If you’ve ever had to pick up the nails littering the ground after tearing off an old roof or snag the bits of metal that can accumulate on a job site, this broom is for you. As shown in the drawing above, I modified a defunct push broom by affixing a 1×3 to the broom’s head. To this 1×3, I attached ten 1-in.-dia. rare-earth magnets (www.leevalley.com). These magnets are astonishingly strong; each one can lift a 30-lb. block of steel. The magnets fit into steel cups (also available from Lee Valley) that are screwed to the 1×3.
Mike Nathan, Hailey, ID
I've been thinking I need something like this, AND, I just got a magnetic tool holder as my FREE! toy at Harbor Freight. Now if I can just come up with some slick way to strip the metal off the magnet after it's been collected.
I would suggest adding a strip of perforated steel strapping under the magnets (assuming the polarity works) to increase the effectiveness.