Which Magnet Do I Need? An Easy Guide for Our South African Magnet Buyers| Magnet Hub

Most people do not start their magnet search by saying, “I need a 20x5mm N38 neodymium disc magnet.”

They usually start with something much simpler:

“I need a strong magnet.”

The tricky part is that different magnets are strong in different ways. Some are best for crafts. Some are better for signage. Some work well on fridges and whiteboards. Some are made for mounting tools, holding displays, closing cupboards, or teaching children about magnetism.

This plain-English guide will help you choose the right magnet for your project, whether you are buying for home use, school, crafts, retail, signage, DIY, or workshop applications.

Start Here: What Do You Need the Magnet to Do?

Before choosing a magnet, start with the job.

Are you trying to:

 

 

The Main Types of Magnets Explained Simply

1. Neodymium Magnets: Small but Very Strong

Neodymium magnets are the strongest common magnets available. They are a good choice when you need strong holding power in a small size.

They are popular for DIY projects, handmade products, cupboard closures, displays, signage, packaging, and product assembly.

Choose neodymium magnets if:

You need a small magnet that still feels powerful.

Best for:

·         Crafts and handmade products	·         Product assembly
·         Wooden box closures	·         DIY repairs
·         Cupboard and cabinet closures	·         Tool and workshop projects
·         Displays and signage

 

Examples of neodymium magnets for the above uses:

·         5x3mm N38 Ni Neodymium Disc Magnets

·         10x5mm N38 Ni Neodymium Disc Magnets

·         15x9x3mm N38 Ni Neodymium Block Magnets

 

Helpful buying tip:

A small neodymium magnet can often be stronger than a much larger ferrite magnet. Do not choose size alone. Think about the weight you need to hold, the surface, and how the magnet will be used.

 

2. Ferrite Magnets: Affordable and Practical

Ferrite magnets are not as strong as neodymium magnets, but they are affordable, durable, and useful for many everyday jobs.

They are a good option when you need a simple magnet for light to medium use and do not need maximum strength.

Choose ferrite magnets if:

You need a budget-friendly magnet for general use.

Best for:

·         School projects	·         Noticeboards
·         Basic craft projects	·         Science demonstrations
·         Fridge magnets	·         General light-duty holding

 

Good product examples:

·         Ferrite Disc Magnets

·         Ferrite Block Magnets

·         U-Shaped Horseshoe Magnets

 

·         18x5mm Y30BH Uncoated Ferrite Disc Magnets

·         20x10x5mm Y30 BH Uncoated Ferrite Block Magnets

·         Od25xId10X4mm Y30BH Uncoated Ferrite Ring Magnets

·         L30x6x4mm North & South Bar Magnet

 

Helpful buying tip:

Ferrite magnets are a practical choice for schools, craft projects, educational use, and general display applications where cost is a factor.

 

3. Flexible Magnets: Easy to Cut, Bend, and Display

Flexible magnets usually come in sheets, strips, or tape. They are not designed for heavy holding, but they are excellent for flat, lightweight display use.

They are commonly used for fridge magnets, labels, signs, printed graphics, and lightweight displays.

Choose flexible magnets if:

You need something flat, bendable, or easy to cut.

Best for:

·         Fridge magnets	·         Office labels
·         Magnetic labels	·         School displays
·         Lightweight signs	·         Craft projects
·         Printed graphics

 

Product examples:

·         Flexible Magnetic Sheets

·         Flexible Reflective Strips

 

Helpful buying tip:

A flexible magnet is usually better for display than for strength. It works well for lightweight items that need to attach to a steel surface.

 

4. Pot Magnets: Strong Holding Against Steel

Pot magnets have a magnet inside a steel cup. This helps direct the magnetic force to one side, making them very useful for holding onto flat steel surfaces.

They are often used for mounting, hanging, workshop organisation, signage, and removable fixtures.

Choose pot magnets if:

You want to hold, hang, or mount something firmly onto metal.

Best for:

·         Workshop use	·         Retail displays
·         Tool holding	·         Temporary fixtures
·         Metal racking	·         Hanging items from steel surfaces
·         Signage

Different pot magnets available at Magnet Hub:

Countersunk Neodymium Pot Magnets

Neodymium Pot Magnet

Neodymium Gripper Magnets

 

Helpful buying tip:

Pot magnets work best on clean, flat, thick steel. Paint, rust, gaps, curves, or thin metal can reduce holding strength.

 

 

5. Countersunk Magnets: Made for Screwing into Place

Countersunk magnets have a hole in the center so they can be screwed into wood, plastic, or other surfaces.

They are useful when you want the magnet to stay fixed in one position.

Choose countersunk magnets if:

You need to screw the magnet down.

Best for:

·         Cupboards	·         Shopfitting
·         Doors	·         Furniture
·         Panels	·         Removable fixtures
·         Displays	·         Wooden boxes

 

Helpful buying tip:

If two countersunk magnets need to attract each other, check whether you need a north-facing and south-facing pair. Matching the wrong poles can cause magnets to repel rather than attract.

 

Choosing the right magnet is much easier when you start with the job, not the technical details.

Think about what you need to hold, attach, close, display, mount, or teach. Then choose the magnet type that suits that use case.

Magnet Hub supplies practical magnet packs for South African buyers, from craft and education to retail, signage, DIY, and workshop use. With clear product information, useful pack sizes, and expert advice, it is easier to find the right magnet for the job.

If you are not sure which magnet suits your project, ask for advice before you buy. A small change in size, shape, or magnet type can make a big difference.

Need help choosing the right magnet?
Browse Magnet Hub’s practical magnet packs online or contact us for friendly advice before you buy. We supply high-quality magnets across South Africa for craft, education, retail, DIY, signage, workshop, and industrial use.

 

What is the strongest type of magnet?

Neodymium magnets are the strongest common magnets available. They are a good choice when you need strong holding power in a small size.

Are ferrite magnets strong enough for crafts?

Yes, ferrite magnets can work well for light craft projects, fridge magnets, and school activities. For stronger hidden closures or heavier items, neodymium magnets may be a better choice.

What magnet should I use for fridge magnets?

Flexible magnetic sheets, flexible magnetic strips, or ferrite magnets are usually good choices for fridge magnets. The best option depends on the size and weight of the item.

What magnet should I use for signage?

For lightweight signs, a flexible magnetic strip may work well. For stronger holding onto steel, pot magnets or neodymium magnets may be better.

What are countersunk magnets used for?

Countersunk magnets are used when the magnet needs to be fixed in place with a screw. They are useful for furniture, cupboards, panels, displays, boxes, and shopfitting.

Do magnets stick to stainless steel?

Some stainless steel is magnetic, but not all. If you are unsure, test the surface with a small magnet before buying for that application.