Equipped To Survive Equipped To Survive® Presents
The Survival Forum
Where do you want to go on ETS?

Topic Options
#53491 - 11/09/05 04:10 AM Compass-storage/carry question
xbanker Offline
Addict

Registered: 04/21/05
Posts: 484
Loc: Anthem, AZ USA
An old thread discussed Compass & Magnet Storage.

But I'm wondering...will prolonged compass exposure to the wrong metal (say, on my keychain, next to Leatherman Micra) do anything other than cause errant reading while they're adjacent to one another?

Thanks.
_________________________
"Things that have never happened before happen all the time." — Scott Sagan, The Limits of Safety

Top
#53492 - 11/09/05 04:40 AM Re: Compass-storage/carry question
Anonymous
Unregistered


The metal close by will modify/amplify/substract the magnetic fields of the earth or artificial fields close by. Normally they should not be a problem unless you are trying to use the compass.
If one of the close by objects is magnetic, and the compass is continually moving within its field, it may effect the magnet in the compass.
Normally the magnet in the compass will loose some magnetism over its life anyway, but this shouldn't usually be noticable for decades or longer in good quality compasses.

I havent had any problems with any of my compasses from loosing accuracy from nearby objects. I do however watch what I do with any magnetic tools that I use nearby. I regulary use magnetic tools, and they get put in the back pockets as I'm working not the front pockets where my compass is.

Top
#53493 - 11/10/05 07:12 AM Re: Compass-storage/carry question
Raspy Offline
Enthusiast

Registered: 01/08/04
Posts: 351
Loc: Centre Hall Pa
Not really. Worst case with extreme exposure to another magnet it might demag or reverse the polarity of your compass. But those odds are so long they are not realy worth considering.
_________________________
When in danger or in doubt
run in circles scream and shout
RAH

And always remember TANSTAAFL

Top
#53494 - 11/10/05 03:33 PM Re: Compass-storage/carry question
KenK Offline
"Be Prepared"
Pooh-Bah

Registered: 06/26/04
Posts: 2208
Loc: NE Wisconsin
I had always heard that storing compasses next to ferrous objects (attract compasses) is OK, but it is important to keep them away from magnetic fields (batteries, anything electronic, etc...).

Here is a clip from a Silva web site. It does indicate that ferrous items can mess up a compass. I would think this is for long-term storage rather than packing during a single outing (less than 2 weeks).

Reversed Polarity - from http://www.silva.se/files/compass.html

Golden Rule - Any make or type of magnetic compass, should be kept well clear of magnets and magnetic fields.The SILVA compasses are manufactured in the non-magnetic compass factory in Sweden.

Cause - Magnetic fields exist around, some car seat belts, electrical circuits, etc. and RAPID movements within inches of these items, or even ferrous (containing iron) metal, an iron gate or fence for example, may affect polarity of the needle.

Effect - The needle either becomes sluggish and slow to settle (it may appear to stick and look out of balance) if its polarity is partially reversed, or may reverse its polarity completely. In the latter case, the "North" (usually red) seeking end of the needle will point South.

Cure - Quickly stroke the "South" pole of a strong magnet outwards along the "North" end of the needle. Repeat vice-versa. Compare with a compass that is known to be correct.

Top



Moderator:  Alan_Romania, Blast, cliff, Hikin_Jim 
March
Su M Tu W Th F Sa
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
Who's Online
0 registered (), 456 Guests and 71 Spiders online.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
GallenR, Jeebo, NicholasMarshall, Yadav, BenFoakes
5367 Registered Users
Newest Posts
What did you do today to prepare?
by dougwalkabout
03/27/24 11:21 PM
Zippo Butane Inserts
by dougwalkabout
03/27/24 11:11 PM
Question about a "Backyard Mutitool"
by Ren
03/17/24 01:00 AM
Problem in my WhatsApp configuration
by Chisel
03/09/24 01:55 PM
New Madrid Seismic Zone
by Jeanette_Isabelle
03/04/24 02:44 PM
EDC Reduction
by EchoingLaugh
03/02/24 04:12 PM
Newest Images
Tiny knife / wrench
Handmade knives
2"x2" Glass Signal Mirror, Retroreflective Mesh
Trade School Tool Kit
My Pocket Kit
Glossary
Test

WARNING & DISCLAIMER: SELECT AND USE OUTDOORS AND SURVIVAL EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES AND TECHNIQUES AT YOUR OWN RISK. Information posted on this forum is not reviewed for accuracy and may not be reliable, use at your own risk. Please review the full WARNING & DISCLAIMER about information on this site.