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demagnetizer

How to Use a Demagnetizer Safely: Tools, Watches and Tape Heads

Demagnetizer procedures vary by device and object. Identify the tool, follow its exact manual and take extra care with watches, powered units and recorded tape.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 4 min read
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How you use a demagnetizer depends on what you are treating. A small screwdriver block, a powered demagnetizer for tools or watch parts, and a tape-head demagnetizer are different devices with different instructions. Identify the object and read the manual for your exact model before switching on a powered unit; there is no single safe procedure for all demagnetizers.

Identify the demagnetizer and the object first

Start by matching the device to its intended task. A compact magnetizer-demagnetizer for screwdriver tips is not a substitute for a powered unit intended for watch parts, and neither is a tape-head demagnetizer. Do not use a device on a complete watch, movement, tape head or other object unless its manufacturer specifically says it is suitable.

Device Intended task supported by its instructions What to do
Screwdriver-tip block Magnetize a screwdriver to hold a screw, or demagnetize the screwdriver tip. Follow the tool’s marked sides or product instructions. Wera’s 9500 instructions, for example, say to move the tool along the demagnetizing side. FACOM and Wera describe compact screwdriver products; their use does not establish a procedure for larger objects.
Powered tool or watch-parts demagnetizer Specific tools, movements or watches, depending on the model. Use only the procedure in that unit’s manual. Control method, object placement, duty limits and compatible objects vary.
Tape-head demagnetizer Tape-machine heads and tape-path components, as directed by the device and deck manuals. Remove recorded tape and follow the exact approach, treatment and withdrawal instructions. Keep recorded media clear as directed.

Using a screwdriver-tip demagnetizer

These compact tools typically have separate areas or sides for magnetizing and demagnetizing a screwdriver. Use the labeled side and movement described by the manufacturer. FACOM says its 837 magnetizes a screwdriver to help hold a screw and demagnetizes it after use. Wera’s instructions for the 9500 say to move the tool along the demagnetizing side. Neither instruction authorizes using the block on a complete watch, movement or tape head.

Using a powered demagnetizer for tools or watch parts

Read the exact unit’s manual before plugging it in. Powered devices can generate strong alternating magnetic fields, and their control sequences are not interchangeable. ETIC’s instructions illustrate why: its procedure differs for tools versus movements and complete watches. These steps apply to the ETIC unit described in its sheet, not to powered demagnetizers generally.

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ETIC-specific procedure

  1. For a tool: Hold the control and pass the whole object through the field, then release the control.
  2. For a movement or complete watch: Place the item in the operation field before pressing and releasing the control.
  3. Do not operate the unit continuously for too long; disconnect it when finished, as its instructions direct.

Consult the ETIC sheet for the exact device and any additional requirements: ETIC demagnetizer instructions.

Check powered-unit safety warnings before use

Warnings depend on the model. Hozan’s HC-31 manual warns that the device generates a strong alternating field, and addresses pacemakers, heat and magnetic media. It instructs users to keep watches, magnetic tapes and magnetic disks clear while operating the unit. The HC-33 manual also warns about the field, heat, unplugging and affected objects. Check the manual for your exact model; do not apply one model’s voltage specification or operating limit to another.

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  • Confirm the unit is intended for the object and task, and check its voltage and connection requirements.
  • Follow the device’s instructions about pacemakers, magnetic fields, heat, operating duration and unplugging. If its warning applies to you, do not operate it.
  • Move vulnerable watches, tapes, disks and other magnetic media away when the manual requires it.

Manufacturer instructions: Hozan HC-31 and Hozan HC-33.

What to do if a watch may be magnetized

Magnetism can affect timekeeping, but the effect differs among analog quartz, Spring Drive, mechanical and digital quartz watches. Do not assume that every watch is suitable for an at-home powered demagnetizer. Seiko recommends contacting an authorized service center when a watch has been influenced by magnetism; its Singapore guidance likewise recommends service when magnetism is suspected. Follow the service advice for your watch’s make and movement rather than treating a demagnetizer as a repair for any timekeeping problem.

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Seiko Singapore advises keeping a watch more than 5 cm from magnetic products to weaken their influence. This is Seiko’s consumer guidance, not a universal safe distance for every watch or magnetic source. See Seiko’s watch guidance and Seiko Singapore’s guidance.

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Demagnetizing tape heads: follow the deck and tool manuals

Tape-head work needs special care because the field can affect recorded magnetic media. Remove recorded tape and follow the instructions for the specific tape machine and demagnetizer; do not combine steps from different products.

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Otari MX-5050 instructions

The Otari MX-5050 manual says to turn the unit off and remove recorded tape before demagnetizing. It directs users to treat the head stacks and guides as specified, then withdraw the demagnetizer slowly at least three feet before disconnecting it. The manual calls for demagnetizing heads and tape-guiding components after every eight hours of operation. Those intervals and distances are instructions for this deck, not general rules for all tape machines. Otari MX-5050 manual.

Analogis Demag instructions

Analogis warns that its Demag can erase data. Its instructions say to bring the tip near the head or guides for a few seconds in gentle circles without direct contact, withdraw it at least one meter before unplugging, and not leave it plugged in for more than five minutes at a time. The manufacturer says it is not for continuous operation and is unsuitable for pacemaker users. These are Analogis-specific instructions and differ from Otari’s procedure. Analogis Demag instructions.

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Quick Recap

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VCC Universal Head Demagnetizer for Cassette Tape Deck Recorder Reel to Reel 8 Track VHS Audio Video
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When not to proceed at home

  • You cannot identify the device model or locate its instructions.
  • The manual does not explicitly support the object you want to treat.
  • You have a watch with suspected magnetism and have not confirmed an at-home procedure with its maker or service provider.
  • A powered unit’s warnings or operating limits are unclear, or its pacemaker warning may apply to you.
  • Recorded tape or other magnetic media cannot be removed or safely kept away as the manuals require.

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