Lee Valley Magnetic Tool Bars

Feb 18, 2005 34 Replies

My wife bought me a magnetic tool bar from Lee Valley (99k45.01) for Christmas. I'm not sure why - she thought it was something I could use. I've used magnetic tool holders before and was never impressed.



This one is different.



This sucker has a lot of strength. I mounted it on the wall by the lathe, and filled it's 13" span with my longer lathe gouges. I was amazed - not only did it hold them, but it held them quite firmly - no slipping, etc. I had 8 long gouges, plus some lathe wrenches hanging off this thing and it held!!



I went out and bought 3 more. I now have all my lathe gouges mounted right by my lathe for easy access.



These things are great. I'm going to pick up about 10 more and mount a pile of hand tools around the shop.



Thanks for the quality item !!!!!!!!!!!!


Brian


Yeah, I was surprised. I use one to hang frequently used screwdrivers and pliers, and I find it's a bit too strong. Probably better suited for heavier tools.

There's a substantial group of turners who say magnetized tools interfere with their ability to finesse a tool on an iron rest.

I never could understand why, but I have had my lathe tools, and a few others mounted on magnetic bars for years.

If you look on page 12 of this issue of Fine Woodworking (March/April

2005, Issue # 176) you'll see how I used those magnetic strips. I won $100 and two Adria dovetail saws for the idea!

I used to have ,magnetic tool holders, the only problem was that my screwdrivers and two chisels became magnetized. Now often a magnetized screwdriver is handy, but not when you don't want it to be. Also when sharpening the chisels the metal removed sticks to the chisel.

I removed the magnets from the tool holder and use them for fridge magnets.

Clearly your non de rec is accurate. You suck.

I had sort of a similar problem... My lathe chisels are hung on a long metal drawer slide with rare earth magnets on it, that extends out from a parts cart... after a week or so, I found that they were sticking to each other and to anything metal that they got near..

I'm picking up a demagnetizer at OSH today.. a friend said that a few passes will solve my problem, and I'll invest 5 or 6 bucks to find out..

mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

A quick smack or two with a hammer will demagnetize it

Dave

Posted Via Usenet.com Premium Usenet Newsgroup Services

---------------------------------------------------------- ** SPEED ** RETENTION ** COMPLETION ** ANONYMITY **

----------------------------------------------------------

formatting link

Name as used in the Wreck, I'd say?

My half-decent joke taken down by a tyop. Thanks.

Do you think an electrical handheld tape head demagnetizer would work?

I have an old one still sealed in it's original package from radio shack, and two magnetic tool bars from rockler, I wonder if it would work. Gonna try it sometime.

Yeah right, that'll be the day I mar and dent my fine chisels to demag them...! NOPE!

Alex, You don't have to beat it on the cutting edge. BTW, aren't some chisles designed to struck with a hammer? I know I have several.

Dave

Posted Via Usenet.com Premium Usenet Newsgroup Services

---------------------------------------------------------- ** SPEED ** RETENTION ** COMPLETION ** ANONYMITY **

----------------------------------------------------------

formatting link

Yep. I'll use any excuse I can get.

-- Jack Novak Buffalo, NY - USA (Remove "SPAM" from email address to reply)

Obviously, so will they.

You know to demagnetize a screw driver or other tool you simply rub the tool along the magnet a couple of strokes. To magnetize that tool simply rub the too in the opposite direction a couple of strokes.

Before buying the demagnetizer rub the magnet along the tool a few times to demagnetize it. Rubbing a magnet along a tool will magnetize it and rubbing in the opposite direction will demagnetize it.

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required