What should you not put magnets near?

Magnets are everywhere. From the speakers in our phones to the motors in electric vehicles, their invisible force is essential to modern technology. While incredibly useful, this powerful force can also be destructive when placed too close to certain sensitive items. Understanding what you should not put magnets near is crucial for protecting your valuable electronics and data.

1. Data Storage Devices and Media

This is perhaps the most critical area of concern, though modern technology has made some devices more resistant. The strongest magnets should be kept far away from any device that stores data magnetically.

Traditional Hard Drives (HDDs): HDDs store information on spinning magnetic platters. A strong external magnetic field can easily corrupt or erase this data, leading to permanent data loss. Never place a strong magnet near the case of a computer or external hard drive.

Older Storage Media: Floppy disks, magnetic tape (like VHS or cassette tapes), and older credit card magnetic stripes are highly vulnerable. A magnet can scramble the encoded information, rendering them useless.

Solid State Drives (SSDs): Good news! SSDs (used in most modern laptops and smartphones) store data using flash memory chips, not magnetism. They are generally not affected by typical household magnets. However, extreme, industrial-strength magnetic fields can sometimes interfere with the electronic components themselves.

2. Electronics and Screens

The operation of many electronic components can be disrupted by external magnetic fields.

Pacemakers and Implanted Medical Devices: This is a serious safety concern. Strong magnets can interfere with the operation of pacemakers, ICDs (Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators), and other electronic implants, potentially leading to life-threatening malfunctions. Individuals with these devices must exercise extreme caution around powerful magnets.

CRT Monitors and Older TVs: Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) screens use magnetic fields to steer the electron beam that creates the image. Placing a magnet near one can cause severe, permanent color distortion (known as "purity damage") or wobble the image.

Speakers and Microphones: While these devices contain magnets as part of their function, bringing an extra strong magnet close to an active speaker or microphone can cause distortion or, in rare cases, damage the delicate voice coil.

3. Precision Instruments and Gauges

Anything that relies on a precise reading or a delicate physical mechanism can be thrown off by a magnetic field.

Compass: A compass works by aligning its needle with the Earth’s magnetic field. A strong, nearby magnet will completely override this natural alignment, causing inaccurate readings.

Mechanical Watches: Traditional mechanical watches (not quartz or digital) use tiny metal gears and a delicate balance spring. Strong magnetic fields can magnetize these components, causing the watch to run erratically or stop working entirely. A watch will need professional "demagnetizing" to correct the problem.

Older Analog Gauges: Many analog meters and measuring tools (like voltmeters or ammeters) use sensitive coils and magnetic deflection. A nearby magnet can interfere with their accuracy.

4. Other Magnets

While it seems counterintuitive, you need to be careful when handling multiple powerful magnets.

Permanent Damage: If two very strong neodymium magnets collide with great force, they can shatter, sending sharp fragments flying. Always handle powerful magnets with care, using spacers or gloves if necessary.

Pinching Hazard: The attractive force between two strong magnets can be immense, posing a significant pinching hazard to fingers and skin. Treat large, powerful magnets with the same respect you would treat any workshop tool.

Summary of Magnetic Caution: The rule of thumb is that if an item is powered by electricity, stores data, or relies on delicate moving parts, it’s best to keep your powerful magnets at a distance.