Magnetized Screwdrivers, what are the risks?

spitzoid · 9 Dec 2008 at 18:16

Hi guys,

Can somebody tell me what the risks are associated with using magnetized tools when working with PC components? Are the risks so low that it's not worth worrying about?

Do you guys use magnetized or non-magnetized?

Cheers

Craig321 · 9 Dec 2008 at 18:19

I've always used magnetic screwdrivers with my builds, never had a single problem.

Magnetized screwdrivers aren't exactly strong so it's nothing to worry about

helmutcheese · 9 Dec 2008 at 18:24

spitzoid said:
Hi guys,

Can somebody tell me what the risks are associated with using magnetized tools when working with PC components? Are the risks so low that it's not worth worrying about?

Do you guys use magnetized or non-magnetized?

Cheers

Most PC cases have a speaker inside them and its magnetic.

Without a magnetic driver its hard to get Mobo screws in lol.

ticklemebougy · 9 Dec 2008 at 18:29

i think ive only heard of possibilitys of damaging hard drives nothing else.

Agitator · 9 Dec 2008 at 18:33

As above I always use a magnetic screwdriver

No problems so far.

SMN · 9 Dec 2008 at 18:34

No risk, just dont put them on top of CRT monitors

pastymuncher · 9 Dec 2008 at 18:58

Always used magnetic screwdrivers with no problems. Helps a lot when you drop a screw in the case too.

bobbydigital · 9 Dec 2008 at 19:45

Always have, even in my workplace no problems

Mattus · 9 Dec 2008 at 21:09

Have always used them. Pretty much essential for those damn screws that are hidden right behind the cooler or something! The magnetic field is very weak, so I doubt they're capable of doing any harm.

spitzoid · 9 Dec 2008 at 21:11

Thanks guys. Saves me spending more money on a de-magnetized kit.

DeathTyrant · 9 Dec 2008 at 21:28

I have had my trusty double-sided, pen style EPoX screwdriver since 2004, and it has caused me no trouble on my builds.

Amonlym · 9 Dec 2008 at 23:25

the magnetic field given off by a screwdriver is several (tens) of orders of magnitude to low to hurt data on a hdd. even 3.5" floppys are safe by a order or so. you could distort a crt/tv image but only untill it next turns on and degauses, the built in system is more than enough to fix screwdrivery damage.

your in far more danger of causing PHYSICAL or ELECTRICAL damage with the thing - dont scratch things. dont drop it and do not poke 1 about a pc with the power on.

PhillyDee · 9 Dec 2008 at 23:30

Amonlym said:
dont drop it and do not poke 1 about a pc with the power on.

Yeah, dont do that . . I have. Many moons ago.