Magnet - Wheel Weight Clips

[EMC45]

Never done it before in all the time melting lead in a pot (since about 1998). I have always used a slotted spoon and just dredged out the clips and dross after fluxing. I tried it today and it worked very well. It is a Craftsman telescoping type magnet that is very strong. The only disadvantage I saw was that sometimes the clips would smack together when the magnet made contact and it would fling dross and lead spatter. I was wearing eye pro and pants, gloves, lace up shoes etc. so I was squared away. I then skimmed off the rust and dross with the spoon and poured out my ingots.

It has been over 2 years since I cast and smelted wheel weights so it was nice to start building up my stores again.

[triggerhappy243]

I use an old speaker magnet screwed to a stick.

[Sasquatch-1]

Don't think I would use it to get the clips out of the melted lead. As mentioned, I can see a lot of hot lead flying around. I do use a strong Harbor Freight magnet to remove the steel jackets from the copper and brass before recycling.

[ioon44]

I have always used a magnet on a 3 ' stick to pull ww clips from my lead pot, I just tap the stick on the edge of the pot and this shakes most of the lead off the clips.

[EMC45]

I have always used a magnet on a 3 ' stick to pull ww clips from my lead pot, I just tap the stick on the edge of the pot and this shakes most of the lead off the clips.

That was another thing I noticed....I nice little rap on the pot edge and all the little globs of lead holding on let go.

[mold maker]

If ya use the quick release magnets from HF and Northern, better be quick around the melt, because the body of the magnet is plastic.
Don't ask how I found out. At least they are cheap.

[TCFAN]

I have always used a speaker magnet held by a large vice grip to get the clips out of COWW for at least the last 30 years.

[JBinMN]

That couple of "Little taps" on the side of the pot with a pair of needle nosed pliers is my method. Spoon with holes for the lifting & grabbing. I do not want to have any molten lead anywhere but in the pot, so no taking a chance with a magnet for me. "Better safe than sorry.", for me, I reckon...

G'Luck to those that use them or try them...
:)

[Hardcast416taylor]

I`ve been doing the magnet clip removal system for over 40 years. I use a 1" dia. X 7" long bar magnet rod. I`ve mentioned this method here on the site several times, glad to know other casters use this method of clip removal.Robert

[EMC45]

I have heard it preached for years and have read here about folks doing it as well. I was straining the clips and dross out yesterday and I looked over at my tool box and thought "hmmm let me get the magnet out".....

I also have some quite old speakers that I can sacrifice for their magnetic properties.

[DerekP Houston]

huh, I honestly would not have thought to do that, good tip. I did the slotted spoon and tap it against the side to free up any sticking.

[MaryB]

Dead microwave ovens also have a very strong magnet on the magnetron. Bit of a pain to remove though!

[lightman]

I never thought of using a magnet. I've always used a slotted spoon.

[JWT]

I started out with an 8" wire mesh wok strainer. Skims the entire pot in one or two passes. A magnet would work but it would be slower.

[Omega]

Just don't let the magnet get too hot, or it will lose it's magnetic properties.

[texasnative46]

JWT,

An all metal wok strainer is what I use. - I cannot see a good reason to use a magnet for such a easy task, even IF you aren't concerned about splattering hot lead.

yours, tex

[D Crockett]

I use a big magnet out of a speaker the only thing that I do different is I put a piece of flat metal on the bottom of the magnet I hold that with pliers and drop the hot clips into a bucket of water to cool them and my magnet has a T handle wielded on it this work great for me D Crockett