Uses for Powerful Magnets

• Because of their strength, neodymium magnets are used in a broad range of applications. Twin gears image by Faraways from Fotolia.com

  Neodymium magnets, known to be powerful because of their very high level of magnetism, according to industry research company ThomasNet, are used for many purposes. Neodymium is a rare earth metal component mixed metal, which is used to create powerful magnets. Neodymium magnets are able to support many times their weight. They are used in industries, businesses and even around the house. Neodymium magnets are also used in the health care field for a wide range of purposes.

Brochure Closures

• Some professional printers use powerful magnets as closures for binders, boxes, brochures and other presentation pieces. This is accomplished by using either two magnets or one magnet and a matching piece of steel.

Oil Filters

• Powerful magnets are used in oil pans and oil filters to filter chips out of oil.

Nail Finder

• Powerful magnets can be used to find hidden nails in walls, just as a stud finder does.

Magnetic Therapy

• Magnetic therapy is alternative medicine, which involves applying magnets to the body. According to Ray Sahelian, M.D., there are adherents who claim that magnetic therapy speeds the natural healing process, relieves pain, conquers depression and improves sleep. This is a field that is still being researched, Sahelian's website states.

Remagnetizing Old Magnets

• Alnico horseshoe magnets can become demagnetized over time. Powerful neodymium magnets can be used to remagnetize them by stroking the inactive magnet several times from the north pole of the magnet to its south pole several times, then stroke the neodymium magnet with the inactive magnet in the same manner several times. This process will remagnetize the Alnico magnet.

Brass Instrument Dent Removal

• By placing a steel ball that is of similar diameter to the thickness of the brass into a brass instrument, and using a powerful neodymium magnet on the outside of the instrument, you can work the dent out of the instrument by moving the magnet back and forth. This motion causes the steel ball to move back and forth over the dent to gradually work the dent out, says K&J Magnetics company.

Tool and Knife Holders

• There are many tool and knife holders on the market that are made using powerful neodymium magnets, which magnetize the metal in the knives or tools, allowing for a very secure adhesion.