Let’s Talk About Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet
Rotary tumblers have revolutionized case cleaning for reloaders, making the process faster and more effective than ever before. However, separating the cleaned brass from the stainless steel pins used as media can be a frustrating and time-consuming task. That’s where the Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet comes in, promising a simple and efficient solution.
I had grown tired of meticulously picking out pins one by one, a process that felt archaic in the age of modern reloading equipment. The Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet advertised convenience and speed, features I desperately needed to streamline my reloading workflow. Unboxing the Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet, I was immediately drawn to its robust stainless-steel construction and the promisingly large magnet at its base.
While there are other pin separation methods, such as sifting screens, the Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet stood out for its promise of minimal mess and maximum efficiency. I considered a magnetic separator built into a media separator, but the Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet’s focused approach seemed less cumbersome and more targeted. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype, hoping it would save me significant time and effort.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet was after a batch of .223 cases had been rotary tumbled. The mix of brass and pins was submerged in water, as is typical after the tumbling process. I slowly swept the magnet over the mixture, and was pleased to see the pins instantly leap towards the magnet, clinging tightly to its surface.
The Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet performed admirably even when the pins were wet. I did not observe any decrease in magnetic force. The handle mechanism for releasing the pins worked smoothly, depositing the collected pins into a separate container with minimal effort.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and multiple batches of various calibers, the Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet has proven to be a reliable and consistent tool. I have observed no degradation in its magnetic strength and the stainless-steel construction shows no signs of rust or corrosion, despite regular exposure to water and cleaning solutions. Cleaning the Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet itself is incredibly simple; just wipe it down with a cloth.
Compared to my previous method of manually separating pins, the Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet has dramatically reduced the time spent on this task. The time saved alone makes the Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet worth every penny.
Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet
Specifications
The Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet is designed specifically for separating stainless steel media pins from cases after rotary tumbling. The core components are a strong, large-diameter magnet and a stainless-steel housing. The handle is also stainless steel and features a simple release mechanism.
The stainless-steel construction ensures durability and resistance to corrosion, essential for a tool frequently exposed to water and cleaning solutions. The large magnet size allows for collecting a substantial quantity of pins in a single pass, maximizing efficiency. The release mechanism provides easy and controlled pin release, minimizing mess and preventing pins from scattering.
Performance & Functionality
The Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet excels at its primary function: separating stainless steel pins from brass cases. The powerful magnet effectively attracts and holds a large quantity of pins, streamlining the separation process. Releasing the pins is equally simple, allowing for quick and controlled deposit into a container.
The design could be improved if the magnet were shielded on the sides to prevent pins from attaching there, concentrating the magnetic attraction to the bottom surface. Overall, the Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet significantly simplifies the case cleaning process and meets my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet’s build quality is solid. The Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet’s all-stainless steel construction makes it feel durable and capable of withstanding regular use. The weight is substantial enough to feel robust, yet not so heavy as to be cumbersome.
The handle is comfortable to grip, and the release mechanism is intuitive to use. There is a slight learning curve to optimize the sweeping motion for maximum pin collection. However, it is generally a user-friendly tool.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless-steel construction of the Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet ensures excellent durability. With proper care, it should last for many years. Maintenance is minimal, primarily consisting of wiping down the magnet and housing to remove any residue.
There are no moving parts, aside from the release handle, which further contributes to its longevity. The Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet promises to be a long-lasting addition to any reloader’s bench.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet is a standalone tool and does not require any additional accessories for its primary function. While there are no customization options for the Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet itself, it integrates seamlessly with other reloading equipment. Specifically, it is designed to work with rotary tumblers such as the Lyman Cyclone Rotary Tumbler and other brands that use stainless steel pin media.
The lack of accessories is not a significant drawback, as the Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet performs its intended task effectively on its own. The Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet requires no further additions or modifications to work optimally.
Pros and Cons of Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet
Pros
- Significantly reduces time spent separating pins from cases.
- Stainless steel construction provides excellent durability.
- Large, powerful magnet collects a substantial quantity of pins in one pass.
- Simple and effective release mechanism for easy pin disposal.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
Cons
- The magnet is not shielded, causing pins to attach to the sides.
- It might be considered pricey for a seemingly simple tool.
Who Should Buy Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet?
The Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet is perfect for any reloader who uses a rotary tumbler with stainless steel pin media. It is an invaluable tool for high-volume reloaders looking to streamline their case cleaning process. Anyone tired of manually separating pins will appreciate the time-saving convenience of this magnet.
Reloaders who only clean a small number of cases infrequently might not find the Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet necessary. Those on a very tight budget may find cheaper alternatives, though these typically sacrifice efficiency and convenience. While effective, the Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet does not require any specific accessories to operate, though a dedicated container for collected pins is recommended.
Conclusion on Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet
The Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet is a well-designed and effective tool that addresses a common pain point for reloaders using stainless steel pin media. It significantly reduces the time and effort required to separate pins from cases, making the reloading process more efficient and enjoyable. While the price might seem high for a magnet, the time saved and the convenience gained more than justify the investment.
I would highly recommend the Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet to any reloader seeking to streamline their case cleaning process. If you value your time and appreciate well-made tools, the Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet is a worthwhile addition to your reloading bench. Say goodbye to tedious pin separation and hello to efficient reloading with the Lyman Stainless Steel Pin Magnet.