Originally Posted by
Turtle Speed
OK, but how easy is it really to magnetize a bearing surface? It's not like touching a magnet to metal for 5 seconds will do it, will it? Even Park Tool recommends suggests using a pencil magnet to remove balls in their
hub overhaul tutorial.
Depends how strong the magnet is. A brown fridge magnet is unlikely to do anything. But if you've ever messed around with those super strong neodymium magnets, those will definitely leave steel magnetized. You only have to touch it once. The amount of time is irrelevant.