The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

How to demagnetize stainless steel pins

February 17, 2010

I recently began using a magnetic tumbler for polishing small metal components. I accidentally left the stainless steel pins on the tumbler at the end of a run and the pins became magnetized (cling to each other and clump when run in the tumbler), which decreases their effectiveness to polish.

I have tried heating the pins in a 350 degree F oven for an hour, which I was told would demagnetize them. This did not work. I repeated this procedure but still the pins are magnetized. Perhaps I am not using the correct time or temperature. Or can someone suggest a better method?

Thanks!

Janie Fuller
hobbyist - Palm City, Florida, USA