Magnetic Workshop Rings

 by annahowardshaw
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This Instructable is inspired by my complete inability to keep track of things, especially tiny ones.  I've dropped countless nails from atop ladders and have completely lost Dremel bits, that I swear...were just there a second ago! 

These simple wire rings use tiny neodymium magnets to hold on to small parts.  They easily hold several nails, a couple bits or those bookshelf things that I always, always misplace.  But they are not so strong that you'll be picking up all the hardware around you or pulling the iron out of your friends' blood. 

Since these are intended to be worn only while working on projects, the emphasis is on speed and ease of construction over durability.  Fully expect them to occasionally bend out of shape or need a new magnet now and then.  If you want something stronger, a soldering gun and more complex wire wrapping techniques could be employed.

Admittedly, the crystals add no practical value, however, being in your workshop all day doesn't mean you have to be a ragamuffin : )
 
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Step 1: Cut and Wrap Wire

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These are the supplies for all the rings.  I've divided the rest of the Instructable by design type as the steps are pretty straightforward.


Materials
16 gauge copper wire
Neodymium magnets
Swarovski crystals
Jewelry glue
Foil (Design 3 only)

Tools
Vise
Round pliers
Flat Pliers
Wire cutter
Mandrel
Metal File

sdfgeoff says: Dec 12, 2011. 11:51 AM
I sympathize entirely with losing things that were right next to you a second ago. I do it so often.
Brilliant solution too.
AlysiaMakes says: Jun 13, 2011. 10:28 AM
Very clever! I could see this coming in handy when I drop pins into the cracks in my workshop's wooden floor :P
KreaKatri says: Jun 13, 2011. 4:39 AM
Really great idea, and beautifully made as well!
Great for crafty women who likes to be girly/dressed up/whatever while crafting :)
sabu.dawdy says: Jun 6, 2011. 1:48 AM
awsome work
mcaliber.50 says: Jun 4, 2011. 5:17 PM
i see one flaw in this: the copper turning your finger green. but, you can get wire that won't at any craft store
annahowardshaw (author) in reply to mcaliber.50Jun 4, 2011. 6:27 PM
A couple coats of clear nail polish will prevent green fingers...I should have added that. Thanks!
mcaliber.50 in reply to annahowardshawJun 4, 2011. 7:14 PM
i never would have hought of that! cool!
Myranda_e says: Jun 4, 2011. 10:02 AM
Uber clever! Magnets are supposed to works wonders on those with arthritis - good for circulation, no? Anyway, this one gets my vote. Good Luck!
ChrysN says: Jun 3, 2011. 4:10 PM
Clever, and they look nice too!
mikeasaurus says: Jun 3, 2011. 4:07 PM
I've lost so many small bits while working on projects, a neat idea!
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