Frequently Asked Questions

A diver magnet is a subsea magnetic anchor point: a sealed neodymium magnet with a handle that a diver places on a steel hull or structure to hold position, or to keep a line or tool in place. It is a positioning and holding tool, not lifting equipment. Diving Magnets models range from 115 to 500 kg pull force and are proven to 150 m.

Choose by application: 115–200 kg Diver Magnets for tool-holding and inspection, 320–500 kg models for anchoring and structural work. Compare all models →

Pull force is the maximum static force required to separate the magnet from a clean, flat, mild-steel surface under laboratory conditions. Real-world pull will vary based on surface condition, oxidation, paint, and angle of pull. Always size up if your application involves uneven or coated surfaces.

Yes for Diver Magnets, which are built for continuous saltwater immersion; Pot and Hook Magnets are Ni-Cu-Ni plated for dry use. Our Pot and Hook Magnets use a standard nickel-copper-nickel (Ni-Cu-Ni) plating, suited to general and dry applications rather than prolonged saltwater exposure. For diving and subsea work, use a Diver Magnet.

Our magnets are proven in service to 150 m in commercial diving operations. The magnet is sealed in epoxy and HDPE inside a plated steel pot — depth pressure does not affect magnetic performance. No claim is made beyond 150 m, because nothing has been measured beyond it.

Yes, for large fleet orders: send your pull-force requirement, deployment depth and quantity via the contact page or WhatsApp. Contact us via the contact page or WhatsApp with your pull-force requirement, deployment depth, and quantity.

We use high-grade N42–N48 sintered neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) cores, with the grade matched to each model's size and rated pull force. Grade for grade, an N48 core stores about 14% more magnetic energy than an N42 core of the same size.

Normal subsea temperatures of –2 °C to 35 °C cause no measurable loss; performance declines above 80 °C (176 °F). For normal subsea temperatures (–2 °C to 35 °C / 28 °F to 95 °F), there is no measurable thermal degradation. Do not expose magnets to temperatures above 80 °C or store near welding operations.

Every Diver Magnet comes fully assembled: the magnet is fixed with a 316 stainless steel countersunk screw, and fitted with a 316 stainless steel eye nut and handle. The eye nut is M8 on the Ø60 models (Diver Magnet - 115, 140, 230 and 280) and M10 on the Ø78 models (Diver Magnet - 160, 200, 250, 320, 400 and 500). The eye nut is the attachment point for tools and lanyards; the handle gives you a controlled grip for placing and detaching the magnet.

At 0.5 mm stand-off expect about 50% of rated contact pull, at 1 mm about 30%, at 2 mm about 15%. As a guide: at 0.5 mm expect about 50% of rated contact pull, at 1 mm about 30%, at 2 mm about 15%, and at 5 mm only a few percent. For applications requiring attraction at a distance, contact pull-force ratings are not a reliable guide — contact us for specific air-gap data.

Aluminium, copper, brass, titanium and fibreglass are non-magnetic; austenitic 304/316 stainless steel shows little or no attraction. Aluminium, copper, brass, titanium, and fibreglass are non-magnetic.

Yes. Our magnets are industrial-strength and can cause serious crush injuries if two magnets, or a magnet and a steel surface, snap together unexpectedly. Always keep fingers clear of the gap. Keep magnets at least 30 cm from cardiac pacemakers and implantable electronic devices.

Yes: keep magnets at least 20 cm from dive computers, cameras, navigation instruments and magnetic storage media. Keep magnets at least 20 cm from dive computers, cameras, and navigation instruments. Modern solid-state dive computers are generally unaffected, but check your manufacturer's guidance.

Store in a cool, dry place away from other magnets, loose steel items and electronic equipment. Keep magnets separated — use a wooden or plastic spacer so they cannot snap together.

No. The rapid attraction to steel surfaces can generate sparks sufficient to ignite flammable vapours. Do not use near fuel systems, gas lines, explosive atmospheres, or ATEX-classified zones.

Common applications include: temporary anchoring of inspection cameras and lights, securing NDT probes during ultrasonic thickness surveys, holding cutting guides on steel structures, tool staging during hull cleaning and anode replacement, and positional holding during underwater welding prep.

Yes, with reduced pull. A 200 µm (0.2 mm) coating typically reduces contact pull by 30–50%. For epoxy coatings thicker than 1 mm, treat the magnet as if working at 1 mm air-gap. Test hold before relying on it for critical loads.

No. Our magnets are designed for temporary use. Long-term immersion in contact with steel accelerates galvanic corrosion at the interface. For permanent mounting, use bolt-on or welded solutions. Our magnets are specifically engineered for divers who need a reliable, repositionable hold.

No. Never use a magnet as the load-bearing point for a lift — use rated lifting gear. Choose a magnet whose rated pull force is at least 2–3× the holding load you need — more for dynamic, angled or vibrating loads. Rated pull is measured under ideal conditions; actual holding force depends on surface condition, contact area, coating and paint, and the direction of the load. Diving magnets are positioning and holding tools, not lifting equipment. Always secure the magnet with a lanyard.

We ship worldwide from South Africa and have shipped to over 40 countries. International orders go by FedEx and typically arrive 5–10 business days after dispatch, depending on destination and customs.

In-stock orders dispatch within 2 business days; South Africa delivery takes 1–4 business days and international FedEx 5–10 business days after dispatch. South Africa (The Courier Guy): Priority typically 1–2, Economy 3–4 business days after dispatch; outlying areas up to 5. International (FedEx): typically 5–10 business days after dispatch, depending on destination and customs. We email you a tracking reference once your order ships.

USD via PayPal for orders delivered outside South Africa, and ZAR by card (Yoco) or EFT for South African orders. Orders delivered in South Africa are priced in rand (ZAR) and paid by card via Yoco or by EFT.

Yes — you can return any unwanted item within 30 days of delivery, unused, complete and in its original packaging. Contact us first to arrange the return. You arrange and pay for return carriage unless the item is faulty. Full details are in our Shipping & Returns policy.

Yes — dive schools, offshore contractors, and commercial diving companies ordering 5 or more units qualify for trade pricing. Contact us via the contact page with your requirements.

Rinse with fresh water immediately after saltwater use, paying attention to the eye nut threads and any crevices. Dry thoroughly before storage. Periodically apply a light coat of corrosion-inhibiting oil (e.g. WD-40 or Lanolin spray) to the exposed steel surfaces.

Not in practice: sintered NdFeB loses under 1% of its magnetism per decade unless heated above 80 °C or exposed to an opposing field. In practice, our magnets will outlast the dive equipment they're used with. Significant demagnetisation can only occur through exposure to temperatures above 80 °C, or through a strong opposing magnetic field.

Yes, if only the pot housing is chipped: touch up and monitor; retire the magnet if the neodymium core is exposed or cracked. Touch up with cold galvanising paint or epoxy primer and monitor. If the neodymium core itself is exposed or cracked, retire the magnet — NdFeB is brittle and can shed magnetic particles.