Few things are more annoying than lifting a model and leaving its magnet stuck to the case. Magnets usually come loose for a handful of reasons, and most are easy to fix once you know them.
The short answer: magnets fall out when the glue can't grip the smooth, nickel-plated surface, when the magnet is too strong for the bond, or when it isn't recessed. Roughen the magnet, recess it, and use superglue or epoxy suited to the size.
Common causes and fixes
| Problem | Why it happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Magnet pops out cleanly | Glue can't grip the smooth coating | Scuff the magnet with fine sandpaper |
| Magnet stays on the case | Magnet pull is stronger than the glue bond | Recess deeper or use epoxy |
| Magnet tilts or wobbles | Recess too wide or uneven | Fill with green stuff, re-seat level |
| Bond turns white and brittle | Too much superglue | Use a small drop, add accelerator |
| Parts repel each other | Wrong polarity | Mark faces and test before gluing |
Why won't superglue hold my magnets?
Neodymium magnets have a smooth metal coating that gives glue very little to grip. A quick scuff with fine sandpaper or a file creates a key for the glue and makes the bond far stronger.
Should I use superglue or epoxy for magnets?
Superglue is quick and fine for small magnets in a snug recess. Two-part epoxy is stronger and fills gaps, so it's better for large magnets, loose recesses and heavy models. Our guide to gluing miniatures compares adhesives.
Does recessing magnets help?
Yes. A magnet sitting in a drilled recess is held on its sides as well as its base, so it resists being pulled straight out. Drill to the exact diameter and roughly the magnet's depth.
Can a magnet be too strong?
Yes. If the pull between two magnets is stronger than the glue bond, the weaker joint fails first. Matching magnet size and grade to the part avoids this; see N35 vs N52 magnets and which magnet sizes to use.
How do I fix a magnet that's already fallen out?
Clean old glue from the recess and the magnet, check the polarity against its partner, scuff the magnet, then re-glue with a small amount of fresh adhesive. Hold it in place with its partner magnet on the other side of a sheet of paper while it sets.
Why do magnets come loose from bases specifically?
Bases are hollow, so a magnet glued only to the thin underside has little surface area. Fill the base with green stuff or a plastic plug first, or glue the magnet into a recess in a filled base. Our guide to magnetising bases shows the full method.
Does temperature affect magnet glue?
Extreme heat can weaken some glues and, over time, magnets. Avoid leaving magnetised models in hot cars or sunny windows. See where not to store miniatures.
More hobby guides
- How to Magnetise Warhammer 40,000 Vehicles and Tanks
- How to Magnetise Warhammer 40,000 Arms and Weapons
- Warhammer 40,000 Base Sizes Explained
- How to Rebase Warhammer 40,000 Miniatures
Warhammer 40,000® is a registered trade mark of Games Workshop Limited. This is an independent hobby guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed or sponsored by Games Workshop.