Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet Review

The Truth Revealed: Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet

For anyone deep into case preparation, especially those using rotary tumblers, the tedious task of separating media pins from finished brass can be a significant bottleneck. This is precisely the problem the Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet is designed to solve. My own journey with this particular tool began after one too many frustrating minutes spent sifting through brass and tiny metallic pins, a process that felt like a digital detox I hadn’t signed up for. I needed a faster, more efficient way to reclaim my meticulously prepped brass without losing half my weekend to de-pinning.

Initially, I considered a fine-mesh sieve, but the thought of pins potentially getting snagged and requiring manual removal quickly diminished that appeal. The idea of a powerful magnetic tool specifically for this purpose felt like a much more elegant solution. My first impression upon unboxing the Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet was one of solid, no-nonsense construction. It’s not a flashy tool, but it feels substantial and built for its intended purpose, instilling a quiet confidence that it might just do the job it promises. The weight in hand suggested quality materials, a good starting point for any equipment that needs to perform reliably. This simple, yet effective, tool offered immediate relief from a persistent nuisance in my reloading process.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet to the Test

My testing environment was primarily my reloading bench, a space that sees a constant influx of spent casings and various media. The Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet was put to work immediately after a tumbling session with my Lyman Cyclone Rotary Tumbler, a perfect companion scenario as suggested by the manufacturer. The process involved emptying the wet media and brass mixture into a dedicated tray, then passing the magnet over the mass.

First Use Experience

The initial contact with the mixture of brass and pins was remarkably straightforward. I simply swept the magnet across the surface, and almost instantly, a satisfying metallic ‘thump’ indicated the pins adhering to the magnetic surface. It performed exceptionally well in this controlled environment, cleanly lifting the tiny pins away from the larger brass casings. No special acclimation period was needed; the magnetic retrieval was intuitive from the first pass. My only minor surprise was the sheer number of pins it could collect in a single sweep, which was a pleasant indication of its strength.

Extended Use & Reliability

Weeks of consistent use have shown the Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet to be a reliable workhorse. It has handled dozens of tumbling cycles without any degradation in its magnetic pull. I’ve deliberately exposed it to the slightly damp media without issue, though I make it a habit to wipe it clean after each session. The stainless steel construction means I don’t worry about rust or corrosion, a common concern with tools in a reloading environment.

Compared to my previous method of painstakingly picking pins out by hand, this tool is a revelation. It drastically reduces the time spent on this crucial, yet tedious, step in case preparation. There’s no complex maintenance required; a quick wipe-down and it’s ready for the next job. The durability so far is excellent, showing no signs of wear that would compromise its function.

Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet

Specifications

The Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet boasts a simple yet effective design centered around a powerful magnet housed within a stainless steel casing. The product description highlights its large diameter, strong magnet capable of collecting many pins in a single pass, which is its core functionality. The stainless steel construction ensures durability and resistance to corrosion, a crucial factor in the often humid or residue-prone environment of reloading.

This large diameter is key, as it maximizes the surface area for pin collection. The strong magnet ensures that even the smallest stainless steel pins are effectively captured. The stainless steel handle is designed for easy manipulation, allowing you to sweep it over your media and brass with minimal effort.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet is to efficiently separate media pins from tumbled brass, and it excels at this. Its performance is consistently strong, making a task that could take minutes of manual labor achievable in mere seconds. The speed and convenience it offers are its greatest strengths.

While it performs its core function admirably, there isn’t much more to its functionality than magnetic attraction and release. It doesn’t have complex features, which is part of its appeal – simplicity often equates to reliability. It definitively meets and exceeds expectations for its intended purpose, especially when considering its price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this pin magnet is utilitarian and robust. The stainless steel casing feels solid and well-finished, with no sharp edges or rough spots. Its large diameter magnet is the focal point, and the handle is long enough to provide a comfortable grip without being cumbersome.

Ergonomically, it’s very user-friendly. The weight feels balanced, and the magnetic end is easy to maneuver over a tray of brass and media. There’s no real learning curve; you simply sweep it over the mixture. The simple pull-up action on the handle to release the collected pins is smooth and effective, a well-thought-out detail.

Durability & Maintenance

Built with a stainless steel body, this tool is designed for longevity. Under normal use in a reloading environment, it’s likely to last for many years, if not a lifetime. The magnetic component is sealed within the casing, protecting it from damage.

Maintenance is incredibly minimal. After use, a quick wipe with a cloth to remove any residual media or debris is sufficient. I recommend storing it away from other metal objects that could inadvertently attract to it when not in use, though its primary function makes this less of a concern. There have been no failure points observed, and the magnetic strength remains as robust as day one.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet comes as a standalone tool, with no specific accessories included or necessary for its operation. Its functionality is entirely self-contained. There are no customization options available for this particular product.

It’s designed to work with the common stainless steel media pins used in rotary tumblers, regardless of the tumbler brand. Its utility is straightforward and doesn’t require or benefit from additional attachments.

Pros and Cons of Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet

Who Should Buy Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet?

This tool is an absolute must-have for any reloader who uses a rotary tumbler with stainless steel media pins. If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated with the tedious process of de-pinning your brass, this is for you. It’s perfect for home reloaders, small custom shops, or anyone processing a moderate to high volume of pistol or rifle casings.

Anyone using tumblers with non-magnetic media or those who only process a handful of cases occasionally might find it an unnecessary purchase. However, for the vast majority of rotary tumbler users, the time and frustration saved make it a highly worthwhile investment. A good tray or container to dump your media into for easier sweeping is a helpful complementary item, but not essential.

Conclusion on Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet

The Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet delivers precisely what it promises: a fast, convenient, and effective solution to a common reloading bottleneck. Its robust stainless steel build, coupled with a powerful magnetic attraction, makes short work of media pin separation. The sheer convenience it offers in reclaiming your brass after tumbling is a significant upgrade over manual methods, easily justifying its $39.79 price tag.

For any reloader utilizing stainless steel media in a rotary tumbler, I would wholeheartedly recommend this tool. It’s a simple yet brilliant piece of equipment that enhances efficiency and reduces hassle. If you value your time and want to streamline your reloading process, this magnet is an investment that pays dividends with every use.