Tidy USB Cables with Neodymium Magnets – QuikDisc
Have you been frustrated with messy, tangled USB cables from your bags, unplugged end of the cable slipping to the floor and got crushed by office chairs? You maybe staring right at a simple and smart solution to both problems! QuikDisc Magnets tidy up USB-cables...
Super Strong Hook Magnets On Store Room Metal Door
Picture speaks louder then words
Thanks to Mark Ong for sharing with us these wonderful ideas for using hook magnets!
QuikDisc™ and Disc Magnets Great for Organizing Cables
Cables from different mobile devices such as tablets, powerbank, smart phones, fitness tracker etc. can quickly mess up a otherwise neat table or get into a frustrating tangle.
Our customer Emily shared this photo of how she used QuikDisc™ and disc neodymium magnets to organize her gadgets cables.
Some USB and Micro USB cables tips are made of ferrous metal and so are some tables legs and frames. This makes it an ideal place to attach pieces of small disc magnets to the table frame for lining up USB cables when not in use. Unlike clumsy clips or holder that requires effort to slot in or remove the cables, neodymium magnets is a much neater and effective choice as you can shift position, add or remove magnets as your cables increases, easily attach or remove cables in split seconds, leave no sticky residue and is totally reusable.
For those cables that are not natively attachable to magnets, she uses Titan Magnetics QuikDisc™ Dia. 10x1mm or QuikDisc™ Dia. 8×0.7mm – Disc magnets with 3M™ adhesive on 1 side.
The 3M™ sticky adhesive side is pasted on a clean flat surface of the USB cable (leave the adhesive magnet to cure overnight for stronger, more permanent adhesion). Now the cable end with the magnet can be attached on to any ferrous metal surfaces.
For some tricky plastic surface that doesn’t bond well with any adhesive, we recommend 3M™ Primer 94 Adhesion Promoter, applied to the area to be bonded and leave it to dry for 5 minutes before sticking the adhesive magnet.
Bicycle Speedometer Replaced with Block Neodymium Magnets
A bicycle odometer or speedometer consist of the Computer LCD Display, Cadence Sensor and a Magnet that is attached to the spoke of bicycle wheel.
If you lost the original magnet or for some reasons the original magnet doesn’t quite fit, our neodymium magnets together with a little 3M adhesive may solve the problem.
Our customer Evelyn shared with us how she replace her Cateye speedometer original magnet with a piece of Titan Magnetics 20x10x3mm block neodymium magnets that looks better than the original!
Why not use the original magnet? (Shown here)
As shown in the photos below, the original magnet is unable to fit the unique spoke of her wheel.
We were concern that the harsh outdoor environment and speed may flung the magnet right off.
Hence being a true kiasu Singaporean, she applied 3M Adhesion Promoter (3M 94 Primer itself is not a glue or adhesive) on the small area where the 3M adhesive will hold the magnet.
The Process
First the area was cleaned once with a cloth and then with a alcohol pad to ensure it is perfectly cleaned, no oil or unwanted residue.
A thin coating of 3M 94 Primer was applied and left to dry for 5 minutes before sticking on the block magnet with 3M Foam Double Sided Adhesive tape.
Firm pressure was applied for 30secs to ensure a good initial bond. the magnet bonded by adhesive was left overnight so that the 3M adhesive substrates have sufficient time to flow and “wet out” and achieve bonding at the microscopic level.
A quick test of the 20x10x3mm block magnet from Titan Magnetics before sticking it to the wheel with 3M VHB Acrylic Foam Adhesive.
(This is the same 3M VHB Foam adhesive used on our Dia. 20x2mm Neodymium Magnets with 3M VHB Adhesive )
After 1 week of testing to ensure the replacement magnet works and stay firmly in place during rides, she sent us the following photo showing the completed replacement block neodymium magnet held by 3M adhesive and insured with 3M 94 Adhesion Promoter Primer!
I think it’s way neater than the original magnet.
Sphere Magnets Baggu
Another interesting object created using only sphere magnets from our very creative user Wendy – A Magnetic Baggu!
What I found interesting is the flap of this baggu can be opened and closed just like a regular bag.
I wonder what’s inside the baggu. 🙂
Sorry folks, we do not have the exact steps to create this magnetic baggu, but I’m pretty sure you’ll be able to fashion your sphere magnets into other unique designs.
Thanks Wendy for sharing these inspiring photos!
Fix Broken Air-conditioner Cover with Magnets
Fix broken air-conditioner cover with magnets.
I’ve seen it numerous times, missing air-conditioner cover, cover duct taped to to the blower unit, using a twisted wire to hold the cover in place, slanted ill fitting air-conditioner covers (no repair attempted, just hanging there with the remaining hinge)…
These are tell tale signs that the hinge or latch of the covering is broken and most owners results to creative ways of repairs, relatively better than not covering it at all which can affect the air-flow and dust protection of the blower unit.
Below is just an alternative way of repair/modification to add to the list : ), except that:
1) there are no tell tale sign once we’re done
2) it works better than the original cover, you’ll realise it on your next cleaning (but don’t start breaking your cover yet if it’s still under warranty!)
So let’s get started!
What you’ll need:
– The air conditioner cover with broken hinge (go on and break off the remaining plastic hinge since if it’s already broken)
– Block neodymium magnets 20 x 10 x 2 mm: 1-2pcs (if you are not using a scrap metal)
– Super glue
– Double sided adhesive tape
– Good quality adhesive tape
– Small piece of scrape metal (optional, if you are using just 1 magnet)
Identify a spot on the air-conditioner blower unit that has contact with the cover or has just a small gap (2-4mm gap is fine) from the cover when fully closed.
Mark the spot on to the cover. (ideally it is a flat smooth area)
Stick the scrap metal Or 1pcs of the magnet to the cover using double side adhesive tape (If you are using magnet, take note of the polarity so you will not end up sticking both the same polarity facing each other)
Reinforce by pasting a big generous piece of adhesive tape over the magnet/scrap metal
Super glue a piece of block neodymium magnet to the spot on the air-conditioner unit where it will come in contact with the cover when fully closed.
Apply firm pressure on the magnet for 10 seconds for the super glue to bond.
Reinforce it by wrapping some adhesive tape over the magnet, I’ve added 2 layers of clear adhesive (vertically and horizontally) for good measure. Apply pressure and give the adhesive tape a good rub to secure it in place. If you are not in a hurry, wait for a few hours for the super glue and adhesive tape to set and have a good grip because we want this to be really secure.
This photo highlight in red the single block magnet positioned on the top-middle section of the air-conditioner.
The 2 blue circles shows original holes for existing latches which requires no modification.
Align the magnets/scrap metal piece and fix the cover back to the air-conditioner blower unit, it should click when in contact. (Shown in red circle below)
Finally, press in the latchs to secure the cover and we are done! (Shown in blue circles below)
The following photo taken from way up the ceiling shows the gap between the cover and blower unit.
The neodymium magnet holding on to the cover scrap metal can be seen only through the grill above if you climb up and look really hard.
As a bonus, you can now easily remove the whole cover for washing during cleaning and maintenance without the fear of breaking a plastic hinge!
There are simply no more hinges to break.
Notes:
The reasons why a scrap metal was used in this case is because:
1) Some cover are relatively light weight, not necessary to use 2pcs of neodymium magnets
2) Scap metal which are thin and larger size than the magnet is easier to stick to the cover as it has a larger surface area for more double side adhesive hence better adhesion.
3) No need to align 2 pieces of magnets perfectly as the scrap metal is slightly larger.
But for other cases, you may need the strength of 2pcs of neodymium magnets if the cover is heavy or the gap is wider. Some situations may require a disc shaped neodymium magnets, it really depends.
Happy modifying!
Magnetic Quick Release on Back Pack
Carrying a water bottle on the side pouch of a backpack allows easy access for a quench of thirst without having to remove or put down the backpack. But our customer HC Ong pointed out that his water bottle often got flunk out of his backpack whenever he is in a hurry or during a quick turn that causes the backpack to swerve. It is an annoying problem that can cause a dent on a nice looking aluminium water bottle or causing slight breakage to plastics ones. Worse still, some water bottle were simply lost.
He found the perfect solution by attaching a cord from his backpack to one side of magnetic quick release and attaching the other side of the magnetic quick release to his backpack side pouch.
This allows him to run the cord thru a hole on his water bottle and secure it with the magnetic quick release. This keeps his water bottle in place even when he runs or swing his backpack. To remove water bottle, a quick tug on the cord separates the magnetic quick release. The best part is how easy it is to secure the magnetic clasp single handedly, simply bring one side close (appx 1.5cm) to the other half and it automatically snap in place by the sheer magnetic force!
Try doing that with a typical 2 pronged plastic clip where you have to align and insert one side to the other and push it in, with just 1 hand.
Photos of Magnetic Quick Release on backpack courtesy of HC Ong.
(Thank you HC Ong!)
Cylinder Magnets used in Art Exhibition
Our customer Jem Magbanua, who is an artist, was kind enough to send us this photo of how she used cylinder neodymium magnets to display her drawing in “The Days That We Wonder” exhibition at Deck Gallery.
Magnets hold up artworks and drawings without damaging the exhibits and doesn’t requires drilling of holes that damages walls and it is a clean alternative that doesn’t leave hard to clean, sticky residues that is common when using double sided tape or foam adhesives.
Disc Neodymium Magnets for Securing Radio Control Car Shell
Radio control (rc) car enthusiast often tinker with the innards of their rc cars for optimal performance.
Our customer Jeffrey Ong came up with an effective way to secure the shell of his rc car to the body, by using 4 pcs of 15mm dia. x 1.5mm neodymium magnets!
“Previously I’ve used strong velcro to secure the rc car shell, but after a while the velcro starts to peel off”
According to Jeffrey, he used super glue to glue 2 pcs of the 15mm dia. magnets to the shell and another 2 pcs on a flat part of the body which has a good surface area of contact with the shell.
What you’ll need (some are not essential but makes the process so much more easier and professional : )
– 15mm dia x 1.5mm Neodymium Magnets – must have (feel free to experiment with other sizes that suits the size of your rc vehicle)
– a small bottle of super glue – must have
– a marker pen – must have
– a thin sheets of metal or a metal ruler (to place your magnets on so that it doesn’t accidentally fly off the table to meet the rest of the pack or another loose piece. Good thinking huh…)
– a ferrous metal rod or a long piece of flat head screw (act as a handle attached to the marked side of magnets when applying super glue)
– a piece of unwanted cloth or paper kitchen towel
– lighter fluid or alcohol swap (to clean contact surface)
– compass (good to have but not essential)
– patient
Here are the steps for an effective, neat and professional looking work:
Work on a bright and well ventilated environment.
1) Mark the North of 2 pcs of magnets and South of another 2pcs.* (Opposite attracts! remember? )
Attached the 4 pcs of magnets to the metal ruler with the unmarked sides facing up. (You should have N, N, spacing S, S on the ruler)
You’ll be applying super glue on the unmarked sides later.
2) Use alcohol swap to clean the unmarked sides of the magnets and all the contact areas you’ll be applying glue, wipe dry if necessary.
3) Mark the locations where you want to glue the magnets making sure they align nicely when shell is placed on.
4) Attach a marked North to the flat head of the screw such that unmarked South face up. Your fingers should be holding on to the pointed end of screw as a handle and not the magnet, apply few small droplets of super glue to the unmarked side, not too much that it flows when tilted.
Swiftly press the magnet to the marked spot of the rc shell and hold it for 10-20 secs. The screw handle should make sticking into recessed area a whole lot easier and neater than by fingers. Try slowly sliding the screw off the glued magnet, if you feel it move, press a little longer and leave it for a while. Do not pull the screw directly off the magnet as the separation force required is greater!
Repeat for the 2nd North magnets for the rc shell and leave the shell to cure for an hour while you work on the magnets for the body, except this time attached the marked South on the screw while the unmarked North faces up for gluing.
5) Be patient, leave the glued magnets to cure in a well ventilated area for a strong bond.
Note:
Recipe for a durable super glue bond is to ensure the surfaces to be glued are totally clean, use spirit or alcohol wipe to get rid of any oil or sticky residue, apply glue only on one surface and allow a good period of time for it to set and cure.
*If you cannot find a compass, just stack 4 pcs of magnets on top of each other and mark 2pcs North from 1 side and 2 pcs South on the other side.
Because once you stack the magnets, the 2 different poles will be at 2 opposite ends.
Feel free to share with us how you use your magnets : )
Photos of magnets on RC body and shell courtesy of Jeffrey Ong.
(Thank you Jeffrey Ong!)
Neodymium Flower
A magnetic art piece “Neodymium Flower” formed by 5mm sphere magnets.
This magnetic flower was created in 3 parts and assembled.
Leaves:
The 2 leaves were formed from 6 sets of 9 spheres triangles, 3 such triangles form each leaves.
Stalk:
Main stalk were simply 4 columns of spheres, as usual start with a string of magnets and fold it in half to form 2 columns and uses a card to fold it again on top of each other to get a 2×2 column.
Flower:
Start by making a pentagon of 5 spheres in a circle and add 2 layers on the pentagon.
Next, create 5 triangles (petals) of 6 spheres and attach it to each sides of the pentagon.
Assemble the flower by placing it on top of the stem and attach the 2 leaves.
you may need to flip some parts if the polarity is repelling.
Created by: Lim Shi Xi
Self-Adhesive Neodymium Magnets Keep Desk Cleared by Moving Things to Cubicle Walls
QuikDisc Self-adhesive Neodymium Magnets on Tape dispenser
Neodymium Disc Magnets on Nameplate
QuikDisc on Metal Clip Holding a 200+ pages Booklet. For this instance, the QuikDisc can be easily removed and reused as the Self-Adhesive side protective wax paper was not even removed!
Products used:
– QuikDisc Self-Adhesive Neodymium Magnets – Dia 10mm x 1mm
– Disc Neodymium Magnets 15mm dia x 1.5mm
Thanks Edward Lim, for sharing these wonderful tips with us!