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Magnetic Screwdrivers — Parallax Forums

Magnetic Screwdrivers

UghaUgha Posts: 543
edited 2008-10-15 03:26 in General Discussion
In computer repair, magnetic screwdrivers have always been a major no-no.

When working with other electronics (namely various ICs and the BS2) how
"bad" are magnetic screwdrivers?

Should they be avoided at all cost or only around a specific kind of device?

Comments

  • GICU812GICU812 Posts: 289
    edited 2008-10-11 05:44
    Probably just as much and for the same reasons as computers. Really they are fine as long as you dont get them near componets, but usually whatever you're not supposed to do is what happens when you try to avoid it.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 7,620
    edited 2008-10-11 10:20
    Ordinary screwdrivers that have become magnetised drive me mad! I've even been known to demagnetise them.

    Leon

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  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2008-10-11 17:58
    If you want mad, you ought to try magnetic eyeglass frames. I got a pair of glasses with magnets in the hinges, along with matching clip-on sunglasses that mate with those magnets. Very stylish! No visible clips, springs or snaps. The only problem is that when I take my glasses off and lay them on the bench to do closeup work, they pick up all manner of little parts. Sometimes, after I put them back on, it takes awhile to realize I'm walking around with a panhead screw dangling from my glasses!

    To answer the original query, in most cases magnets and electronics get along just fine. If they didn't, things like servos, relays, and fan motors would have to have magnetic shielding around them just to operate in the proximity of electronic circuitry. There are exceptions, though. For example, some compass modules can suffer permanent damage if subjected to a too-strong magnetic field. The reason magnets are a no-no around computers is because of magnetic media, such as floppy disks and hard disk drives, whose contents can be compromised by magnetic fields. In the same vein, FRAM chips might also be sensitive to such fields, although that's mere speculation on my part.

    -Phil
  • skylightskylight Posts: 1,915
    edited 2008-10-11 19:37
    Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) said...
    ·Sometimes, after I put them back on, it takes awhile to realize I'm walking around with a panhead screw dangling from my glasses!

    -Phil
    Sorry Phil I shouldnt laugh but the thought of seeing you walking around like that made me chuckle.
  • heaterheater Posts: 3,370
    edited 2008-10-11 20:26
    Major no-no? I can't see any problem with using magnetic screwdrivers on computers nowadays and never worried about it in the past: No one is using floppy disks any more (or magnetic core store[noparse]:)[/noparse] I don't think they would have much affect on hard drives, which contain hugely powerful magnets anyway. Some small chance of pulling shadow masks in monitors about but tube monitors are becoming rare as well.

    For most electronic components the magnetism will not be noticed.

    Might have a problem tweaking tuned circuits with coils but then even non-magnetized screwdrivers (containing iron) will do that. Use plastic.

    Of course magnet sensors will sense.

    According to the FRAM manufactures FRAMS are not affected by external magnetic fields.

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  • Lab RatLab Rat Posts: 289
    edited 2008-10-15 03:11
    what is the f in fram stand for

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  • SRLMSRLM Posts: 5,045
    edited 2008-10-15 03:26
    Ferroelectric.
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