Build 006Queued
Turn a bolt into a magnet
Wind wire around an iron bolt and send current through the coil. The bolt picks up paper clips until we disconnect the battery.
Before we start
A wire carrying current creates a magnetic field. What changes when we wrap that wire into a coil around iron?
The goal
Connect electricity and magnetism by building a magnet that can be switched on and off.
How we'll do it
- 01Wind the wire neatly around the bolt, leaving free wire at both ends.
- 02Remove the enamel from the two ends and connect them briefly to the battery.
- 03Try picking up paper clips, then disconnect the battery and test again.
- 04Change the number of turns and compare how many clips the bolt can lift.
Optional equipment
Prints that make the build easier. None are required. Every build works with tape and clips.
Printables
Electromagnet coil frame
The same frame from Build 001, now with the bolt in as the core.
Not printed yet
Instructables
Telegraph key and sounder
An electromagnet that pulls a lever and clicks. The relay in Build 008 works the same way.
Not printed yet
Read alongside