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Degaussing tools

Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2018 12:21 pm
by Rich Feldman
This is not about tools for degaussing, it's about degaussing of tools when their magnetization is a nuisance.

It's common for files, drills, screwdrivers, ferrous workpieces, etc. to become slightly magnetized when used within the Earth's field.
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Traditional demagnetizing protocol is to apply an alternating field, then gradually reduce its amplitude to zero.

For narrow parts, that can be done with an ordinary solenoid like this 120-V coil from an electrical contactor. Like most, it includes sheet metal yoke and pole pieces to concentrate the field inside the hole. Slots interrupt the two largest shorted turns.
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With coil energized, I inserted the twist drill until its tip emerged on the other side. Then backed it out over a period of at least a dozen AC cycles. The swarf fell off with a gentle shake.