How to Make Bike Lights Magnetic With Sugru + Magnets

Bike lights can be frustrating and slow to attach & remove, especially in bad weather with gloves on! By adding magnets to your lights, and your bike, you’ll be able to snap your lights on and off with your gloves on, and in a matter of one very satisfying move.

Once you make your lights magnetic, you might wonder why all lights aren’t like this.

For this project you will need:
- x4 strong neodymium magnets (x2 per bike light) - we used the magnets in our sugru + magnets kit - buy one here.

- x2 minipacks of sugru (half a pack needed per magnet) - buy some sugru

- your bicycle, helmet or whatever else you want to attach your lights to!

Step 1: Find Some Neodymium Magnets

For this project we are using the strong neodymium disc magnets from our sugru + magnets kit. They’ve been life-tested on our bikes all over the streets of London for a year... and they survived the English weather! (Check out the video below for the shake test)

You can try this project using your own neodymium magnets + sugru - but make sure the magnets you choose are strong enough to hold your bike lights while riding.

Step 2: Open Your Sugru

Cut open a minipack and divide it into two equal parts.

Top Tip: One minipack of sugru is enough to attach two magnets.

Step 3: Build a Pyramid

Squidge a sausage shape onto the back of the magnet and press it into a pyramid shape.

Step 4: Squidge the Sugru

Carefully but firmly press the magnet onto your bike’s handlebars, so that sugru squeezes out around the edge of the magnet.

Top Tip: Make sure the surface you are applying the sugru to is clean.

Step 5: Press in the Sugru

Press the sugru in around the magnet, ensuring there is a good bond.

Step 6: Smoothen the Sugru

Gently rub the sugru with your finger to smoothen it and leave for 24 hours to fully cure.

Top Tip: use a little soapy water on your finger to get a really smooth sugru finish. More tips here.

Video Tip: How to make your sugru projects look awesome

Step 7: Add the Second Magnet to Your Bike Light

Repeat steps 3-6 to mount the opposing magnet to your bike light. Leave to fully cure for 24 hours before using.

Top Tip: Don't forget to make sure you attach the second magnet with the opposing side facing out.

If you have ever worked with magnets, you will know that they can be tricky to handle without knowing which sides attract. We designed the sugru + magnets kit to be super easy to use, so we put a small dimple on the north pole of each magnet. All you need to do is make sure one magnet is smooth and the other has a little dimple...simple!

Step 8: Do the Same for Your Back Lights

You can use the same process to create magnetic rear lights too!

Top Tip: Plan ahead to click your lights together for quick and easy storage, just have the dimple facing out on the front light and the smooth side on the back. Nice!