DIY Ideas
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How to make bike lights magnetic with Sugru + magnets
Bike lights can be frustrating and slow to attach & remove, especially in bad weather with gloves on! By adding magnets to your lights, and your bike, you'll be able to snap your lights on and off with your gloves on, and in a matter of one very satisfying move.
Once you make your lights magnetic, you might wonder why all lights aren't like this.
Pick up a Sugru + magnets kit - it's perfect for this project (and loads of others!)
Kit
- your existing bike lights
- x4 strong neodymium magnets (we used one of our Sugru + magnets kits)
- your bicycle, helmet or whatever else you want to attach your lights to!
Step 1
Cut open a foil pack, roll Sugru into a sausage and divide into two equal parts.
Top Tip: One single-use foil pack of Sugru is enough to attach two magnets.
Step 2
Squidge a sausage of Sugru onto the magnet and press it into a pyramid shape.
Step 3
Carefully but firmly press the magnet onto your bike's handlebars, so that Sugru squeezes out around the edge of the magnet.
Top Tip: Make sure the surface you are applying the Sugru to is clean.
Step 4
Press the Sugru in around the magnet, ensuring there is a good bond.
Step 5
Gently rub the Sugru with your finger to smoothen it and leave for 24 hours to fully cure.
Top Tip: use a little soapy water on your finger to get a really smooth Sugru finish.
Want more tips? Check out our short video series to guide you in the ways of Sugru.
Step 6
Repeat steps 2-5 to mount the opposing magnet to your bike light. Leave to fully cure for 24 hours before using.
Top Tip: Don't forget to make sure you attach the second magnet with the opposing side facing out.
If you have ever worked with magnets, you will know that they can be tricky to handle without knowing which sides attract. We designed the Sugru + magnets kit to be super easy to use, so we put a small dimple on the north pole of each magnet. All you need to do is make sure one magnet is smooth and the other has a little dimple...simple!
Step 7
Now you can do the same for your back lights.
You can now use the same process to create magnetic rear lights too!
Top Tip: Plan ahead to click your lights together for quick and easy storage, just have the dimple facing out on the front light and the smooth side on the back. Nice!
Step 8
While you're at it... why not add a magnet to the top of your helmet so you can attach your bike light there too.
Enjoy!
P.S. You can watch the bike lights in action over here.
