Magnetpro Multipurpose Switch Magnet, 660 LB Pull-Off Force Switchable Magnetic System, On/Off Magnet for Lifting, Working&Welding Positioning, Liquid Filtration, Automation, Metal Separation

so i dont use this in a metal shop, this will be your unconventional review haha. i have tested it on 1/2" steel plate though in our yard and itll lift a pretty decent sized plate, i dont know the exact size of it but if i had to guess maybe 5 sq ft. anywho, im a commercial diver in the mississippi river and we rely on magnets in high current to keep us on our work station if theres nothing to clip/tie onto. now the current of the river kicks pretty good some days, and i dont know exactly how much weight i put on this magnet at times but i can tell you that with it put on a rusted and scaled up piece of 5/8" steel (probably closer to 1/4" and all the way down to 1/8" in some spots) ive been able to hold my body weight (roughly 160lbs) in up to 10mph currents, on this magnet mounted sideways (visualize mounting it above or to the side of your body with all the weight pulling this magnet to the side, which it is strongest when pulled directly up)

At the maximum setting, it will not lift, just stick. Maybe some work and some don't. This one don't. It's going back.

Ignore the 'they're too hard to turn' reviews; the trick is you have to press the handle assembly down otherwise they won't turn.It's a very strong magnet, and the value is good; much, much cheaper than the alternatives. The design and operation is a little funky, but totally worth it if it lasts over time.

Works as advertised, and like one of the other posts I bought these to avoid the $900 magswitches for my power feeder.The folks saying it only has 20lbs of holding: you need to PRESS and TWIST the handle to engage the magnet. It seems to have 3 settings: off, "weak hold" and ON full holdFor the people saying the handle is hard to turn: you need to PRESS and TWIST

Little disappointed in the lifting capacity

These are cool magnets. I bought them for work but will probably buy more for use in my workshop at home at some point. Be aware that if you are trying to stick these onto thin sheet metal, you won't get the full pulling strength. The thicker the metal is, the better they will hold.

I originally thought it was defective but it was the same on a 2nd one as well....seems others have this issue with it also. If you're attempting to use it as a fixture jig or hold down/positioning tool it is nearly impossible to push in and twist at the same time wifhout it moving from where you have it aligned. The handle is so hard to turn you need quite a bit of leverage >20lbs. On one the handle/switch was wobbly, loose and not a positive engagement so you can't really "feel" if it switched inside and pull force might not be 100% if it's at 90 degrees. -So the handle position and whether it is on or off when you put it away isn't obvious like others and you may get a surprise. If it was easier to operate and especially with one hand it might be useful.

I have the smaller version and it actually holds better. Almost impossible to turn the magnet on, even with the handle. Go with the smaller version or a different brand.