DIY Magnetic Camera Mount

In this Instructable I'm going to show you how to make a quick and easy magnetic camera mount that you can use for getting some great shots, or attaching your camera in places where you normally wouldn't be able to. I made mine from a disc magnet that I purchased from Harbor Freight, a 1/4x20 bolt and nut, some superglue, and some accelerator spray.

Materials used

Disc magnet
1/4x20 bolt
1/4x20 bolt
super glue
accelerator spray

If you haven't got a Harbor Freight near you that sells these magnets, here's a link to ones that are very similar to what I used http://amzn.to/2anhqzO

Step 1: Drill Out the Magnet

The magnet I purchased had a small hook attached to it with an aluminum rivet. I needed to drill out the rivet in order to attach the 1/4x20 nut and bolt in order to hook your camera to the magnet.

I placed the magnet on to my frill press table and slowly drilled out the aluminum rivet that held on the hook. This could easily be done with a hand held drill, or even an angle grinder.

Step 2: Attach the Nut and Bolt to the Magnet

Once the rivet and hook are removed it was time to attach the 1/4x20 bolt and nut to the magnet.

I placed the 1/4x20 bolt through the hole in the center of the magnet, applied a small dab of super glue, threaded the nut on to the bolt and tightened it down, then sprayed it with a little accelerator spray to speed up the drying process.

I didn't want to worry about things coming loose, but you can skip the super glue and accelerator if you want to make the nut easily removable.

Step 3: GET SOME COOL SHOTS!!

Now that you've got a 1/4x20 bolt on the magnet it opens up a whole world of cool camera accessories you can attach to it.

I've used it to film shots on the bumper of my truck, super close to my bandsaw blade, and even over head shots on my garage door.

For more instructions on building this and to see some shots of it in use, check out the video I have included.

Also be sure to subscribe to my youtube channel to keep up on all the videos I release.

THANKS!

Comments

[mickryobe]

Thank you, everyone.

Mickey

[mickryobe]

This is a great idea but are you sure the magnet will not cause any problems with the delicate electronic devices within today's digital cameras?

If all is safe I am going ahead with one.

Thank you,

Mickey

[Braxton Wirthlin]

Check out the video I made on the build. This magnet has basically zero pull on the top side, so there's really no magnetic waves traveling up in to the camera. I've use this set up a lot on my go pro style camera as well as my iPhone. Thanks fro checking out my Instructable!

[EricS100]

I can't speak on Braxon's behalf, but I can on my behalf. I'm a computer systems admin for a bank. I wouldn't be afraid to put the magnet near my "go" camera. I would NOT put it near my computer, but the camera should be fine. Computers use magnetic based hard drives (unless they have a solid state hard drive). Magnetic based spindle hard drives can be damaged by these magnets, but I don't think the magnet is strong enough to damage a "go" camera.

[Braxton Wirthlin]

I agree, I've used it quite a bit with my go pro knock off and my iPhone and had no problems at all. Thanks!

[Yonatan24]

You can use an HDD magnet. They're magnetic only one one side.

You can also cover the top with some aluminum sheet. I think that it blocks it