The downside of working on an activity is the ability to count your losses when you lose something or it gets damaged. In magnet fishing, the most common failure is lost magnet fishing equipment in the water. It can happen to any person, even experienced magnet fishers.
So, what should you do when you have a magnet stuck underwater? Since some magnet fishing magnets are expensive to purchase, you can opt to retrieve the magnet. Retrieving a magnet stuck underwater is hard, especially if you are a beginner. But, you can solve this by reading this article to find the different ways of removing a stuck magnet.
There are different ways to choose to try and pull the magnet. It depends on the circumstances around the stuck magnet. It can get stuck in an object underwater or a metal bar in your store. If you are not careful, you can damage the magnet while trying to remove it in one way or another.
How can you lose magnet fishing Magnets
Losing a magnet in water can happen from different angles. Most people lose their magnets when they are in the water. Here are different ways you can lose your equipment.
Firstly, let’s talk about magnet fishing equipment. It includes fishing magnets, ropes, a carabiner, and a grappling hook. However, the vital equipment is a magnet. A strong neodymium magnet can work magic if it has enough pulling force to catch the metal objects. Once you choose a magnet with a small magnetic pull of about 400-500lbs and find an item such as a bicycle that weighs over 1000lbs, you are likely to lose your magnet because it can’t pull the object.
Also, the magnet rating is only accurate under perfect conditions. When it is on rusty objects, the surface it requires to magnetize may be minimal, making it hard to calculate the correct magnet strength for each object.
Secondly, a braided nylon rope is the best for magnet fishing. However, people prefer cheap ropes that break easily. Items in the water with more weight require a strong rope with a higher pulling force than the magnet. If that is not the case, the rope will break, and you will likely lose your magnet.
Thirdly, the location of the river can make you lose your magnet. An area with rocks at the bottom of the water can hold your magnet. Underwater rocks have gaps that your magnet can stick to when passing through. That is why neodymium magnets are made in different shapes and sizes to maneuver easily in rocky areas.
Lastly, a magnet can get stuck to another magnet or on a bridge. It’s the common way in magnetic fishing for a magnet to get stuck. If you store your magnets in one spot, they can attract each other and get stuck. It can be frustrating, but it is easier to separate them. However, it can be challenging if it gets stuck under a bridge.
How to free magnet fishing magnets
As you start your magnet fishing adventure, you should know how to remove a stuck magnet. Here is what we are going to talk about;
- Dowel
- Hammer
- Pry tool
- Wrench
- Wedge
- Ratchet straps
- Pulleys
Dowel
Using a dowel is the simplest and most effective method of removing a strong magnet that is stuck. It works best if it’s near the shore.
Use a long dowel that has a notch at the end. Run the rope through the notch on the dowel and follow the rope to the magnet. Once the notch is at the magnet, push it with strength until free.
Rubber Mallet
A rubber mallet won’t work for a magnet stuck underwater. But, it’s a good tool if you have bigger magnets.
If the magnet is stuck on a bridge or another magnet, use it to hit on one magnet vertically until it separates.
Pry tool
A pry is another tool that works fine if you have access to the magnet. The magnet should be near the shore or stuck outside the water.
A pry tool that can fit through the eye of your magnet is an added advantage. If it fits, pry the magnet as you pull the rope until it is free. Since powerful magnets aren’t easy to pull from an object, prying it inserts force on both ends of the magnet, making it easier to be free.
Wedge
Try using a wedge to remove a stuck magnet. Ensure you use a wooden wedge and avoid magnetic objects. Insert the wooden wedge between the magnet and the object. Push the wedge into the space to move the magnet onto the wooden wedge. The magnet will stop holding onto the object after moving onto the wedge.
Wench
A wench is used to apply force on an object. You should use this tool if you have more experience with a powerful magnet. A wench can pull strong magnets from water even if they stick onto an object.
A new magnet with 400-500 lbs pulling force that cannot pull up a strong object can be pulled using a wench. If the object is immovable, try another method to remove the magnet.
Ratcheting straps
Straps work effectively when near the magnet, but they can work even when it’s not in reach. Tie one end of the straps to the magnet or the rope attached to the magnet. Tie the other end of the straps to an immovable object such as a bridge or tree. Crank the ratchet continuously, and the magnet will be loose.
Pulleys
Pulleys work like ratcheting straps. In a pulley, you tie the rope to an immovable object, wrap a stick between the drops and give the rope strong twists until the magnet gets loose.
Other pulley systems, such as the Z drag pulley, remove a stuck magnet. But, this method can be complicated since it requires more ropes to work.
Conclusion
Magnet fishing has its fair of challenges. Losing a magnet is just a small challenge, among others. However, it’s necessary to prepare for all these challenges. Don’t wait till you lose your magnet to start researching how to retrieve lost magnet fishing magnets.
Removing a magnet stuck underwater can be challenging if it’s your first. But with more experience, you will learn the different methods to retire a magnet. If you don’t know how to retrieve a magnet, you should ask for help from an expert.