Quick project: turn your pins into magnets

I have a little collection of pins I've picked up here and there, which spend their time sitting in a drawer. My pin-wearing days are far behind me, and I don't have a corkboard or anything to attach them to. But I do have a fridge, and a magnetic panel on my craft desk, so I decided that if I changed my pins into magnets, I could stick them somewhere that I would be able to see and enjoy them.

Start here: magnets and pins!

This is a pretty straightforward project, and very easy if you have access to small wire clippers and pliers. Start with your pins and some magnets. These ones are 3/4" across and I got a package of eight for about $2.

Step 1

Use your pliers to grab one end of the U-shaped catch on the back of the pin. Bend it open, kind of like straightening a paper clip. I couldn't get a photo of this step, but you want to bend it until you get it looking like the picture above.

Step 2

Next, use your wire clippers to snip this bent piece off, as close to the flat back of the pin as possible.

Step 3

Also Step 3

Then, use your pliers to grab the hinge part of the pin. Pull the pin out (you may need to wiggle it a little to get it out). Dispose of your sharp pin parts somewhere safe!

Step 4

Now just put some glue on one side of your magnet, and stick it to the back of your pin. I used Elmer's Glue-All - you can use something stronger, or you can actually just skip the glue all together, since the magnet will hold onto the pin.

Another set of pins that I turned into magnets. These are a bit smaller,
so I used some smaller magnet pieces that I had already.

Wait for the glue to dry, then enjoy your new magnets!