwdrivers/
  3. ↑ https://van.physics.illinois.edu/ask/listing/436
  4. ↑ https://www.myunfinishedhome.com/how-to-magnetize-screwdriver/

About This Article

Barry Zakar Co-authored by: Barry Zakar Handyman This article was co-authored by Barry Zakar and by wikiHow staff writer, Luke Smith, MFA. Barry Zakar is a professional handyman and the founder of Little Red Truck Home Services based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over ten years of experience, Barry specializes in a variety of carpentry projects. He is skilled at constructing decks, railings, fences, gates, and various pieces of furniture. Barry also holds his MBA from John F. Kennedy University. This article has been viewed 263,296 times. 8 votes - 100% Co-authors: 17 Updated: May 13, 2025 Views: 263,296 Categories: Featured Articles | Plastic and Adhesive Projects | Screws and Screwdrivers Article SummaryX

To magnetize a screwdriver with a battery, start by stripping the insulation from the ends of a piece of wire. Then, wrap the wire around your screwdriver 10-20 times. Once the wire is around the screwdriver, attach the ends of the wire to a 6V or 9V battery. You should then wait 30-60 seconds for the current flowing through the wire to create a magnetic field before you disconnect the battery and use your newly magnetized screwdriver. Alternatively, you can get a strong bar magnet and drag it in the same direction along every side of your screwdriver to magnetize it. To learn what kind of wire works best and how to strip it before you magnetize your screwdriver with it, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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  • Ernestas Liubarskij

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    "I had a screwdriver that would not pick up screws. This made disassembly of TVs for repair much more difficult...." more Rated this article:
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Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Barry Zakar Co-authored by: Barry Zakar Handyman Co-authors: 17 Updated: May 13, 2025 Views: 263,296 100% of readers found this article helpful. 8 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote Ernestas Liubarskij

Ernestas Liubarskij

Mar 20, 2017

"I had a screwdriver that would not pick up screws. This made disassembly of TVs for repair much more difficult...." more Rated this article: Christopher Rice

Christopher Rice

Feb 8, 2017

"Now I know that a low-power battery is more than enough to make as strong a magnet as I need. And I know that if I..." more Ray Jones

Ray Jones

Dec 4, 2017

"I used a 12 volt battery and connecting to neg. first and touching pos. worked best. Be sure your screwdriver is of..." more David Humphrey

David Humphrey

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"wikiHow seems like a good source for do-it-yourselfers. Very explicit instructions and supporting pics." Pat Jr.

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"The little screw from my glasses fell out and this was a great idea." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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