Best welding magnet | Must-have welders’ tool reviewed [top 5]

Welding magnets are pretty much essential tools for anyone who does welding, whether as a hobby or as an income earner.

Whether you are looking to purchase welding magnets for the first time, or are upgrading or replacing them, it is important to know the strengths and weaknesses of each type and what features to look for.

After researching the numerous products available on the market, my top recommendation to anyone purchasing a welding magnet would be the Strong Hand Tools Adjust-O Magnet Square. It is an extremely strong product capable of holding a six-foot pipe. It can hold materials at different angles and it has an on/off switch.

There are a number of different types of welding magnets available on the market though, so let’s look at my top 5.

Best welding magnet	Image
Best overall welding magnet with on/off switch: Strong Hand Tools Adjust-O Magnet Square	(view more images)
Best arrow-shaped welding magnet: ABN Arrow Welding Magnet set	(view more images)
Best budget welding magnet: CMS Magnetic set of 4	(view more images)
Best compact & lightweight welding magnet with ground clamp: Magswitch Mini Multi Angle	(view more images)
Best adjustable angle welding magnet: Strong Hand Tools Angle Magnetic Square	(view more images)

What are welding magnets?

Welding magnets are magnets with very high levels of magnetism shaped at particular angles to assist the welder.

They are used to hold workpieces together through magnetic attraction so that welders can weld, cut or paint metal material.

They stick to any metal surface and can hold objects at various angles. Welding magnets assist with alignment and with accurate holding.

They make every welding project easier and smoother because they allow you, the workman, to free up your hands so you can safely work on your project.

Because you don’t have to hold your workpieces in place, your weld is both straighter and neater. They also help with setup and give you strong and accurate holding, while you weld.

Welding is not the same as soldering, learn all about the differences between welding and soldering here

Buyer’s guide: features to consider when buying welding magnets

Before choosing welding magnets, the first practical consideration is deciding what type of welding your project requires.

You will then be in a position to purchase the best possible tool for your budget and for your needs.

If you are creating standard steel shapes, then you could look at a magnet with a fixed angle. If you need the magnet to hold your workpieces at different angles, then you will need to look at multi-angle magnets.

If you primarily handle lightweight materials, then you do not need a magnet with a very heavyweight capacity.

Number of angles the welding magnet provides

As the name suggests, multi-angle welding magnets can hold workpieces at different angles – 45, 90, and 135-degree angles. These are ideal for assembling, marking off, pipe installation, soldering, and welding.

Obviously, the greater the number of angles the welding magnet provides, the more useful it is for a wide range of applications.

Does it have an on/off switch?

There are two primary types of magnets – electromagnetic and permanent. The primary difference is one type allows you to switch the magnet off and on, while the other is always magnetized.

A welding magnet with an on/off switch allows you to control the magnetism which means you don’t have to worry about the magnet sticking to your workbench or attracting any of the other tools in your workbox.

With this feature, you can leave the magnet off until you are ready to work.

Weight capacity

It is important to ensure that the weight capability of the magnet is strong enough for your purposes. Some magnets only support small weights up to 25 pounds but some have weight capacities up to and beyond 200 pounds.

If you handle primarily thin, lightweight materials you don’t need a significant weight capacity.

There are many middle-weight magnets available, which have a capacity of between 50-100 lbs. This is usually sufficient for a wide variety of applications.

Durability

Material strength and durability are important for any tool. The magnet needs to be made of high-quality steel and should be powder coated to prevent rust and corrosion.

Here’s another indispensable welding tool: MIG welding pliers (I’ve reviewed the best ones here)

Our recommended best welding magnets

That all said, let’s look at the best welding magnets on the market right now.

Best overall welding magnet with on/off switch: Strong Hand Tools Adjust-O Magnet Square

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This is, perhaps, the first welding magnet to look at.

The Strong Hand Tools MSA46-HD Adjust-O Magnet Square offers all the features discussed above, including an on-off switch that allows you, the user, to be in control of the magnetism.

This feature also makes this magnet easy to place and remove. It provides both 45-degree and 90-degree angles.

Although it is compact in size and weighs only 1.5 pounds, it has a pull of up to 80 pounds, sufficient for most welding applications.

Features

• Number of angles: It provides 45-degree and 90-degree angles. The square feature is also ideal for angling just about anything you need.
• On/Off switch: This magnet has an on/off switch. It gives you the choice of turning the magnetism, off, midway, or on. This allows you to do smaller tacks and prevents the magnet from collecting all the metal shavings in the work environment. It also makes cleaning up easy – just switch it off and any metal chips stuck to the magnet fall away.
• Weight capacity: This welding magnet is extremely compact in size, but it has a weight capacity of up to 80 pounds.
• Durability: Made with extremely durable high-quality steel, this tool is made to last.

Check the latest prices here

Best arrow-shaped welding magnet: ABN Arrow Welding Magnet set

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These arrow magnets come in a pack of 6, which includes:

• 2 x 3 inches with a 25- pound weight limit
• 2 x 4 inches with a 50- pound weight limit
• 2 x 5 inches with a 75- pound weight limit

Constructed of high-quality stainless steel with a powder-coated finish, these heavy-duty angle magnets are durable, long-lasting, and resistant to rust and corrosion.

The bright red powder coating makes them easy to locate in the workshop. The center hole on the 50 and 75 lb magnets allows for easy handling.

Because the set comes with so many options, it allows you to set up multiple facets of a job at the same time which enables you to work more efficiently.

Features

• Number of angles: Each welding angle magnet is designed with an arrow shape to allow you to work with different angles while welding, soldering, or installing metalwork. Each magnetic welding holder provides 45, 90, and 135-degree angles.
• On/off switch: These magnets do not have an on/off switch. Thus, care needs to be taken to keep children away when they are in use. It is also important not to weld too closely to the magnet.
• Weight capacity: This pack of 6 magnets offers a variety of strengths – from 25 pounds up to 75 pounds. The combined strength of this 6- pack makes it extremely versatile and easy to work with heavy pieces of metal.
• Durability: These magnets are constructed of high-quality stainless steel with a powder coated finish. This makes them very durable and resistant to rust and corrosion. The red powder coating finish also makes the magnets easy to locate.

Check the latest prices here

Best budget welding magnet: CMS Magnetic set of 4

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This magnetic welding holder provides 25 pounds of holding force, which is sufficient for a wide range of light-duty welding projects.

The powerful magnets used in this holder attract any ferrous metal object. This tool is ideal for a fast setup and offers accurate holding for all welding jobs.

The holder can also be used as a floater to separate steel plates. The red powder coating protects it from rusting and from scratches during use. This product comes as a pack of four magnets.

It’s the cheapest set on my list, great for smaller budgets. It does the job but has fewer features and lower strength than for example my number one favorite Strong Hand Tools welding magnet above.

Features

• Number of angles: This flexible magnet will hold your materials at 90, 45, and 135 degrees.
• On/Off switch: There is no on/off switch
• Weight capacity: Its holding strength is limited to up to 25 pounds, which makes it ideal for light-duty welding.
• Durability: It has a powder coating to protect it from scratches and corrosion.

Check the latest prices here

Best compact & lightweight welding magnet with ground clamp: Magswitch Mini Multi Angle

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This is a very compact and efficient magnetic work holding tool, featuring multiple angles, with a strong 80-pound hold. It can hold both flat and round metal.

Because of its compact size, it’s an easy tool to take to job sites, but still strong enough for heavy-duty tasks.

It features an on/off switch which allows for precise placement and easy cleaning.

As a bonus, it is a multifunctional tool. The 300 amp ground clamp on top can be used as an earth ground for safe working.

Features

• Number of angles: It will allow you 45, 60, 90- and 120-degree angles for small pieces.
• On/off switch: It has an on/off switch which allows for precise placement and easy cleaning.
• Weight capacity: With a weight capacity of up to 80 pounds, this holding tool is more than strong enough for most welding requirements.
• Durability: Sturdy and durable

Check the latest prices here

Best adjustable angle welding magnet: Strong Hand Tools Angle Magnetic Square

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Finally, an adjustable angle welding magnet to top the list.

Because of the many possible different angles, this tool is perhaps the most multifunctional one on my list. It is great for those needing the flexibility of different angles for their projects.

It can hold stock both from the outside, which leaves you clearance for welding on the inside welds, as well as on the inside, allowing you to weld on the outside.

Two independent rectangular magnets, when both sides are attached to workpieces, will provide consistent, undiminished magnetic force up to 33 pounds.

This multifunctional tool will hold and position square, angled, or flat stock, sheet metal as well as round pipes.

Additionally, you can use the mounting holes to link two magnets together for use as fixturing elements, and the hex hole on the magnet for breakaway leverage.

Features

• Number of angles: Adjustable angle from 30 degrees to 270 degrees.
• On/off switch: This is a permanent magnet with no on/off switch.
• Weight capacity: This magnet has a pull force of up to 33 pounds.
• Durability: Constructed of high-quality stainless steel, this magnet is durable and long-lasting.

Check the latest prices here

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Finally, let’s look at some commonly asked questions regarding welding magnets.

What do welding magnets do?

Welding magnets are very strong magnets that make great welding tools. They can stick to any metal surface and can hold objects at 45-, 90- and 135-degree angles.

Welding magnets also allow quick setup and accurate holding.

What different types of welding magnets are there?

There are different types of welding magnets:

• Fixed angle welding magnets
• Adjustable angle welding magnets
• Arrow-shaped welding magnets
• Welding magnets with an on/off switch

Can welding magnets be used for ground connection?

Some welding magnets, like the Magwitch Mini Multi-angle magnet on my list, can be used for the ground connection.

Do welding magnets with an on/off switch use any battery?

No, welding magnets with an on/off switch don’t use any battery.

Conclusion

After careful review of the welding magnates showcased above, it becomes clear that there is only one product that offers all the features considered important in a quality magnet.

The Strong Hand Tools MSA 46- HD Adjust O Magnet Square is a strong and highly durable magnet with an 80- pound capacity. It has an on/off switch and can hold workpieces at a variety of angles. It definitely comes out on top.

Next, learn all there is to know about welding transformers

I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Tools Doctor, content marketer, and dad. I love trying out new equipment, and together with my team I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with tools & crafting tips.