Guide: which magnet do I need for my miniatures and bases?

Magnetising bases helps keep miniatures in place on a movement tray. You can move a formation together and carry it securely in a case with metal shelves, while still being able to remove individual models from the tray. For a magnet for miniatures, the starting point is the base size. A 5 × 2 mm magnet is 5 mm across and 2 mm high: those numbers describe the disc, not the base. The magnets collection brings together neodymium sizes.

Magnets by base type

There are four N35 sizes for common bases. 4 × 2 mm magnets suit classic 20 mm square bases and 25 mm round bases. 5 × 2 mm magnets can give a light square base a stronger hold and suit 28.5 mm round bases. For a recessed base, the recess size takes priority. 5 × 3 mm magnets give a strong hold on large bases, 40 mm or more, and on metal or very heavy models; a large base may need more than one. 6 × 2 mm magnets are for 32 mm round bases with a suitable recess.

For our bases, the recess determines magnet size. The 30 × 30 mm and 50 × 50 mm square bases and 30 × 60 mm cavalry base use 4 × 2 mm; the cavalry base takes two. 5 × 2 mm fits the 40 × 40, 75, 80 and 100 mm square bases, the 40 × 60, 50 × 75, 50 × 100, 50 × 150, 60 × 100, 75 × 100 and 100 × 150 mm rectangular bases, filler bases, MDF bases with a magnet slot, the 60 mm round base and the 60 × 35 and 75 × 42 mm oval bases (two each) and the 90 × 52, 105 × 70, 120 × 92 and 170 × 109 mm oval bases (three each). The 40, 50, 75, 80, 90, 100 and 130 mm round bases and 150 × 95 mm oval base use 5 × 3 mm; the Herdstone takes four.

Before gluing, it is worth measuring the recess, placing the magnet inside and checking its polarity against the trays. All four N35 sizes come in packs of 10, 50 or 100. That lets you prepare a few models or equip a full formation without changing magnet type midway through the job.

What about a flat disc or a base adapter?

The 10 × 1 mm magnet is a flat disc sold individually. It suits flat-bottomed scenic or resin bases and projects with little depth available. Its shallow profile lets you add a magnetic surface to a flat base.

The 25 × 25 to 40 × 40 mm base adapter includes one unattached 10 × 1 mm magnet. It brings the change of footprint and the disc together in one product.

A base magnet needs a metal surface

A model with a magnet beneath its base grips the steel sheet of a magnetic movement tray. These surfaces are available among our movement trays, including magnetic trays for square bases. The unit moves as one block on the table, while hidden magnets in the tray attach it to a metal case shelf for transport. These are two connections doing different jobs: base to tray sheet, and tray to shelf. You can lift the formation or remove a model as the game requires.

Attaching magnets to the bases

The 20 g cyanoacrylate glue and 50 g cyanoacrylate gel can both attach magnets. The gel helps the adhesive stay where it is applied. Once the discs are attached, the models are ready to use with your chosen steel surface.

Three quick questions

Which magnet goes with a 28.5 mm round base? A 5 × 2 mm magnet. For a recessed base, the recess size takes priority.

What do the hidden magnets in the tray hold? They attach the tray to a metal shelf. The magnets beneath the bases hold the models to the tray’s steel sheet.

Which magnet goes with an ImpriWars base? It depends on its recess: for example, the 60 mm round base takes 5 × 2 mm, while the 40 and 50 mm round bases take 5 × 3 mm.