Published Dec 15. 2008 - 15 years ago
Updated or edited Aug 8. 2015

DIY Magnetic Net Retainer

So, you tie your own flies, leaders etc.....then you might be interested in this.

Magnetic Net Retainers are cool, they are a really practical invention, and at give or take 25 Euro probably acceptable.

But you can make your own for under 5 Euros ....this is how....

What you need is >

2 snap hooks
2 magnets
1m elastic cord
some glue.

The snap hooks can be bought in any hardware shop at a little more than 1 Euro a piece , the magnets are the most important part of the retainer they have to be small yet strong enough to hold a kilogram or so...you don't want your net to keep dropping , eventually I found Neodymium magnets ...these are super strong magnets that can lift up to 1600 times their own weight , the size I use are 6mm x 6 mm they hold almost 3 pounds. You can get these magnets on Ebay for 60 cents a piece. The elastic cord can be supplemented by any rope or cord, for the Glue I use UHU Hard ,but a good epoxy will also do the trick.

Now that you have all the ingredients it is easy.

1.Fix the magnet on the underside of the snap hook ....the hook being metal means that the magnet will fix itself, NB -make sure the magnet is the right way around ...otherwise the magnets will push each other away.
2.if the magnet is strait, apply your epoxy or glue of choice ..tip..if the magnet does not stand straight, it can be convinced with some super glue
3.allow to dry over night, then add the elastic cord .. I tie a small loop by folding one end over.

Congratulations ....you are now done .... there is nothing more to it ...

Using your brand new net retainer.... to loosen the net, just give it a gentle tug ,after use try to find the magnet on your back with the handle of the net , once you get to 5cm or so from the magnet, they will attract each other ...with some practice it will become second nature. Give it a try

Martin Joergensen's picture

Ruan,...

Ruan,

Excellent tip! Love these little DIY-thingys.

Martin

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