There is nothing more soul-crushing than opening a foam transport case to find a snapped spear, a chipped sword, or a snapped flight stand. The "foam case burial" has been the standard for years, but hobbyists are increasingly moving toward a more secure, visible solution: magnetisation.
The Goal: Secure Display & Effortless Transport
Magnetising your bases isn't just about moving your models; it's about stadium seating. When your army is magnetised, you can use modular stands that keep every unit perfectly aligned, ensuring your back row is just as visible as your front line.
Choosing the Right Magnet: N52 is King
When searching for magnets, you will see ratings like N35, N42, and N52. These refer to the "Maximum Energy Product" (the strength) of the magnet. For wargaming miniatures, always choose N52 Neodymium magnets. They provide the strongest pull for their size, ensuring your heavy plastic or resin models don't slide during transit. To put the strength in perspective: even a tiny 5mm × 2mm neodymium disc holds on the order of half a kilo of pull force (a common N42 version is rated around 0.43–0.47kg, roughly 1 lb) — far more than enough to lock a based infantry model to a steel tray.
Magnet Size Guide for Tabletop Bases
Choosing the correct diameter and thickness is vital for a flush fit. Most standard bases (compatible with Warhammer 40,000®) have a depth of roughly 2mm to 3mm.
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25mm to 32mm Bases (Standard Infantry):
Use 3mm x 2mm N52 magnets. A single magnet in the centre is usually sufficient for plastic infantry. If the model is top-heavy, consider two magnets. -
40mm to 50mm Bases (Elites & Small Monsters):
Use 5mm x 2mm N52 magnets. This provides a significantly larger surface area for models such as Terminator® miniatures or larger skirmish characters on 40–50mm bases. -
60mm to 80mm+ Bases (Vehicles & Monsters):
Use multiple 5mm x 2mm magnets (typically 3 or 4) spaced evenly around the base. For very heavy resin centrepieces, 10mm x 2mm magnets may be required.
Quick Magnet Size Reference
A generic at-a-glance guide for common base sizes. Match the magnet to the recess in the base rather than the outer diameter, and keep it flush so the model still sits flat.
| Base diameter | Magnet diameter | Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| 25mm | 3mm | 1.5–2mm |
| 28–32mm | 4–5mm | 2mm |
| 40mm | 5–6mm | 2–3mm |
| 50mm | 6mm | 3mm |
| 60mm | 8mm | 3mm |
| 80–100mm | 10mm | 3–5mm |
| Movement trays / shelves | Steel or magnetic sheet | — |
Once your bases are magnetised, the next step is showing them off properly — see our guide on how to display wargamer miniatures.
The Bridge: Magnetisation and the WarSplay® System
Magnetising is only half the battle. Once your bases are prepped, you need a system that supports them. Unlike high-cost acrylic alternatives that rely on static shelves, the WarSplay modular display system is designed to be magnet-ready. By using our steel-insert pods, your magnetised army snaps into place, allowing for 100% security during transport or when moving your display around your hobby room.
This creates a seamless display and transport system, where your models go from the shelf to the gaming table without ever touching a piece of foam.
New for 2026: our latest stand, the WarSplay Pro, takes this a step further — the magnets are built into every podium from the factory, so your magnetised models simply snap on and grip hard, any polarity, with no steel inserts to fit. It's the first in a new wave of magnetic display stands from us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What glue should I use for magnets?
A high-quality Cyanoacrylate (Super Glue) is essential. For an even stronger bond, many hobbyists use a small dab of "Green Stuff" or epoxy putty alongside the glue to create a custom-fitted socket for the magnet.
How do I ensure the polarity is correct?
Consistency is key. Mark one "master" magnet with a felt-tip pen. Use this magnet to check the polarity of every model in your army. If you use a magnetised display stand, you want every model to attract to the tray, not repel it. (The newer WarSplay Pro grips regardless of polarity, so there's nothing to second-guess.)
Will magnets damage my paint job?
No. In fact, magnetisation protects your paint job. By using a magnetised stand, you no longer have to grab models by their painted surfaces to move them; you can move the entire stand or simply "pop" them off the tray by the base.
Disclaimer: WarSplay® products are independently manufactured. We are not affiliated with, authorised by, or endorsed by Games Workshop Limited or IKEA® AB. Trademarks such as Warhammer 40,000® and Age of Sigmar® are used solely to indicate compatibility.