The Best Magnets for Miniatures and Tabletop Games
Use small discs that sit flush with the bottom of the base, and tiny magnet pairs for swappable parts. For bases, 5 × 1 mm or 5 × 2 mm discs suit 25 mm bases and 6 × 2 mm or 1/4 × 1/16 Inch suit 32 mm bases, with thin steel lining your storage case. For arms and weapons, use 1/16 × 1/32 Inch, 1/8 × 1/32 Inch or 3 × 1 mm discs. Glue them with super glue, and mark polarity before you start so every part attaches.
Which Size Goes Where
All of these are N52, our strongest grade, which matters most when magnets are this small.
| Use | Our pick | Pull force |
|---|---|---|
| Weapons and hands, infantry scale | 1/16 × 1/32 Inch | 0.07 lb |
| Arms and weapons, larger figures | 1/8 × 1/32 Inch | 0.27 lb |
| Shoulders, backpacks, heads | 1/8 × 1/16 Inch or 3 × 1 mm | 0.5 / 0.3 lb |
| 25 mm round bases | 5 × 1 mm or 5 × 2 mm | 0.6 / 1.3 lb |
| 32 mm round bases | 6 × 2 mm or 1/4 × 1/16 Inch | 1.6 / 1.5 lb |
| 40 mm+ bases, vehicles, monsters | 8 × 2 mm or 10 × 2 mm | 2.4 / 3.3 lb |
| Turrets and rotating parts | 3/16 × 1/16 Inch, one centered in each part | 0.85 lb |
For drilled parts, use a bit the same size as the magnet: 1/16 in, 1/8 in or 3/16 in for inch sizes, 3 mm for 3 mm magnets. Base magnets usually need no drilling; they glue into the hollow underside.
How to Magnetize a Model
- Mark polarity first. Keep the magnets in one stack and mark each one’s top face as you slide it off. Use the marked face out on bodies and the unmarked face out on every swappable part, so any arm fits any body.
- Drill with a pin vise. Use a bit the same size as the magnet and drill slowly. Test in a sprue or scrap piece first.
- Glue the first magnet with super glue (we like Starbond EM-2000) and let it cure.
- Use the magnet to place its partner. Put a drop of glue in the second hole, stick the partner magnet onto the first, and press the parts together. The magnets align themselves; pull the parts apart once the glue grips.
- Fill and paint. Green stuff or putty hides the edges and keeps magnets flush.
Bases and Storage Cases
Most plastic bases are hollow underneath, which leaves a gap of a few millimeters if you glue a magnet up inside. Fill the hollow with putty or a plastic plug so the magnet sits flush with the rim and touches the case. Line the case with thin steel sheet, and your models stay put in transport.
Rather Use Steel Bases?
Glue thin Steel Discs under the bases instead and set magnets into the case or a printed tray. Steel discs cost less than magnets and need no polarity planning. See how gamers use steel disc counters.
Keep Tiny Magnets Away from Children
Small magnets can cause serious internal injuries if swallowed, especially two or more. Store loose magnets in a closed container and keep models with exposed magnets away from young children and pets.