Are Erector Set pieces magnetic?

July 7, 2009 8:25 PM

Are Erector Set pieces ferromagnetic? Paramagnetic? Neither?

I would assume they are made of aluminum, in which case the answer is neither. But I can not find any answers on the web.

What about the connecting pieces like bolts and screws?

posted by Jimmie to Science & Nature (4 answers total)

Based on the rust I've seen on old Erector Set parts, I'd say there's at least some iron in the parts. Cheap steel is my guess.
posted by jdfan at 8:33 PM on July 7, 2009

Response by poster: Thank you very much for the empirical evidence jamaro. Much appreciated.
posted by Jimmie at 8:50 PM on July 7, 2009

I would guess the parts are made of mild steel, which is ferromagnetic.
posted by ryanrs at 9:42 PM on July 7, 2009

What rynars said. If they're not mild steel any more they're plastic.
posted by Kid Charlemagne at 9:49 PM on July 7, 2009