Magnet Sweep

I designed and built this magnetic sweeper to tackle the disturbing amount of old nails and screws scattered around my backyard and house. After collecting several pounds by hand, just by walking around and looking, I turned it into a design challenge: model and 3D-print a tool to help fight back the tide of unwanted ferrous materials.

 Unfortunately, this story is not one of star-studded success. While my plucky little sweeper’s magnets are strong, his off-road performance… is weak. Thick grass or uneven terrain sends the magnet baskets flipping skyward, rendering him helpless. But on relatively smooth ground, like shop floors, paved surfaces, or non-jungle yards, he works like a champ.

While he didn’t meet my specific needs, this design still has potential to shine in the right environment. If you’re looking for a way to clear workshop floors or tidy up smooth, debris-prone areas, this sad little roller might just find purpose in your service. Or maybe you just want his rims... I leave his fate to you.

Design Details:

• Magnet Wedges: Each green wedge holds eight 60x10x5 bar magnets, enclosed in a magnet basket. This design shields the magnets, keeps them clean, and allows the wedge to roll up and out, leaving collected metal debris behind.
• Rotating Mechanism: The wedges are mounted on a carbon shaft (an old arrow shaft) to allow smooth, free rotation.
• Push Rod and Connectors: A system of various 3D-printed connectors and tubing forms the frame and push handle.
• 3D-Printed Wheels: The wheels are printed in PLA with TPU tires that are pressed to fit the rims. They’re clamped to the central shaft using 3D-printed hubs.

Non- 3D printed parts:

• 32 bar magnets 60x10x5 mm (could easily use only half this number)
• Assortment of M3 bolts 6-16mm (this was from a assortment pack of hardware)