I am not sure if this is the right sub. But I am asking for some advice...
I am a casual magnet enthusiast who recently has renewed interest in all things magnetic. My problem- I have like over 1000 Refrigerator magnets. The kind with the words on them. They have been in the same spots on my front door for about 5 years now. I, in all my wisdom, decided to take them all off the other night. They are all very VERY weak. I doubt they were too strong to begin with, but, after a gentle soak in cold soapy water for a few hours, they are worse for the wear. I understand that you can remagnetize weaker magnets with the help of stronger ones. I have attempted several times to strengthen a few with some of m y stronger, neodymium magnets. It seems to make them even weaker. I am stroking, one direction on the weaker one. about 50 times. making sure to make the same motions, lifting my hand up and away after doing so. and starting back. What could I be doing wrong? I have not only used my neodymium, but also I have a TON of those ferrite "rattle snake egg" toys which I have found to be pretty powerful magnets for the price. (1 dollar at the dollar store for a set of 2) still, nothing. I guess I have 2 questions. 1- What could I be doing wrong? and 2- Is it possible to realign the weaker magnetic fields just by a long(er) exposure to the stronger magnets? As I stated, I have A LOT of these little word magnets and It is going to be extremely time consuming to do them individually as described. Also, if anyone has any other cooler more inventive way to go about it, I am all ears! I appreciate it in advance!