FREE SHIPPING U.S. >= $10 FREE SHIPPING ON ALL U.S. ORDERS OF $10 OR MORE
EASY RETURNS
SAME DAY SHIPPING
FREE SHIPPING ON ALL U.S. ORDERS OF $10 OR MORE
  • EASY RETURNS
  • SAME DAY SHIPPING
  • FREE U.S. SHIPPING $10+ FREE SHIPPING ON ALL U.S. ORDERS OF $10 OR MORE
  • EASY RETURNS
  • SAME DAY SHIPPING
* Customers must select the Standard Shipping option during checkout in order to receive Free Shipping. If you select Priority or Overnight Shipping additional charges will apply. Not valid on international shipments.

Can I drill or machine neodymium magnets?

Generally speaking, no. All neodymium magnets, while solid and hard, are also very brittle. The hardness of the neodymium nickel coating material is rated at RC46 on the Rockwell "C" scale, and this is harder than commercially available drills and tooling. As a result, these tools will heat up and become damaged if used on neodymium magnets.

Machining of neodymium magnets can be done, but should only be performed by experienced machinists familiar with the risk and safety issues involved. Normally, diamond tooling, EDM (Electrostatic Discharge Machines), and abrasives are the preferred methods for shaping neodymium magnet material.

It is important to remember, however, that the heat generated during machining can demagnetize the magnet and could cause it to catch fire – posing a safety risk.  The dry powder produced while machining is also very combustible and flammable and can create a very serious safety and health risk as well.

If you need magnets with holes in them, we have some options for you to consider.

Shop Ring and Countersunk Disc Magnets

Shop Countersunk Block Magnets


Related Articles

What materials do neodymium magnets attract?
Neodymium magnets are attracted to ferromagnetic materials, which are materials that are capable of being magnetized ...
Read More
Will stacking magnets together make them stronger?
The answer is yes! By adding one disc magnet or block magnet on to the other, e.g. stacking, the stacked magnets will...
Read More
How do I pick the best magnet for my project?
You'll likely want to experiment with different magnets to get just the right one. Ultimately you will need to know t...
Read More
The Best Way to Separate Strong Magnets
Instead of trying to pull strong magnets apart, firmly slide and/or twist them away from each other and far enough ap...
Read More
Can neodymium magnets be engraved with a laser?
Yes, magnets can be engraved with a laser. Laser engraving is a process in which a laser beam is used to etch a desig...
Read More
What is the best way to work with self-adhesive magnets?
Self-adhesive magnets enable you to attach the magnet to a non-magnetic surface, such as aluminum, wood, plastic, cer...
Read More