Hello, This is my first Instructable. Hope you find it helpfull.

One of the most important tools needed to hunt meteorites is a Magnetic Cane. Not only does it help identify a possible meteorite it save you from constantly bending over to test the suspected rock. This is an Instructable showing how to make just such a tool. Please feel free to use my design or modify it for your own use.

Step 1: Materials Needed and Tools

Here is a list of the materials and tools needed:

Materials:

1 Cane ( I used an old forearm cane found at a local trift store)
1 N42 Magnet (1"x3"x1/2")
1 Screwdriver ( That you wont mind destroying)
1 D-clip keyring
1 D-ring wire picture hanger
2 Hard Drive Magnets ( From an non-working Hard drive)
1 Roll of Duck Tape
1 Tube of Epoxy

Tools:

Table Vise
Vise-Grips
Propane Torch

Step 2: Preparation

Now you need to prepare the Cane and Screwdriver.

Start by removing the rubber stopper from the bottom of the cane. If you are using the cane that I did there should be a hard plastic piece covering the hole in the cane tube don't worry if it is missing the epoxy can fill the hole in later steps.

Next remove the handle from the screwdriver and place the steel part a quarter of the lentgh into the table vise. Heat the middle of the steel up with your propane torch. Then using your visegrips, bend the screwdriver ( making sure that there is 3 in. on the flat tip side).
the picture below is a photoshoped pic to show you what it should be like.

Step 3: Putting It Together

Next thing we need to do is start putting it together.

Place the Cane in your table vise handle up to keep it steady. Then put epoxy on the handle let it get tacky then add the two harddrive magnets to it. Let this dry the amount of time it states on the epoxy tube.

Next switch the Cane postion so that the end of the cane is facing up. Now you can add the bent screwdriver to the tip of your cane. If it has the hard plastic on the tip use your propane torch on the monting end of the screwdriver and melt a hole in it so that the screwdriver will go into it. Add the epoxy and let it dry again.

After the screwdriver has dried in place it is time to add the N42 magnet. Fip the cane around so that the tip is now facing towards the ground. On one of the wide flat surfaces put epoxy. Let it get tacky and postion it on the srewdriver. Using the duck tape to keep it in place. After it has dried you can remove the duck tape.

You can add the duck tape back later if you want. It is a good way to keep black sand off your Meteorite Cane. At the end of the day remove the tape and the black sand will fall off. A fellow meteorite hunter told me he uses balloons to do the same thing and they are reusable if you dont break them.

Now it is time to add the D-ring wire picture hanger. Find a mounting area on the cane that will allow you to walk comfortably when it is attached to you. I mounted mine on the forearm support. Then and the D-clip key ring to it. This allows you to clip it to a camel back, backpack, etc.

Step 4: You Are Done!!!

Now you are done. You can add some cosmetic appeal to it if you like. Me, it is more about functionality than beauty. It will get banged up in the field.

Enjoy!!!