Horseshoe Magnets
Horseshoe shaped magnets are recognised as the universal symbol for magnets and magnetism. Horseshoe Magnets are made of Alnico material, a corrosion resistant magnet with a high temperature stability (up to 500⁰C!). Alnico magnets are manufactured from aluminium, nickel and cobalt, hence the name: Alnico. Although Alnico magnets are weaker than Rare Earth Magnets and Ceramic Magnets, they are less fragile and more durable than the others. All our Alnico Horseshoe Magnets are C5 grade.
FAQ
What is a horseshoe magnet and how does it work?
When we think of magnets, the horseshoe magnet is usually the first image that comes to mind. Horseshoe magnets are iconic – and for good reason. The horseshoe magnets is a magnet shaped like a U or Horseshoe shape, designed to bring its two magnetic poles, north and south, closer together. This shape focuses the magnetic field between the poles, creating a stronger and more concentrated magnetic force in a small area, and making it ideal for picking up or holding metal objects.
What are common uses for Horseshoe magnets?
Horseshoe magnets are commonly used in educational settings, science demonstrations, and for light-duty lifting or retrieval tasks. Horseshoe magnets are a staple in magnetic clamps, magnetic therapy devices and sensor setups, where a focused magnetic field is needed in a compact form.
Why are horseshoe magnets shaped like a “U”?
The U-shape of a horseshoe magnet allows the magnetic poles to be positioned close together, which significantly increases the magnetic field strength between the poles. This design helps the horseshoe magnet hold or lift metal objects more effectively than a bar magnet of the same size.
What type of magnetic material are horseshoe magnets usually made from?
Horseshoe magnets are typically made from ferromagnetic materials such as Alnico (aluminium, nickel, cobalt). This is the most common material for traditional Horseshoe magnets. Alnico magnets are known for their high magnetic strength, durability and ability to retain magnetism over time. They are often used in educational, industrial, and scientific applications. Other less common materials include Ferrite (ceramic), which is not as strong but much cheaper, and Neodymium (rare earth) which is rarely used in classic horseshoe shapes due to their brittleness, but neodymium magnets can be adapted into similar configurations for high-strength applications. Overall, Alnico remains the preferred material for most standard horseshoe magnets because it combines good strength, temperature stability, and a classic, easily machinable form.

Alnico Horseshoe Magnet - 75mm x 38mm x 9mm
Code: 49011
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Alnico Horseshoe Magnet - 5.08cm x 2.54cm x 6.35mm | Pull Force 1.36kg
Code: MCT07225
Pull Force: 1.36kg
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Alnico Horseshoe Magnet - 51mm x 41mm x 16mm
Code: 49015
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Alnico Horseshoe Magnet - 100mm x 85mm x 33.5mm
Code: 49017
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