FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions (and their answers!)
Which magnets are suitable for geocaching?
Attaching caches magnetically
Micros
Many geocachers would like to use magnets to attach micros (small film canisters containing log book and pen) under bridges, guard rails or other metal hiding spots. Please keep in mind that magnets are not designed for outdoor use because they will eventually rust.
Picture from our customer application project99 (available only in German)
Therefore it is important to protect the magnets well if they are attached to the outside of the micro. There is a detailed customer application (available only in German) on this topic. We recommend, however, to put the magnet on the inside of the micro to protect it from corrosion and blows.
According to our customers, a magnet must have the following features to fit into a micro (typically 3,2 x 4,5 cm):
- round and flat, so it doesn't take up too much space in the already tiny film canister
- bore hole or depression in the center, to fit over the little hump on the bottom of the canister and lie flush against the bottom.
A S-10-05-N disc holds a film canister and three pens in place with no problem.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution. The first requirement is best fulfiled by our discs S-10-03-N, S-10-04-N or S-10-05-N. They are so small that they can be glued next to the hump in the bottom of the canister. As an alternative, you can use strong adhesive tape to attach them to the side wall of the canister.
The second requirement is met by small countersunk pot magnets, most likely CSN-ES-16 or CSN-20, because they can be placed flush over the hump on the bottom of the canister. The maximum adhesive force cannot be reached, however, since the pot magnet is not directly attached to the iron. Please note our FAQ about pot magnets.
If the hump on the bottom of the canister is especially big, you can also use a R-19-09-06-N ring magnet, which is less stable than a pot magnet, however.
You have to find the right solution for your particular case. The perfect magnet solution is also the topic of discussion in this geocacher forum (available only in German).
We recommend attaching the magnet on the bottom of the canister. It is rather difficult to attach it to the round canister wall. Since few adhesives are reliable on both plastic and magnets, you should attach the magnet with a strong adhesive tape.
Small to large
For larger caches (small to large) you should attach several magnets on the inside of the canister. Depending on the size, weight and thickness of the cache, flat discs or block magnets are suitable.For light caches: Q-10-10-03-N, S-10-04-N, S-12-03-N, Q-15-15-03-N
For heavy caches: S-20-03-N, Q-20-20-03-N, S-25-03-N, S-30-03-N
For heavy caches: S-20-03-N, Q-20-20-03-N, S-25-03-N, S-30-03-N
