SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/weld-stainless-magnet

Why is the magnet test not a perfect way to identify stainless steel?

Some stainless steels are not magnetic.

Start playing free

  1. Some stainless steels are not magnetic ✔
  2. Magnets stick to aluminum but not steel
  3. All stainless is strongly magnetic

Why: Iron and most steels are attracted to a magnet, while aluminum is not. Stainless varies, since some types are magnetic and some are not.

Huh, didn't know that: In a chip test, aluminum comes off smooth, in long continuous strips with saw-tooth edges.

The dad joke
What streaming service features programs about metals that attract other metals? Magnetflix.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Some stainless steels are not magnetic. Iron and most steels are attracted to a magnet, while aluminum is not. Stainless varies, since some types are magnetic and some are not.

  1. Metal Identification, King Saud University course PDF faculty.ksu.edu.sa/sites/default/files/Metal%20Identification%20Ready%20_unprotected.pdf
    This test is not 100 % accurate because some stainless steels are non-magnetic.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. Metal Identification, King Saud University course PDF faculty.ksu.edu.sa/sites/default/files/Metal%20Identification%20Ready%20_unprotected.pdf
    Generally ferrous metals are magnetic, and nonferrous metals are non-magnetic.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Trades & ShopWhat polarity does MIG welding of mild steel use?Trades & ShopSelf-shielded flux-cored wires like E71T-11 run on which polarity?Trades & ShopWhat is the most common shielding gas mix for MIG welding mild steel?

That's stuff everyone should know.