From a quick google search, it appears that magnets wear out over a long period of time--something like 700 year half life.

But, do magnets wear out from use? For instance, will repetitively sticking magnets to one another wear them out?

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Originally posted by Aeteocles:
But, do magnets wear out from use? For instance, will repetitively sticking magnets to one another wear them out?

Why don't you try it and let us know.

If you force together magnets of the same polarity, yes you can de-gauss them from a strong charge down to almost nothing. I was just doing this at work before lunch. And yes, sticking together magnets with the opposite poles touching can transfer gauss from one to another, generally evening out.

If you want, I can do a test with some Alnico 5 bar magnets and measure the result with a gauss meter. Because I have one.

So, using a magnet in place of a spring probably wouldn't work in the long run?

Depends on all the variables, lol. What are you trying to do?

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Originally posted by Aeteocles:
So, using a magnet in place of a spring probably wouldn't work in the long run?

They'll last 36,000 miles or 36 months - whichever comes first.

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Do magnets wear out?

Well when stuck together over time they have been known to lose their attraction

Yes faster than 700 years.

Cabinets' use magnets and they stop holding the door shut after 10 years or so.

quote:

Originally posted by Aeteocles:
So, using a magnet in place of a spring probably wouldn't work in the long run?

In the long run, we'll all be dead.

quote:

Originally posted by guardianangel762:
Yes faster than 700 years.

Cabinets' use magnets and they stop holding the door shut after 10 years or so.

Good point of reference. Thanks!

This is a very interesting thread. Thanks folks!

I'll just comment that the newer rare earth magnets retain their magnetism far better than the older ALNICO magnets. They're very stable.

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:

quote:

Do magnets wear out?

Well when stuck together over time they have been known to lose their attraction

Especially after you throw a bucket of water on them!

Repeated hard blows or vibration can damage a magnet. Many cars use a magnetized wheel bearing as an ABS wheel speed sensor. When installing one they must never be hammered in, only pressed.

quote:

Originally posted by guardianangel762:
Yes faster than 700 years.

Cabinets' use magnets and they stop holding the door shut after 10 years or so.

Are those really magnets or are they little pieces of magnetize metal? I'd think there would be a difference.

quote:

Originally posted by bendable:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PyqL9y7VZo

I am now very thankful that I've never watched Bill Nye. And I won't make that mistake again.

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Originally posted by jbcummings:
little pieces of magnetize metal

That is what a magnet is.

quote:

Originally posted by guardianangel762:
Yes faster than 700 years.

Cabinets' use magnets and they stop holding the door shut after 10 years or so.

Mine on my kitchen cabinet doors have been working fine without any sign of weakening for 56 years.