01 Dec 2025

TOP 5 COMMON MISTAKES WHEN USING LIFTING MAGNETS - AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

Let’s be honest: lifting magnets are one of the most efficient and reliable ways to handle heavy metal loads. But even the best equipment can’t compensate for bad practices.

The reality? Most lifting-related accidents don’t happen because the equipment fails - they happen because it’s used incorrectly. A simple oversight with a lifting magnet can end up costing time, money, and safety.

Today, we’re breaking down the top five mistakes people make when using lifting magnets - and more importantly, how you can avoid them.

For everyone ready to go from risky uncertainty to efficiency and control, this is your guide.

Why Lifting Magnet Misuse Happens More Often Than You Think

Before we dive in, let’s frame this clearly: no one sets out to misuse their equipment. Most mistakes stem from assuming "you already know how it works" or relying on outdated knowledge. Whether it's ignoring load characteristics or skipping maintenance, these errors can have serious consequences.

Mistake #1: Using the Wrong Magnet for the Material

Material compatibility is the first - and most commonly overlooked - detail in choosing your lifting magnet. Not all metals respond equally to magnetism, and some surfaces that look magnetic perform poorly under real conditions.

Common oversight:

Trying to lift stainless steel, coated metals, or rusted surfaces with standard permanent magnets.

Solution:

• Always check the metal’s ferrous content and condition before choosing your magnet.
• For varied or difficult surfaces, consider electromagnetic or battery-powered options with stronger magnetic fields.

👉 Need magnets that adapt to different materials? Explore our range of quality Lifting Magnets here

Mistake #2: Overloading the Magnet Beyond Its Rated Capacity

Here’s where things get risky fast. Every lifting magnet has a clearly defined lifting capacity - and exceeding it doesn’t just reduce performance… it increases the chance of catastrophic failure..

Common oversight:

Underestimating load weight or not accounting for off-centre lifting.

Solution:

• Always know the exact weight of the load.
• Check the magnet’s rated capacity under real-world conditions - factors like thickness, angle, and material composition matter.
• Stay 25% under maximum capacity where possible, especially with uncertain loads.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Surface Conditions

This one’s sneaky. Even if your magnet can technically lift 1000kg, that assumes perfect contact with a clean, flat steel surface. Real life doesn’t always look like that.

Dust, oil, paint, rust, and uneven surfaces can all reduce lifting strength - sometimes by 50% or more.

Common oversight:

Not cleaning surfaces or checking for coatings and gaps between magnet and material.

Solution:

• Clean the surface or use magnets designed for rough materials.
• If a clean connection isn’t possible, a more powerful magnet (like a battery-powered lifter) may be needed.
• Always follow manufacturer guidelines on required surface prep.

Mistake #4: Skipping Regular Maintenance and Testing

Magnets are robust - but they aren’t invincible. Over time, components like handles, battery contacts, and housing can wear. Don't expect decades of safe lifting without maintenance.

Common oversight:

Assuming “no moving parts” means “no maintenance needed.”

Solution:

• Schedule regular inspections (especially for powered magnets).
• Test holding power against standardised weights periodically.
• Replace weak batteries and damaged casings promptly.

This isn’t just smart - in many industries, it’s legally required.

Mistake #5: Failing to Train Operators Properly

Even the best magnet can’t compensate for a lack of knowledge.

Common oversight:

New operators receive quick verbal instructions but no hands-on training.

Solution:

• Offer formal training for all operators, including safety checks and real-world demos.
• Create lifting procedures including pre-use inspections, safety checks, and post-use storage.
• Invest in magnets with built-in safety features to decrease training time and increase operator confidence.

Bonus Mistake: Not Using the Right Type of Magnet

Sometimes the mistake doesn’t happen in use - it happens in the buying decision. Choosing the wrong type of magnet (permanent, electromagnetic, battery-powered) is like targeting the wrong keyword cluster: you’ll do the work, but won’t get the right result.

👉 Not sure if you're using the right type of lifting magnet? Drop us a message with your query and our fully trained team will provide you with the information to make the most informed decision.

How to Avoid These Mistakes Altogether

Here’s the good news: avoiding these costly missteps isn’t complicated - it’s about being intentional.

Here's your action plan:

• Know your load: weight, material, shape, surface condition.
• Choose your magnet wisely: match the magnet to your job, not the other way around.
• Train your team: give them the tools and knowledge to succeed safely.
• Inspect regularly: small issues become big problems if ignored.

Lifting magnets aren’t just about lifting - they’re about safety and workflow efficiency. The smartest operators optimise both.

Make Every Lift Safe and Strategic

Now that you know the most common mistakes to avoid, you're ahead of the curve. Just by reading this, you're in the top 10% of lifting magnet users - informed, proactive, and focused on performance and safety.

And if you’re looking for recommendations on the right magnet for your job - or you’re ready to upgrade from outdated equipment - explore our full range of lifting magnets.

Because when you lift smarter, you lift safer - and that’s a strategy every professional can stand behind.