Demagnetising Ball Bearings

[tony1941]

I've just bought (second hand) one of those clocks which move lots of ball bearings around - one a minute, with a fascinating array of tilting troughs etc. The trouble is that the balls sometimes stick in the feeder trough and won't run down to the pickup point. After a serious cleaning session (recommended by the booklet) it isn't much better - then the light dawned!! The balls are magnetised, and so stick together when expected to run down a gentle slope. So, the question is - what is a cheap way of demagnetising them - I'm ruling out a professional degausser as it should be a one-off operation and they are not cheap (even on Ebay). Is it just a question of using something with a magnetic coil fed by the mains? Eg Engraving tool, glue gun, ?? Any other suggestions, please.

[heathfield]

If you have a transformer for anything you could try switching it on, and hold a bearing against it for some seconds, then, slowly move the bearing away. Whether this works will depend on the magnetic 'flux leakage' of the transformer. In this instance, the cheaper quality it is, the better.

[tony1941]

Thanks, Heathfield! That was my first idea - I have been scouring my workshop/rubbish store for something suitable - just occurred to me - I have an old Variac somewhere - that has to be fairly leaky, I guess - I'll let you know. Thanks again.

[jomifl]

A tape eraser should do the job, there are a few on Ebay at present.

[THECORBYLOON]

Have you tried heating them?