How to Remove a Magnet Stuck to Wrought Iron? You might think it’s a strange question, but it’s actually one we see pop up more often than you’d expect. At SI Handrails, we believe there’s no such thing as a bad question, especially when it comes to taking care of metalwork. Whether it’s a powerful magnet that just won’t budge or you're worried about scratching the surface, we’ve got you covered.
So, I’ve put together a few of the best tips and tricks to help you remove that magnet from metal safely, along with a couple of things to keep in mind before you start.
How to Remove a Magnet Stuck to Wrought Iron: The Methods
1. Slide, Don’t Pull
If you’re dealing with a magnet stuck to wrought iron, your first instinct might be to yank it straight off. Don’t. That kind of force can actually scratch or dent the surface, especially if the magnet has a sharp edge or a rough back.
A much better move is to remove the magnet stuck to the wrought iron by sliding it sideways along the iron. This helps break the magnetic hold without putting pressure on one spot. It’s especially helpful if you're dealing with neodymium magnets, which are small but incredibly strong.
2. Use a Non-Magnetic Wedge
Sometimes, the magnet just won’t budge with your fingers alone, and that’s when a little leverage goes a long way. Grab a non-magnetic tool (plastic, wood, or anything that won’t stick to the magnet) and carefully wedge it underneath.
The key here is to go slow. Apply light, steady pressure and let the tool do the work. This way, you stay in control and avoid bending or scratching the wrought iron surface.
3. Apply Gentle Heat
Here’s a trick not many people know: applying a little heat can actually weaken a magnet’s grip. If you gently warm up the magnet (no more than 80°C or 176°F), it can temporarily lose some of its strength, making it easier to remove.
Why does this work? Because magnets rely on the alignment of their internal particles to hold their magnetic field. When you heat them up, that alignment starts to shift, and the pull weakens just enough for you to slide or pry the magnet off without a fight.
Just be careful not to overdo it. Too much heat can permanently demagnetize the magnet or damage any paint or finish on the wrought iron. A hairdryer on low heat or a warm cloth should do the trick.
4. Leverage with a Pry Tool
While sliding or wedging are great first steps, sometimes you need a bit more force, especially if the magnet is smaller or awkwardly shaped. That’s where a non-magnetic pry tool comes in. This method is a little different from using a wedge. A wedge is about breaking the seal gradually, while prying gives you direct lift from underneath.
It works best on medium-strength magnets that aren’t flush with the surface. Just make sure you’re using something non-metallic, like a plastic putty knife or a piece of hardwood, so you don’t accidentally scratch your wrought iron. Ease the tool under the edge and slowly apply upward pressure. The control you get with this method helps avoid slips, dents, or chipped paint.
5. Rubber Mallet Taps
Here’s another lesser-known trick that actually works wonders: tapping around the magnet with a rubber mallet. It might sound odd, but a few light, controlled taps can help loosen the magnet’s hold without damaging the surface underneath.
The idea is to create small vibrations that disrupt the magnetic grip just enough to make removal easier. Since you're not hitting the magnet directly, and you're using a soft mallet, there's no risk of cracking the magnet or denting your wrought iron. It’s simple, quiet, and surprisingly effective when other methods don’t work right away.
6. Use a Clamp for Better Grip
If the magnet is small, smooth, or just too tough to grab with your fingers, try using a clamp. A small C-clamp or locking pliers (like Vise-Grips) can give you the grip you need to pull it off cleanly and with control.
This method is great for stubborn magnets that don’t give you much surface to work with. Just tighten the clamp gently around the magnet enough to hold, but not so much that it cracks, and pull slowly. These tools are easy to find at any hardware store, and they’re handy to have around the house for all kinds of fixes, not just this one.
Conclusion
I think I’ve covered just about every possible method out there for safely removing a magnet from wrought iron. Some are simple, some are a bit unexpected, but all of them are safe and effective when done right. If the first trick doesn’t do the job, I’m pretty confident that by the time you reach the end of the list, that magnet will be off and your iron surface still in great shape.
Whether you’re fixing, maintaining, or upgrading your ironwork, contact us for expert guidance, or browse our handrail catalogue to find the perfect fit for your project.
