Finding Nails in Wood with Neodymium Magnets

Short answer

Roll a strong neodymium sphere magnet slowly over the wood. It sticks where there’s a hidden steel nail, screw or staple. Mark each spot before you cut, plane or sand, to protect your blades and avoid flying metal. A 5/8 or 3/4 Inch sphere works well.

Hammer and nails in reclaimed wood
Old lumber often hides broken-off nails and screws.
  1. Brush off dirt and debris so the magnet rolls smoothly.
  2. Roll the sphere slowly over every face of the board, including the edges.
  3. Mark every grab with chalk or tape.
  4. Remove the metal with pliers or a nail punch. A magnet won’t pull nails out of wood.
  5. Re-check before cutting; broken nail shanks are easy to miss.

Protect Your Tools

A hidden nail can chip a saw or planer blade and throw metal. Wear eye protection when milling reclaimed wood. Brass and aluminum fasteners aren’t magnetic, so a magnet won’t find those.

Magnet Best for
5/8 Inch Sphere, N52 Boards and flooring; easy to roll
3/4 Inch Sphere, N52 Thicker beams and deeper fasteners

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