How Much Does It Cost To Buy A Magnetic Sweeper?

Last Updated on February 21, 2025
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

In workspaces prone to lose metal debris like nails, screws, staples and scraps, a heavy-duty magnetic sweeper is an essential cleanup and safety tool. But with models for small handheld models to industrial strength sweepers, selecting the right magnetic cleanup tool for your needs and budget can be daunting.

This guide will examine the factors determining magnetic sweeper costs, provide detailed price comparisons for all sweeper types and sizes, give tips on getting the best value, and recommend top models for everything from residential garage use to commercial construction sites.

How Much Does It Cost To Buy A Magnetic Sweeper?

Magnetic sweepers range in cost from $15 basic handheld models to heavy-duty industrial units costing over $2000. Magnetic sweepers vary enormously in price depending on size, magnet strength, durability, and features. Typical pricing includes:

Small Handheld Magnetic Sweepers – $15 to $50

• Small palm-sized magnetic wands perfect for gathering metallic clutter in home garages.
• Limited 12-inch sweep width but handy for light residential use.
• Basic ferrite magnets sufficient for nails, tacks, screws on flat garage floors.
• Best low-cost option if you only need occasional small home cleanup.

Medium Push Magnetic Sweepers – $50 to $300

• Broader 1-to-3-foot magnetic bases cover more area with each pass.
• Roll smoothly on wheels over driveways, workshop floors, loading docks.
• Built with neodymium magnets to grab nails, bolts, metal scraps in storage rooms or workspaces.
• Durable models good for sustained use around farms, shops, construction sites, and parking areas.
• Often most economical choice for small commercial sites with regular metallic debris.

Large Push & Tow-Behind Magnetic Sweepers – $300 to $2,000

• Oversized models from 4 to 5 feet wide for expansive factories and industrial sites.
• Require very strong neodymium or rare earth magnets to effectively collect heavy volumes of scrap metal.
• Built with heavy-duty steel frames, solid no-flat tires, and stability bars for continuous use.
• Options like tow-behind models powered to sweep while driving maximize efficiency on large commercial sites.
• Significant investment but necessary for quick, thorough cleanup of high debris workshop and construction floors.

Electric & Specialty Magnetic Sweepers – $100 to $1,500+

• Electric models sweep autonomously with less effort, but require battery charging.
• Unique underwater magnetic retrieval tools collect metal from ponds and pools.
• High-powered customizable designs for applications like metal separation facilities and recycling plants.
• Special lift and dump features help unload piles of picked-up scrap metal shards, nails, and bolts.
• Premium specialty magnetic sweepers for unique professional needs or high-volume debris removal.

Consider debris volumes and workspace sizes when selecting strength and sweeping width. High-use commercial settings warrant spending more on durability.

Bluestreak Equipment offers a range of push-type magnetic sweepers priced between $185.99 and $625.99 depending on the model and size. For example, the Scape model is available from $185.99 for lighter use, while the more robust RIP model can go up to $625.99.

On Shields Company, the Terminator dual-purpose magnetic sweeper is priced at $765.00. This model features a 48-inch width and can be used over various surfaces, making it suitable for industrial applications.

Magnet Source lists their magnetic floor sweepers starting at around $98.85 for basic models, with prices varying based on features and specifications.

For those looking for larger options, MSC Direct offers a 60-inch long tow-behind magnetic sweeper priced at $303.77, along with other sizes such as an 18-inch push magnetic sweeper available for $95.05.

Lastly, First4Magnets provides a variety of handheld and mountable sweepers, with prices typically starting around $100, depending on the model and features.

What Are Magnetic Sweepers?

A magnetic sweeper uses strong magnets to quickly pick up dangerous metal scraps like nails, screws, bolts and construction staples from driveways, workshop floors, job sites, and other work areas.

Powerful rare earth neodymium magnets on the base lift ferrous objects off the ground as the sweeper is pushed or rolled. This prevents puncture damage to tires and equipment.

Magnetic sweepers improve workplace safety and efficiency by effortlessly collecting stray metallic objects that could harm workers or damage machinery. They are indispensable tools for construction, manufacturing, fabrication, automotive, and metalworking industries.

You might also like our articles about the cost of Rainbow vacuum cleaners, Roombas, or Rug Doctor.

Factors Influencing Sweeper Cost

Several variables influence the pricing of magnetic sweepers, which range from small $20 handheld units to large industrial models costing thousands:

• Magnet Material and Strength – More powerful magnets improve debris pickup but cost more. Neodymium rare earth magnets are strongest. Ferrite magnets are more economical but weaker. Industrial sweepers will be rated in Gauss units.
• Sweeping Width and Size – Larger base coverage areas boost efficiency but increase the price. Handhelds are only ~12 inches wide, while industrial models reach 4 to 5 feet across.
• Design and Durability – Stainless steel wear-resistant construction costs more but withstands heavy daily use. Thickness of the magnetic base plate also varies.
• Handle Type – Standard short handles limit back strain but reduce sweeping area. Long handles allow wider paths but are pricier and can flex. Quick release and adjustable handles offer flexibility.
• Added Features – Useful options like rolling wheels, retractable magnets, anti-tip stability bars, electric operation, and rugged no-flat tires enhance functionality but raise costs.
• Brand Reputation – Premium commercial brands like Master Magnetics charge more but deliver consistent quality and durability.

Where Can You Buy Magnetic Sweepers?

Magnetic sweepers can be purchased through several channels:

Online – Amazon and Home Depot offer a wide range of models at competitive pricing with convenient delivery. Walmart also stocks limited selections. Reviews help choose.

Hardware Stores – Stores like Lowes, Ace Hardware and farm supply shops carry small selections of standard magnetic sweepers in person.

Specialty Industrial Retailers – Companies focused on worksite safety products and industrial maintenance tools like Grainger and Northern Tool will have the best durable commercial units.

Direct from Manufacturers – Top brands like Master Magnetics, Industrial Magnetics, and Stanley sell quality magnetic sweepers directly through their company websites.

Secondhand – You can save money buying used magnetic sweepers through auction sites, but carefully inspect magnet strength and condition first.

Compare prices between retailers to find the best magnetic sweeper values. Consider delivery fees for heavy industrial units.

The Best Magnetic Sweeper Type

To select an appropriately powered magnetic sweeper for your specific workplace, consider these general recommendations:

Small Home Garages – A $25 handheld wand will suffice for occasional residential cleanup.

Driveways, Patios, Sidewalks – A 24-36-inch-wide rolling sweeper in the $125 to $200 range works well for homes.

Carpentry Shops, Garages, Warehouses – Invest in a $300 to $700 industrial push sweeper up to 42 inches wide for durability under frequent heavy use.

Construction Sites, Scrap Yards, Factories – $1,000+ extra-wide 5-foot tow-behind models efficiently handle extremely high debris volumes over large areas.

Metal Separation Facilities, Recycling Centers – $1,500+ customized high-powered magnetic sweepers excel in metal-intensive operations moving tons of fragments.

Matching sweeper magnetic strength and width to expected debris amounts avoids overspending or underspending. Durability is also essential for commercial buyers who will use sweepers daily.

Are Magnetic Sweepers Worth it?

For any business working around metal – whether construction, fabrication, machining, or automotive repair – a heavy-duty magnetic sweeper quickly pays for itself through:

• Improved safety by removing nails, staples, screws and other sharp scraps that could pierce boots or puncture tires. Even a single avoided injury or repaired tire justifies the cost.
• Reduced equipment repairs by preventing loose debris from being sucked into lawnmower blades, snowblower intakes, robotic vacuum cleaners, and other automated equipment that could be damaged.
• Faster cleanup times since magnetic sweepers effortlessly lift scattered metallic clutter off floors, rather than slow manual gathering. Workers can focus on more value-added tasks.
• Reclaimed scrap value from piles of recovered steel, iron and nickel shards that would otherwise go unused. Proceeds from a month of periodic metal recycling can surpass a basic magnetic sweeper’s price.
• Improved workspace aesthetics by maintaining clear, orderly floors and surface areas. Customer and visitor perceptions benefit.

Thousands of positive user reviews confirm magnetic sweepers provide invaluable safety and productivity enhancements that easily justify costs. They are essential equipment investments for any business vulnerable to lose metallic debris.

Expert Recommendations

Industrial maintenance experts emphasize considering these key factors when selecting the right magnetic sweeper:

“Match the magnet strength to your metal debris amounts. Handheld wands won’t cut it for a busy garage with screws and nails everywhere. You need serious neodymium magnets and a wide sweeping path for efficiency.” – Andrei Vasilev, factory foreman

“Check wheels, stability bars, and handle adjustability if you’ll use it daily. Those features really help with continuous sweeping.” – Jackson Berry, construction safety manager

“Don’t just go for the cheapest. A decent $175 medium-duty magnetic sweeper will last years longer than a $75 bargain version. It’s worth investing a bit more.” – Alicia Chung, hardware store owner

“For big factories and scrap yards, always get an extra-wide industrial model with tow-behind kit. Trying to clean acres of space with a 36-inch push sweeper takes forever.” – Rico Molina, industrial maintenance technician

“Keep an eye on magnet condition – they can weaken over 5-10 years. Test pickup strength occasionally by sweeping known objects.” – Karen Walsh, warehouse manager

Their years of first-hand experience will help you buy the highest quality and most productive magnetic sweeper.

Final Words

When shopping for a magnetic sweeper, it is crucial to select a model matched to your workspace size, debris volumes, and needs for durability. Investing a little more upfront in magnet power and build quality pays dividends through improved safety and longevity. By thoroughly evaluating different magnetic sweepers using the guidance above, you can make a well-informed purchasing decision.

Choosing the right magnetic pickup tool provides invaluable protection from dangerous strewn metallic debris that is well worth the cost.

Answers to Common Questions

Do magnetic sweepers work on grass?

No, magnetic sweepers only work on solid surfaces like concrete, asphalt, stone, tile, steel, and wood. They cannot pick up objects buried in soil or grass. Raking is required first.

Will a magnet pick up nails?

Magnetic sweepers strongly attract steel, iron, nickel, and cobalt but will not pick up non-ferrous metals like copper, brass, aluminum, titanium, or magnesium. So, they retrieve nails, screws, and construction staples but not aluminum cans or pennies.

Do street sweepers have magnets?

Yes, most heavy-duty street sweepers and parking lot vacuum machines have supplemental magnet components to capture any metallic objects while making passes. Combining magnetic pickup with brushes and vacuums ensures a clean sweep.