Magnetic strips for tools

[Steve Trauthwein]

I was wondering if anyone had trouble with tools becoming magnetized? Is it really a problem? Are some of you using these successfully?

Regards, Steve

[Chris Fierro]

Magnetized tools are dangerous if you are using a metal toolrest. So pretty much they are dangerous. I bought one a couple of weeks ago with very poor results. It now holds my knockout bar and some chuck keys.

http://sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=77243

[Robert McGowen]

I have one and don't use it for turning tools any more. I found that the tools developed a strong magnetic attraction for the tool rest, so much so that it was hard to get the tool sliding at times. This was especially true for flat tools, like scrapers. After a couple of gouges into the wood from having to give the tool a nudge to get it moving, I stopped using it.

[Wayne Cannon]

For what it's worth, you can demagnetize tools with a video tape eraser for VHS video tapes (e.g., from Radio Shack). It will vibrate like crazy, but don't worry about it. Slide the eraser along the tool and a few feet beyond it before turning the eraser off.

Shock and vibration will also demagnetize tools eventually.