If I have two neodymium magnets (for example the M5 magnets) and stack them together would that increase the magnetic pull?

Is it recommended to store neodymium magnets attached to steel or does it matter?

How can someone determine which side is positive verses negative pole and when it comes to reed switches does it really matter?

Although I may be wrong:

1. Yes
2. I don't think it matters. I store mine attached to each other.
3. Absolutely no earthly clue.

Not much help, I know.

#3 -http://www.magnetsales.com/Design/FAQs_frames/FAQs_2.htm
About 5 or 6 up from the bottom, I think.

Ed

#2 It doesn't matter as Ekuth sais. Just don't heat your magnets (above 175 °F) and they will last you a lifetime. So store in a cool, dry place (next/attached to other magnets is OK) and you'll be fine.

... it doesn't matter!

I just ordered a bunch of magnets for some tricks that I have been developing including 1/8" neodymium spheres that I had wanted to conceal in fimo clay. I was concerned about baking the fimo for the reason stated above but the fimo stuff is usually baked at 175°F. Think it would be safe?

Also, the magnet vendor (Apex) did have some devices to determine the poles of a magnet but, like the others asked, why does it matter?

Joe, push the magnet into the Fimo, then pop it out (without messing up the clay). Bake it. Then, put the magnet back in the hole and make a plug of Fimo to cover the piece. Then carefully pick out the plug, bake it. Now, simply assemble the magnet in the piece, and epoxy the plug into place. I just looked up at your post again. You say 1/8" beads/balls? Yeah, stick with what I said, it may be a little tedious with lots of little balls, but I don't know what you're making.

Thanks! I'm creating magnetic breath mints so they're tiny. If I make several at once, though, it should be worth the effort. I was just wary of baking them even at a low temp like 175.

Joe, I figured it out for you. PM for details. Ah, heck.... I'm excited, expect my PM

Magnet polarity doesn't matter with reed switches, but does matter with other devices, like Hall Effect sensors. Hall Effect sensors are solid state, have no moving parts, are quite small, and have some advantages over reed switches in certain applications.

Many folks already own an inexpensive device that will accurately determine the polarity of a magnet: a compass. The "N" on the compass pointer will be attracted to a magnet's South pole.

Ross