How to Clean a Magnetic Rod

Magnetic rods are incredible tools with a wide variety of uses. As with any equipment, regular cleaning and maintenance is essential to ensure ongoing performance and accuracy. But cleaning a magnetic rod requires care to avoid damaging the magnets or electronics.

Why Clean Magnetic Rods?

Before jumping into the cleaning process, let’s first go over why it’s so important to properly clean magnetic rods.

As magnetic rods are used, they accumulate all types of debris, contaminants and buildup:

• Metal shavings or filings
• Oils, greases, and lubricants
• Residues from liquids or solids they’ve come into contact with
• General dirt and dust

Over time this buildup can cause a number of issues:

• Reduced magnetic strength – As more debris accumulates on the magnets, their holding power is dispersed and reduces effectiveness. Clean rods maintain full magnetic strength.
• Inaccurate readings – Contaminants interfering with electronic sensors can lead to false or fluctuating readings.
• Rust/Corrosion – Any moisture trapped under debris can begin degrading the rod’s surfaces.

So regular cleaning keeps magnetic rods working safely and accurately.

How to Clean Magnetic Rods

Cleaning a magnetic rod takes a delicate balance – being thorough enough to fully clean, but gentle enough to avoid any damage.

Here is a step-by-step guide to properly cleaning magnetic rods:

1. Deactivate and Disconnect

The first step is making sure the magnetic rod is deactivated and disconnected from any equipment/power sources.

• Turn off any connecting equipment the rod is linked to.
• Power down and turn off the magnetic rod itself per the manufacturer instructions.
• Disconnect the rod from any interfaces, brackets, hardware or apparatuses.

This protects you and the sensitive internal components during cleaning.

2. Demagnetize The Rod

With the rod safely deactivated, use a demagnetizer tool to temporarily cancel out the magnetism. This makes the rod easier and safer to handle during cleaning.

Slowly run the length of the rod through the center of the demagnetizer coils. Refer to the tool’s guide for the proper procedure.

3. Dry Cleaning First

Start cleaning by trying dry methods first before resorting to liquids. This protects electronics and avoids excess moisture.

Use non-magnetic, non-marring tools to help dislodge contaminants and debris – plastic scrapers, wood picks and nylon brushes are perfect options.

Gently scrape and brush away any loose buildup. Take care around sensors or inserts to avoid scratching.

For light dust or dirt, compressed air can help blow it free. Wipe down with a lint-free cloth periodically.

4. Wet Clean As Needed

If dry cleaning alone isn’t fully removing stuck-on debris, further wet cleaning is OK as long as done properly.

Note: Avoid or minimize wet cleaning rods with open electronics.

Make a mild cleaning solution appropriate for the rod’s application. Simple green cleaners or diluted isopropyl alcohol work well for general use.

Submerge just the rod section needing cleaning – don’t fully dunk the entire piece. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes.

Use gentle plastic brushes and cloths to dislodge stubborn contaminants. Avoid anything abrasive that could scratch polished surfaces.

Thoroughly rinse away all cleaning solution. Dry immediately and completely with a soft lint-free cloth. Allow to fully air dry before reactivating magnets.

5. Re-magnetize Once Fully Dry

With cleaning completed, use the demagnetizer tool again in reverse to reactivate the magnetic rods’s gauss strength.

Run the length of the rod back through the center of the coils, this time with power turned on. Refer to demagnetizer operating manual for proper technique.

Double check the rod’s magnetic function before putting back into use.

Best Practices For Cleaning Magnetic Rods

Follow these best practices anytime you clean magnetic rods:

• Establish a maintenance schedule rather than cleaning just when visibly dirty. Regular cleaning prevents buildup accumulation.
• Always deactivate, demagnetize and disconnect rod before attempting to clean
• Start with dry non-abrasive methods before resorting to liquid cleaners
• Use mild cleaning solutions compatible with the rods application (avoid overly corrosive solvents)
• Fully dry and re-magnetize rod before returning to service
• Visually inspect for any damage after cleaning and prior to reactivation
• Replace damaged rods rather than attempting repairs yourself

FAQs About Cleaning Magnetic Rods

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about cleaning magnetic rods:

Can I use any cleaner to wash magnetic rods?

No, harsh caustic chemicals can damage protective surfaces. Use only mild cleaners designed for industrial/electronic use.

How often should I clean the magnetic rod?

A good rule of thumb is to clean magnetic rods at least monthly. But highly contaminated environments may need bimonthly or even weekly cleanings.

Is it OK to clean an activated magnet?

No, the strong magnetic field can rapidly pull and trap abrasive particles against the surface during cleaning causing inadvertent scratches or cracks. Always demagnetize first.

Can I submerge and soak the whole magnetic rod?

It’s best to avoid fully submerging magnetic rods containing electronics. Use partial soaking or wiping instead to minimize moisture exposure whenever possible.

How do I know when replacement is needed?

If there is visible damage or cracking on outer surfaces that could allow inner contamination, replacement is likely needed to maintain integrity. Have damaged rods properly assessed.

Cleaning magnetic rods properly maximizes their accuracy and longevity while minimizing downtime. Following these best practice steps keeps these incredible tools humming along.