[Elecraft] Demagnetizing Tools?

[Tom Hammond]

Hi Steve:

>Is there an easy way to demagnetize tools?  How?

Though I've not personally tried this, I'm told it works...

You'll need a Weller Soldering Gun...

Turn the gun on and place the tool into the loop formed by the soldering 
tip and its holders. Slowly pull the tool out WHILE keeping the gun turned 
on. Then release the trigger.

To MAGNETIZE a tool do the same, BUT release the trigger while the tool it 
still inside the loop.

The theory is sound... there's an electromagnetic field created by the 
single-turn loop which will magnetize a ferrous object inserted into the 
field while it's energized. The ferrous object to magnetized, changing 
polarities with the CW going thru the loop.

If you release the trigger while the object in inside the loop, it will 
remain magnetized in one polarity or the other.

If you pull it out of the field while the field is still energized, the 
magnetism is slowly diminished as the object is removed, leaving it 
DEmagnetized once it's been removed.

This having been said, you may have to use something that makes a larger 
electromagnetic field... maybe a transformer winding but with no core 
inserted... but this is sheer supposition as I've not tried it. I have, 
however MAGnetized objects by inserting them into a transformer core and 
removing power. I've just not DEmagnetized anything that way... and I don't 
now how hefty a field might be required.

73,

Tom Hammond    N0SS