Hobby Magnets 101: A Versatile Solution for Your Craft Projects

Not all hobby magnets are the same. The kind of magnet you pick can really impact your project, based on what you need in terms of strength, flexibility, durability, and safety. In the realm of craft magnets, there are three primary types: flexible magnets, ceramic magnets, and neodymium magnets. Each type has its distinct advantages and disadvantages, making them more appropriate for specific uses. Here's what you need to know for your next hobby magnet set.

Types of Hobby Magnets

25 x 2mm Neodymium Magnet

When you’re working on craft projects that involve magnets, it’s important to pick the right type. Whether it’s for fridge magnets, signage, models, or school activities, each magnet type has its strengths and drawbacks. 

Flexible Magnets

Flexible magnets are made from a mix of strontium ferrite and thermoplastic elastomers. Out of the three types, they’re the most affordable and easiest to work with. You can cut them with scissors or a craft knife, so they’re perfect when you need custom shapes or specific sizes. That’s one reason they’re so popular for projects like fridge magnets or decorative labels—anything that needs to be gentle on surfaces.

Another bonus is that you can print things on these flexible magnets. That’s why you see them used for car door signs, promotional magnets, and other printed displays. They also meet the 2022 child safety standards, so they’re safe for kids’ crafts, classrooms, and family projects.

But they do have some limits. Their magnetic strength is pretty low compared to ceramic or neodymium options, which means they won’t hold up heavy items. They also don’t handle extreme heat or cold very well, so they’re not ideal for outdoor or industrial use. If you’re doing a light craft project or need a magnet that won’t scratch or damage anything, flexible magnets are a good choice.

Neodymium Magnets

Neodymium magnets are made from a mix of neodymium, iron, and boron. They’re by far the strongest of the three. You don’t need a big magnet to get a serious hold—neodymium can manage a strong grip in a tiny size. That makes this hobby magnet great for heavy-duty crafts, magnetic closures, or any job where a strong connection matters.

But there are a few challenges. First, they can be too strong for delicate materials, causing tears or dents. They also snap together quickly, so you need to watch your fingers. And like ceramic magnets, they can break if dropped or handled roughly. Another thing to be aware of is corrosion. Neodymium magnets can rust if exposed to moisture unless they’re coated with something like nickel or epoxy. And just like ceramics, any neodymium magnet smaller than 3cm across doesn’t meet child safety standards, so they’re not safe for kids’ use.
They’re more expensive, too, but if strength is your top priority, they’re worth the cost.

Ceramic Magnets

Ceramic magnets, also called ferrite magnets, are made from iron oxides and other ceramic materials. They sit in the middle when it comes to strength. They’re stronger than flexible magnets but not as powerful as neodymium ones. They’re a solid choice for more demanding craft projects, and they also hold up well under higher temperatures, so they’re used in commercial and industrial settings too.

One drawback is that they’re brittle. If you drop them, they can crack or break. That also means you can’t cut or shape them to suit specific projects, so they’re not as versatile as flexible magnets. They’re also harder on surfaces, so you’ll need to be careful when using them with delicate materials.
Another thing to keep in mind is safety. If a ceramic magnet is smaller than 3cm across, it doesn’t meet the 2022 child safety standards. That makes them unsuitable for projects involving young kids. Still, for their price, ceramic magnets offer good strength and decent durability for general craft and light industrial use.

Flexible vs Ceramic vs Neodymium

To get a better idea of how these magnets stack up in terms of holding power, we can look at pull strength—how much weight a magnet can hold against a metal surface when there’s no gap.
• Flexible magnets come in standard and high-energy versions. High-energy types have a pull strength of about 226 grams, while standard ones are around 180 grams. That’s enough for fridge magnets, paper, or light decorations and still meets the current safety standards.
• Ceramic magnets are quite a bit stronger, with a pull strength of around 500 grams for a standard 2cm button magnet. That makes them suitable for holding small tools, heavier decorations, or thicker stacks of paper.
• Neodymium magnets easily take the lead with a pull strength of about 2.6kg. That’s serious strength for a small magnet and ideal for anything that needs a firm hold such closures, display stands, or any setup where things can’t shift or fall.

What to Use and When

neodymium magnets

If you’re working on school projects, kid-safe crafts, or lightweight items, flexible magnets are cheap, safe, and easy to cut. For medium-strength jobs where you don’t need much custom shaping, ceramic magnets give you more hold without blowing the budget. If you’re aiming for maximum strength in a small size, and you’re okay with handling them a bit more carefully, neodymium is the way to go.

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