Posted by: Anonymous
Will magnetized items hurt compasses? - 04/28/03 07:32 PM
Hey Everybody,
I bought a small compass to add to my keychain, which already has a Photon, mini bic lighter and a SwissTech Utilikey on it. I went to put the compass on and noticed the needle jumping around. On further inspection, the Phillips tip on the Utilikey is magnetized and that's what was causing it, but only at a range of 1 inch or so. Would this ruin a compass if I decided to put it on there? I realize I'd have to remove it to get an accurate reading... Should I maybe ditch the Utilikey or just find another place for the compass? A keychain is a lousy place for a compass, but pretty convenient for me. What do you think?
I bought a small compass to add to my keychain, which already has a Photon, mini bic lighter and a SwissTech Utilikey on it. I went to put the compass on and noticed the needle jumping around. On further inspection, the Phillips tip on the Utilikey is magnetized and that's what was causing it, but only at a range of 1 inch or so. Would this ruin a compass if I decided to put it on there? I realize I'd have to remove it to get an accurate reading... Should I maybe ditch the Utilikey or just find another place for the compass? A keychain is a lousy place for a compass, but pretty convenient for me. What do you think?