Quick magnet hack

[bruce.desertrat]

I had occasion today to drill out a hole in a hard drive magnet to be a little larger and found a way to keep all the swarf off the magnet.

Take a piece of painters tape and carfeully cover the whole magnet, tucking it down into the sides so the entire surface is covered. Drill out the hole (or cut away at the mounting plate if that's what you're doing)

Afterwards cover it completely with another piece of tape and carefully peel both layers off together. Voila no swarf on the magnet! 3rd pic is after the removal, not a speck transfered.