What Sticks to a Magnet? A Magnet Fisher's Guide to Magnetic Metals

Does Iron Stick to a Magnet?

Yes — and it's the one you care most about. Iron is the most magnetic common metal, and it's been used in everything for centuries. Nails, anchors, chains, tools, knives, firearms. If you're pulling something off the bottom of a river, there's a decent chance iron is involved somewhere.

Old iron is especially fun to find. I've seen people pull up Civil War-era horseshoes, century-old railroad spikes, and corroded hand tools that look like they fell off a barge in 1910. It's all iron. It all sticks.

Does Steel Stick to a Magnet?

Yes. Steel is basically iron with carbon mixed in, so it's magnetic. And steel is everywhere — bikes, shopping carts, car rims, fencing, anchor chains, lockboxes. The list goes on.

This is why safes are such a celebrated find in the magnet fishing world. Steel construction, sitting at the bottom of a lake. Magnetic as can be. Sometimes still locked. Sometimes not.

For more on what turns up, the magnet fishing finds page has a running look at the kinds of stuff people are actually pulling up.

Does Stainless Steel Stick to a Magnet?

This one gets people. The short answer: it depends on the grade.

Most common stainless steel (the 300-series stuff — think kitchen appliances, medical equipment) is non-magnetic or barely magnetic. But the 400-series stainless is noticeably magnetic. So if you wave your magnet near a stainless steel object and get a weak pull, that's normal. A strong pull usually means it's regular carbon steel with a shiny finish.

Don't waste too much time chasing stainless. Most of it won't come home with you.

Does Copper Stick to a Magnet?

No. Copper is completely non-magnetic, which is a bummer because copper is valuable and not that rare underwater. Old plumbing, electrical wiring, decorative fixtures — none of it will stick to your magnet.

Pre-1982 U.S. pennies are mostly copper. Post-1982, they're zinc with a copper coating. Neither sticks.

If you find copper while magnet fishing, it probably has an iron component attached — like a copper-coated steel pipe fitting. The magnet grabbed the fitting, not the copper itself.

Does Aluminum Stick to a Magnet?

Nope. Aluminum is light, rust-resistant, and completely non-magnetic. Soda cans, boat parts, lightweight fishing reels, most modern coins — none of it responds to a magnet.

This is actually useful information when you're sorting through a haul. If you can push a piece of scrap metal against your magnet and it falls right off, you're probably looking at aluminum. Set it aside for recycling.

Does Gold Stick to a Magnet?

No. Pure gold is non-magnetic. So if you've got visions of dragging up old coins or buried treasure, your neodymium magnet isn't going to help you there.

That said — if a gold-looking item sticks to your magnet, that's a tell. Either it's gold-plated over an iron core, or it's not gold at all. Real gold doesn't budge.

Does Silver Stick to a Magnet?

No, pure silver isn't magnetic either. Old silverware, sterling rings, silver coins — none of it sticks. Same logic as gold: if a silver-colored item grabs onto your magnet, it's likely plated over steel or just plain galvanized metal.

Does Nickel Stick to a Magnet?

Sort of. Nickel is technically magnetic (it's one of the three ferromagnetic elements alongside iron and cobalt), but most nickel-containing objects don't have enough pure nickel to have strong magnetic pull.

The exception? Some older coins. Canadian nickels from 1955–1981 are notably magnetic. Pre-1942 U.S. nickels had some magnetism too. Modern U.S. nickels are actually 75% copper and 25% nickel, and the mix isn't magnetic enough to notice.

Does Brass Stick to a Magnet?

No. Brass is a copper-zinc alloy, so no iron = no magnetism. You'll find brass in bullet casings, plumbing fittings, and old fixtures, but your magnet won't pick it up.

This one throws people off because bullet casings are a very common magnet fishing find — but it's usually because of the steel primer, not the brass casing itself. The primer sticks. The casing comes along for the ride.

Does Lead Stick to a Magnet?

No. Lead is non-magnetic. Old fishing sinkers, lead pipes, wheel weights — none of it responds to a magnet. You'll still find lead underwater, but usually attached to something steel.

What This Means for Your Magnet Fishing Haul

So here's the practical takeaway. Your magnet is going to find iron and steel, full stop. That's about 90% of what comes up. The other 10% is usually attached to something magnetic — a copper pipe on a steel bracket, brass fittings on an iron chain, whatever.

You won't find gold. You won't find silver. You probably won't find aluminum unless it's in a pile of mixed scrap. And stainless steel is hit or miss depending on what grade it is.

What you will find: old tools, bikes, car parts, chains, knives, keys, safes, firearms, and plenty of miscellaneous iron junk. Which, honestly? Still pretty great.

If you're just getting started and want to know what to expect, the beginner tips guide covers the basics well. And if you've pulled something up and aren't sure how to clean the rust off it, the rust removal guide is worth bookmarking.

Good hauls start with the right magnet. If you're still sorting out your setup, the magnet fishing magnets page breaks down what to look for by pull force and budget.