Cleaning up metal chips on floor

[Hobie]

I found that the "Frankford Arsenal Stainless Steel Media Transfer Magnet" is great for picking up the metal burrs that end up on the floor. For those not familiar with this tool, it is used with a wet tumbler and stainless steel pins to clean empty ammo casings before reusing them. Other manufacturers make a similar tool that has a spring loaded plunger to release the strong magnetic pull. I would probably use a regular magnet if I didn't already have this tool, but passing this along as an interesting option.

 

[AllenClapp]

The contractor version has a longer handle so that you can stand straight up and sweep the floor. I have the Frankford Arsenal version that I bought to pick up stainless steel pins (boy is that a great system to clean dirty brass), but I use the contractor version in the shop to save my back.

 

[Hobie]

The contractor version has a longer handle so that you can stand straight up and sweep the floor. I have the Frankford Arsenal version that I bought to pick up stainless steel pins (boy is that a great system to clean dirty brass), but I use the contractor version in the shop to save my back.

Cool. I didn't know they made a version with a long handle. Just did a google search and couldn't find the Frankford Arsenal contractor version, but did find one made by Armstrong Magnetics, "Magnetic Bulk Parts Lifter PH-35L Long Handle". Here is the manufacturer's link and one from Amazon:

Armstrong Magnetic Bulk Parts Lifter PH-35L Long Handle

Armstrong Magnetics, Inc. designs, manufactures and distributes its own Magnetic Bulk Parts Lifter PH-35L Long Handle for picking up and transferring ferrous parts.

www.armsmag.com

Armstrong Magnetic Bulk Parts Lifter PH-20L Long Handle

Armstrong Magnetics, Inc. designs, manufactures and distributes its own Magnetic Bulk Parts Lifter PH-20L Long Handle for picking up and transferring ferrous parts.

www.armsmag.com

Magnetic Bulk Parts Lifter w/Long Handle, Stainless Steel Housing, Max. Lift Cpcty: 35 lbs Flat Steel Plate, 1.6 lb Nails & Bolts, 0.8 lb Loose Metal shavings or Stainless Steel Tumbling Media Pins: Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement

Magnetic Bulk Parts Lifter w/Long Handle, Stainless Steel Housing, Max. Lift Cpcty: 35 lbs Flat Steel Plate, 1.6 lb Nails & Bolts, 0.8 lb Loose Metal shavings or Stainless Steel Tumbling Media Pins: Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement

www.amazon.com

 

[AllenClapp]

I don't think Frankford Arsenal makes a long version.

 

[monk]

rural king has a long handled version. i think it's called the "attractor" or something like that. i wrap a plastic bag over the face (about 4" diameter) when done, i simply pull the bag back off the head and discard the mess. better than gettin it on yer shoes.

 

[JJ Roberts]

I use a vacuum cleaner. J.J.

 

[Hobie]

rural king has a long handled version. i think it's called the "attractor" or something like that. i wrap a plastic bag over the face (about 4" diameter) when done, i simply pull the bag back off the head and discard the mess. better than gettin it on yer shoes.

That's genius...it's the simple things in life that make a difference.

 

[Hobie]

I use a vacuum cleaner. J.J.

That is what I originally thought I would be doing. The vacuum was in another room and the transfer magnet was in a bucket next to my work bench, so the route of least resistance won out. I guess that is a fancy way of saying, laziness won out!

 

[mitch]

i keep a small shopvac near my bench, but sometimes i just use my bare feet.

 

[SamW]

If you use a magnet, a wrap of glad wrap will help clean the magnet. Otherwise....

 

[AllenClapp]

In the Frankford Arsenal short-handled one and the long-handled contractor ones, the magnet is spring-loaded inside of an aluminum housing. Once you pick up metal, you hold it over a trash can or other receptacle, pull the handle to raise the magnet off of the bottom, and the screws/chips fall away. No bag required.

 

[Hobie]

...but sometimes i just use my bare feet.

I think I will make sure my tetanus shot is up to date before trying that method.

 

[silvermon]

i keep a small shopvac near my bench, but sometimes i just use my bare feet.

Wool socks work quite well too.

 

[zzcutter]

If you use a magnet, a wrap of glad wrap will help clean the magnet. Otherwise....

Great tip with the glad wrap.

 

[Big-Un]

I

i keep a small shopvac near my bench, but sometimes i just use my bare feet.

I tried using my bare feet but I have neurotrophy and can't feel anything anyway and my wife keeps getting on my case about it...she hates pulling the shards from my feet!

 

[John B.]

Mitch and Big-Un,
Bet the chips are tough on the bed sheets

 

[Goldjockey]

I use a vacuum cleaner. J.J.

Same here. I use a Shop Vac. Works every time.

 

[mitch]

After you've been in a shop/house for a few years, you'll start finding those %$#&ING engraving chips EVERYWHERE. Your clothes, furniture, carpet, pets, you name it. It doesn't matter how careful you are. Not exactly my favorite part about the art...