Thomas Dankowski's Metal Detecting Forum

I made one of those about ten years ago but not with PVC. I mounted the magnet on a stick.

I used a Rare Earth Magnet from K & J Magnetics. https://www.kjmagnetics.com/ They make high-power magnets of every shape and size. The magnet I use is cylindrical about 1" x 1" with a hole through the center. That is as big as you need for getting nails out of the hole.

I also bought a bigger one for magnet fishing, 2" x 2". You need to be careful with that one around large metal objects because it can pinch your hand.
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