Introduction to Haydon Magnetic PCB Standoffs (M3) — Pack of 20
HAY-MAG-STAND — Magnetic PCB Standoffs (Pack of 20)brings a simple, flexible approach to mounting printed circuit boards (PCBs) where permanence isnt desired. These standoffs combine an M3-threaded mechanical interface with a neodymium magnetic base to enable quick, removable mounting to ferromagnetic panels and enclosures. Supplied as a 20-piece pack with matching screws and washers, theyre designed for prototyping, field service, and any application where ease of access and repeatable repositioning matter.
Key features at a glance
- Magnetic mounting:Strong neodymium magnet provides secure, removable support to ferromagnetic mating surfaces.
- M3 compatibility:Threaded to fit standard M3 PCB holes for universal PCB compatibility.
- Complete pack:20 standoffs supplied with screws and washers for immediate installation.
- Compact dimensions:Datasheet dimensions D 12 mm, D1 6 mm, W 3 mm, H 12.5 mm, H1 5 mm for predictable clearance and stand-off height.
- Reusable and serviceable:Ideal where boards need to be removed frequently for testing, updates, or servicing.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The HAY-MAG-STAND kit has been specified with practical, workshop-friendly dimensions and components to simplify temporary or semi-permanent PCB mounting:
- Material:Neodymium magnetic component with included screws and washers. Neodymium magnets are known for their high magnetic strength relative to size, delivering a compact yet reliable attachment force.
- Fits PCB holes / Thread size:M3 — compatible with the most commonly drilled PCB mounting holes and many mechanical fixtures used in electronics.
- Pack quantity:20 pieces — suitable for projects with multiple boards or for stocking a small workshop or service kit.
- Dimensions (from datasheet):D = 12 mm, D1 = 6 mm, W = 3 mm, H = 12.5 mm, H1 = 5 mm. These dimensions give a modest standoff height to maintain clearance from the mounting surface while keeping the assembly compact.
- Weight (datasheet note):The datasheet quotes weight as "3.5 kg" (quoted as shown). Buyers should refer to the official PDF for confirmation and any conversions or corrections: https://haydonmarketing.com/img/cms/HAY-MAG-STAND.pdf
Benefits of these specifications include rapid installation using common M3 hardware, predictable stacking height for component and connector clearance, and the strength-to-size advantage of neodymium magnets which keeps the mounting footprint small while maintaining good holding force.
How these standoffs help in practice
Magnetic standoffs offer a distinct set of advantages over other mounting approaches:
- Speed of installation:No need to access the rear of the panel to secure captive nuts or to drill inserts. Attach the standoff to the metal panel and fasten the PCB from the top.
- Serviceability:Remove a PCB quickly without undoing threaded inserts or adhesives — useful for troubleshooting, firmware updates, or swapping boards in the field.
- Reduced risk of damage:No adhesives or permanent fixtures that can damage panels or leave residue. This is important for rental/demo hardware or products requiring cosmetically intact enclosures.
- Flexible positioning:Standoffs can be repositioned easily, allowing iterative layout changes or prototype adjustments without reworking the panel.
Use cases and scenarios where this product excels
HAY-MAG-STAND magnetic standoffs are well-suited to a range of scenarios across hobbyist, engineering, and light-industrial contexts:
- Prototyping and development:Engineers iterating board layouts will appreciate the ability to move boards quickly between fixtures and enclosures without drilling new mounts each time.
- Field service and repair:Technicians servicing equipment can remove and replace PCBs rapidly for diagnostics and replacements, reducing downtime.
- Product demonstrations and trade shows:Use temporary mounting for demo units that need frequent access and must remain undamaged for shipping and display.
- Test rigs and bench setups:For hardware-in-the-loop setups or burn-in stations where boards are tested repeatedly, magnetic standoffs speed sample changes and reduce wear on panel fittings.
- Non-permanent installations:Applications where the mating enclosure is leased or shared, or where modification of the panel is undesirable, benefit from the non-destructive magnetic approach.
Installation tips and practical considerations
To get the best results from magnetic PCB standoffs, keep a few practical points in mind:
- Ensure the mating panel or enclosure is ferromagnetic (steel or iron) so the neodymium magnet can adhere securely.
- Use the supplied M3 screws and washers to mount the PCB to the standoffs; confirm screw length yields correct compression without bottoming out.
- Avoid placing sensitive magnetic sensors, magnetic storage media, or devices that rely on tiny magnetic fields directly adjacent to the magnets. Neodymium magnets are powerful and may interfere with such components.
- Take care when handling strong magnets — pinch hazards exist when magnets snap together or to a metal surface.
Comparisons with similar products
When choosing a standoff solution, it helps to compare magnetic M3 standoffs with alternatives:
- Conventional plastic or nylon standoffs:Plastic standoffs are non-magnetic, inexpensive, and electrically insulating. Theyre permanent once installed and require hardware access to the rear or captive nuts. Magnetic standoffs win on speed and repositionability but are dependent on a ferromagnetic mounting surface and arent insulating.
- Brass or aluminum threaded standoffs:These provide durable, permanent support with good mechanical strength. Theyre ideal when vibration resistance and a permanent fix are required. Magnetic standoffs are easier to remove and reposition but may not match mechanical robustness for high-shock or vibration-heavy environments unless secured with additional fasteners.
- Adhesive standoffs and double-sided tape:Adhesives work well for lightweight boards and in situations where drilling is impossible, but they can leave residue and arent ideal for frequent servicing. Magnetic standoffs avoid residue, offering a clean, repeatable attachment method.
- Magnetic versus captive nut systems:Captive nut systems require more permanent panel modification but provide very secure mounts for heavier PCBs. Magnetic standoffs trade some ultimate mechanical security for extreme convenience and speed.
Customer feedback and typical impressions
No formal customer testimonials are supplied with the datasheet listing. However, typical feedback from engineers and technicians who use magnetic standoffs often highlights a few recurring themes:
- "Installation is fast and convenient for prototypes and demo assemblies."
- "Repositioning boards without tools saves significant time during development cycles."
- "The included screws and washers make the kit ready to use out of the box."
Potential concerns raised in user discussions generally relate to ensuring the mating surface is ferromagnetic, considering magnetic interference with nearby components, and checking that magnetic retention meets the mechanical and vibration requirements of the final product.
Conclusion: Why choose HAY-MAG-STAND magnetic PCB standoffs?
The HAY-MAG-STAND Magnetic PCB Standoffs (Pack of 20) are a practical, cost-effective solution for anyone who needs fast, reversible PCB mounting to metal enclosures. Their combination of M3 compatibility, neodymium magnetic strength, and an included hardware kit makes them ideal for prototyping, servicing, or applications where repeated access to the electronics is necessary.
They arent a one-size-fits-all replacement for permanent threaded standoffs or vibration-hardened mounts, but for temporary, non-destructive, and adaptable mounting tasks they offer real productivity gains. If you work with metal enclosures, value rapid serviceability, and want a neat, reusable mounting solution, the HAY-MAG-STAND pack is worth considering. Be mindful of the magnetic caveats (interference and handling), and consult the official datasheet for detailed technical confirmations and the quoted weight note.
