Answers to common questions about diving magnet selection, safety, maintenance, ordering, and technical specifications.
40 questions across 6 categories — Diving Magnets (Pty) Ltd, South Africa.
Our range runs from 115 kg to 500 kg pull force. The Diver Magnet - 115 and Diver Magnet - 140 range serves well for hull surveys, light maintenance work, inspections, and recreational diving. For commercial diving operations requiring greater holding capacity and dependable anchoring, models starting at the Diver Magnet - 160 and extending to the Diver Magnet - 280 are recommended—with the Diver Magnet - 200 and Diver Magnet - 250 standing out as preferred options for their combination of power and operational flexibility. For applications demanding sustained, heavy-duty anchoring solutions, the Diver Magnet - 320 to Diver Magnet - 500 series provides the most suitable performance.
A neodymium magnet is a type of rare-earth permanent magnet made from an alloy of neodymium (Nd), iron (Fe), and boron (B) — commonly referred to as NdFeB magnets. They are the strongest commercially available permanent magnets, capable of producing extremely high magnetic force relative to their size. The highest-performance permanent magnet available — delivering maximum strength in the smallest possible form.
A pot magnet is a permanent magnet assembly that consists of a neodymium or ferrite magnet attached to a steel housing (pot). The steel housing amplifies and directs the magnetic field, making these magnets much more powerful and directional than the magnet alone.
A pot magnet (also called a cup magnet) is a standard neodymium disc enclosed in a steel shell. Our Diver Magnets are pot magnets that have been purpose-built for subsea use: they include a marine-grade Epoxy-HDPE coating, a 316 stainless steel eyebolt and handle, and are tested to withstand prolonged saltwater immersion. Standard pot magnets typically lack this corrosion protection and are not rated for underwater deployment.
A single-sided magnet (pot magnet) concentrates all its magnetic force through one face, making it ideal for vertical lifting and targeted retrieval. A double-sided magnet attracts from both faces, making it better for dragging or trawling across surfaces to maximise coverage area. Our Diver Magnets are single-sided — this design produces significantly higher pull force per unit area, which is more effective for commercial diving attachment tasks.
The N-grade label refers to the maximum magnetic strength of a neodymium magnet. N stands for Neodymium (NdFeB magnet family). The number — 35, 42, or 52 — represents the maximum energy product measured in Mega Gauss Oersteds (MGOe). Higher numbers mean stronger magnets: N52 is the strongest commercially available grade. Our magnets use N45–N48 grade NdFeB for an optimal balance of strength and temperature stability.
Neodymium magnets are coated because the raw NdFeB material is highly vulnerable to corrosion and physical damage. Without protection, they degrade quickly — especially in humid, wet, or saltwater environments.
The best coating depends entirely on the environment the magnet will be used in — and in marine or subsea conditions, not all coatings are suitable. Nickel (Ni-Cu-Ni) is the standard coating: smooth, silver finish, suitable for dry indoor use, but not recommended for marine or subsea environments as it is prone to corrosion once the surface is compromised. For marine and subsea use, specialized multi-layer coatings are recommended — combining epoxy and polymer or polyethylene layers designed specifically for saltwater and harsh environments. These provide superior corrosion resistance, long-term durability, and consistent performance underwater.
Our Diver Magnet range provides between 115 kg and 500 kg of direct pull force (vertical pull against a flat, clean steel surface). Pull force ratings are measured on a smooth 10 mm polished steel plate at 20°C under 100% surface contact conditions.
Magnet weight varies depending on size. Our magnets are engineered to be as compact as possible while delivering exceptional holding power for their size, ensuring efficient performance and easy handling in demanding applications.
All pull force ratings are measured under controlled laboratory conditions: vertical pull from a smooth, flat, 10 mm polished mild steel plate at 20°C with 100% face contact. Real-world performance on corroded, curved, or painted steel surfaces will be lower. As a practical rule, assume 50–70% of rated pull force when working on typical subsea steel surfaces. Always size your magnet conservatively for the actual application.
The magnetic element is N45–N48 grade NdFeB (neodymium-iron-boron) — the strongest commercially available permanent magnet type. It is housed in a precision-machined mild steel pot (cup) that focuses the magnetic field through one face. The exterior is coated with a marine-grade Epoxy-HDPE layer for corrosion resistance. The eyebolt, handle, and attachment hardware are all AISI 316 stainless steel for maximum saltwater durability.
Our Diver Magnets are single-sided pot magnets — all magnetic force is concentrated through one face. This design produces significantly higher pull force per unit area than double-sided (through-hole) magnets of the same size, making them more effective for commercial diving attachment tasks where maximum holding strength is needed.
Yes. Our magnets are rated for both freshwater and saltwater use. The Epoxy-HDPE coating and 316 stainless steel hardware protect against saltwater corrosion. We recommend rinsing the magnet in fresh water after saltwater dives and inspecting the coating regularly for chips or scratches that could allow corrosion to begin.
Our diving magnets are designed for commercial diving depths. The Epoxy-HDPE coating and stainless steel construction are unaffected by hydrostatic pressure at recreational and commercial diving depths (0–300 m). The neodymium magnet itself is pressure-insensitive. There is no depth limit imposed by the magnet design — your other diving equipment and applicable regulations determine safe operating depth.
Neodymium magnets are permanent magnets — they do not require recharging and lose less than 1% of their magnetic strength per century under normal conditions. Operating temperatures are the main risk: neodymium magnets begin to demagnetise above approximately 80°C. In normal diving applications (water temperatures well below this threshold), magnetic strength is effectively permanent.
Always wear cut-resistant gloves when handling the magnet — the snapping force of a neodymium magnet is powerful enough to crush fingers between the magnet and a steel surface. Keep the magnet away from credit cards, dive computers, and electronic equipment unless you are certain they are magnetically shielded. Never allow two magnets to snap together without controlled hand placement. Keep magnets away from children. When working underwater, ensure the magnet is tethered to prevent loss.
Yes — neodymium magnets can corrupt data on magnetic stripe cards, disrupt compasses, and potentially affect some electronic dive computers if placed in close proximity. Keep the magnet at least 20–30 cm away from electronic devices when not in active use. Modern dive computers with digital displays are generally less susceptible than older analogue instruments, but caution is always advised. Check with your dive computer manufacturer for their specific guidance on magnetic exposure.
Each magnet features a 316 stainless steel eyebolt designed to withstand the full pulling force of the magnet. To secure it, attach a carabiner or shackle to the eyebolt, then clip it to a D-ring on your BCD or harness. Avoid using plastic clips that aren't rated for this purpose. For optimal safety and convenience, we recommend pairing your magnet with our Diver Magnet Lanyard.
The 'pinch hazard' occurs when the magnet snaps to a steel surface and traps skin, a finger, or soft tissue between the magnet and the metal. Strong neodymium magnets can cause serious injury. Always approach steel surfaces with the magnet controlled and at an angle — slide it into contact rather than allowing it to snap freely. Wear thick gloves. When removing the magnet, slide it sideways off the steel surface rather than pulling it directly away. Never hold the magnet near your face.
Always consult your dive supervisor and follow the operator's specific procedures before using strong magnets near pressurized pipelines, CP systems, or instrumented subsea structures — it's a standard precaution to prevent interference.
After each saltwater dive, rinse the magnet thoroughly with fresh water and dry it before storage. Inspect the Epoxy-HDPE coating for chips, scratches, or signs of rust bleeding. If you find a damaged area, dry it completely and apply a marine-grade epoxy touch-up coating to prevent corrosion spreading to the steel pot. Store the magnet in a cool, dry place — preferably with a keeper (a small piece of mild steel) against the face to reduce stray field and protect the face from accidental impacts.
With proper maintenance, our diving magnets have an indefinite service life. The neodymium element does not lose strength over time in normal operating conditions. The weakest point is the marine coating — regular inspection and touch-up prevents saltwater from reaching the steel housing. Several of our customers report magnets still in active commercial use after 4+ years with routine maintenance.
All Diving Magnets (Pty) Ltd products are warranted against manufacturing defects for 1 months from the date of purchase. Warranty covers material or workmanship defects under normal use. It does not cover damage from misuse, impact damage, improper storage, or failure to follow our care guidelines. For warranty claims, contact us with your order number and a description of the defect.
The magnet is designed specifically to resist saltwater corrosion. The marine-grade Epoxy-HDPE coating protects the mild steel pot, and all external hardware is 316 stainless steel. However, if the coating is chipped or scratched and the bare steel is exposed, surface rust can develop. Regular inspection and prompt touch-up repairs prevent this. The neodymium element itself is encased inside the steel pot and is not directly exposed to seawater.
Yes. Our magnets operate reliably across the full range of ocean water temperatures (approximately −2°C to 35°C). Neodymium magnets lose a small amount of pull force as temperature increases (approximately 0.12% per °C above 20°C), but this effect is negligible at diving temperatures. Extreme heat above 80°C would cause permanent demagnetisation — this is not a concern in any ocean diving scenario.
An essential diver tool for inspection work, hull scrubbing, and mid-water operations near mild steel structures, our commercial diver magnets are an indispensable addition to any commercial diver's kit. Anchor yourself securely, eliminate the need to continuously kick and swim to maintain position, and focus entirely on the task at hand.
A subsea magnetic tool holder — also called a diver tool holder magnet or underwater tool holding magnet — is a neodymium pot magnet purpose-built for commercial divers to stage and secure tools on hull plates, pipes, and other mild steel structures during a dive. Rather than carrying every piece of equipment by hand, divers can temporarily park subsea tools on a nearby metal surface and retrieve them as needed. This keeps kit organised and hands free for the task at hand.
We specialise in professional diving equipment and commercial diving gear for the subsea industry. Our core product range consists of neodymium diver magnets designed as subsea diving equipment for inspection, construction, and maintenance operations. This underwater work equipment is used across offshore, inland, and maritime projects. We also supply accessories and can advise on bespoke magnetic solutions for complex subsea applications.
Yes. Our offshore diver magnets are used daily on offshore platforms, vessels, and subsea structures around the world. As specialist offshore diving equipment, they are built to withstand saltwater immersion, high pressures, and the physical demands of commercial diving applications. The 316 stainless steel hardware and Epoxy-HDPE coating ensure reliable performance as underwater work equipment in the harshest marine conditions.
Several factors reduce effectiveness below specifications. Surface condition is critical—rust, paint, or marine growth can cut force by 20-50%. Even a 0.5mm air gap reduces force by 50% or more, so full metal contact is essential. Thin metal (under 5mm) also limits performance. Additionally, higher temperatures reduce magnetic strength, and side pulling can decrease effective force by 70%+ compared to vertical pulls. Ensure clean surfaces, proper contact, and vertical pulling to maximize performance.
Yes. Diving Magnets (Pty) Ltd products are used in a wide range of subsea inspection and construction tasks: securing scaffolding clamps to hull structures, holding measuring tools during structural surveys, retrieving stainless steel components that have fallen during installation, and as emergency hold-points during pipeline laying and welding operations. Their strength, marine durability, and simple deployment make them a standard part of commercial diving kit.
Yes. We ship worldwide. International orders are shipped via FedEx International Priority. Delivery typically takes 5–10 business days after dispatch depending on your country. South African orders are shipped via The Courier Guy for fast domestic delivery. We confirm shipping costs and estimated delivery time at checkout.
Due to the magnetic nature of our products, all shipments are packaged to IATA (air freight) and IMDG (maritime) regulations for the transport of magnetised material. This includes appropriate magnetic shielding to ensure that the external magnetic field falls within airline-safe limits. This can occasionally add a small surcharge to air freight shipments — we will advise you of any additional packaging fees at the time of quoting.
South African customers pay in ZAR (South African Rand) via EFT (direct bank transfer) or Yoco card payment. International customers pay in USD (US Dollars) via PayPal, which accepts all major debit and credit cards. Prices in both currencies are shown on every product page. Exchange rates are set periodically — the displayed price is the price you pay.
Within South Africa: 1–3 business days after payment is confirmed. International (rest of world): typically 5–10 business days via FedEx International Priority after payment clears. Remote destinations may take longer. We send a tracking number by email as soon as your order is dispatched.
Yes — there is no minimum order quantity. We sell single units to individual divers, recreational users, and magnet fishing enthusiasts, as well as bulk orders to commercial diving companies. Whether you need one magnet or fifty, just add to cart and check out.
Yes. Commercial diving companies, offshore contractors, and resellers can request a bulk pricing quote. Contact us via email or WhatsApp with your company details and required quantities. We offer competitive pricing for recurring commercial customers.
We accept returns of unused, undamaged products in original packaging within 14 days of delivery. Return shipping costs are the buyer's responsibility unless the item was received damaged or incorrectly supplied. To initiate a return, contact us with your order number and reason for return. Refunds are processed within 5 business days of receiving the returned item.
Yes. We issue proforma invoices on request — this is standard practice for commercial and corporate buyers who require internal purchase order approval before payment. Contact us with the product(s), quantities, and your delivery address and we will issue a proforma invoice in PDF format by email within one business day.
Our team is happy to assist with any questions about our products or your specific diving application.
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