Discover the best magnets for Warhammer bases, Games Workshop, and other tabletop games, and learn how to magnetize your miniatures for stronger connections with our step-by-step guide.
Updated February 13th, 2025, by Rob Baer with new information and links to relevant content.
Magnetizing miniatures isn’t just a neat trick—it’s a game-changer. No more models rattling around in a case, chipped paint, or broken weapons after a bumpy ride to game night. A few well-placed magnets on your bases, and suddenly, storage and transport become effortless.
The right magnets keep your models secure on metal trays, making setup faster (giving you more time to scour through your codex one last time) and protecting your hard work. But getting it right means using the right sizes and techniques. Stick the wrong magnet under a base, and you’ll either have miniatures sliding all over or stuck so tight you’ll need a crowbar to remove them.
Why Magnetizing Warhammer Bases is a Game-Changer
Magnetizing your bases isn’t just about keeping things tidy—it’s about convenience and efficiency. With magnetized bases, you can transport your miniatures in metal-lined cases without worrying about them tipping over. It also speeds up deployment time during games since your models are already neatly arranged and ready to hit the battlefield. Watch our video above, or read the steps below to get your minis magnetized!
So, if you’ve ever fumbled with foam trays, watched a model break off at the ankles, or had a bunch of miniatures shift mid-transport, it’s time to switch to magnets. Or, if you want to magnetize some giant miniatures, You can also learn more about how to do it here.
Best Magnets for Warhammer Bases
Not all magnets are created equal, and choosing the right type can make all the difference. Some options work great for infantry, while others are better suited for massive tanks and towering monsters.
Types of Magnets
The most reliable option is neodymium magnets—strong, compact, and built to last. These are the little powerhouses that will keep your miniatures firmly attached to a metal surface without adding unnecessary bulk.
Another option is magnetic sheets, which are often pre-cut to fit different base sizes. They’re a decent alternative for those who want a quick solution without gluing individual magnets, though they don’t have the same strength as neodymium magnets.
Brands to Consider
Snag your new magnets from our handpicked list of retailers, and give us a high-five in support! Every qualifying purchase helps Spikey Bits keep the lights on and the fun going.
A few brands stand out when it comes to quality and reliability:
- The Magnet Baron – A solid choice for consistent, high-strength magnets in multiple sizes. Use coupon code Spikey10off to get 10% off your next order with them!
- Squad Marks – Offers pre-cut adhesive magnetic sheets for a hassle-free approach. Get 10% OFF Enter Promo Code SPIKEYBITS
- K&J Magnetics – A go-to source for neodymium magnets in various sizes and strengths.
Now that we know which magnets work best let’s get into sizing.
Choosing the Right Size Magnets for Warhammer Bases
Size matters when it comes to magnets—too small, and they won’t hold your models in place; too large (like putting a 3/8″ magnet on your 25mm base), and you risk snapping your minis together like a chaotic game of 40K Tetris.
Standard Sizes for Warhammer Bases
For most Games Workshop models and bases, these magnet sizes get the job done:
| Base Size | Magnet Size (Imperial) | Magnet Size (Metric) |
| Magnets for 25mm Bases | 1/8″ x 1/16″ | 3.2mm x 1.6mm |
| Magnets for 32mm Bases | 3/16″ x 1/16″ | 4.8mm x 1.6mm |
| 40mm-50mm | 1/4″ x 1/16″ | 6.4mm x 1.6mm |
| 60mm+ | 3/8″ x 1/16″ | 9.5mm x 1.6mm |
Specialty Sizes
Some bases require custom magnet placement, especially larger miniatures like Imperial Knights or Land Raiders. In these cases, using multiple smaller magnets instead of one large one can help distribute weight evenly and prevent tipping.
Step-by-Step Guide to Magnetizing Warhammer Bases
Ready to get started? Here’s everything you need to magnetize your bases the right way.
Tools Required
Before you begin, gather these supplies:
- Neodymium magnets (correct size, such as 1/8″ x 1/16″ magnets for your 25mm bases)
- Super glue (cyanoacrylate) or epoxy
- Hand drill (pin vise) with an appropriately sized drill bit
- Hobby knife
- Tweezers (optional but helpful for handling tiny magnets)
Preparation of Bases
- Clean the underside of the base. Some Warhammer bases have small mold lines or imperfections that can make it harder for magnets to sit flush. A quick scrape with a hobby knife smooths things out.
- Mark the magnet placement. Most plastic bases have a hollow underside, so the magnet should be centered in the recessed area to maintain balance.
Application of Magnets
- Drill a shallow hole in the base. The depth should match half the magnet’s thickness so it sits flush without protruding.
- Test the magnet fit before applying glue. Once it sits properly, remove it and add a small drop of super glue in the hole.
- Insert the magnet, ensuring correct polarity. If you’re magnetizing an entire army, make sure all magnets face the same direction so they attach uniformly to a metal sheet.
- Let the glue dry completely. Don’t rush—moving the model too soon can misalign the magnet.
Tips for Maintaining Strong Connections
- Double up for heavier models. If a single magnet isn’t cutting it, add a second one side-by-side. For smaller 25mm Bases, one magnet will suffice.
- Use metal trays instead of magnetic sheets for storage. Magnetic sheets can weaken over time, whereas a metal tray provides a stronger hold.
- Keep polarity consistent. Before you start, mark one side of all your magnets so you don’t accidentally install some facing the wrong direction.
Final Thoughts
Magnetizing your Warhammer bases isn’t just about protecting your miniatures—it’s about making transport, storage, and gameplay smoother. With the right magnets, the correct size, and a bit of patience, you’ll have a rock-solid solution that keeps your army safe and battle-ready.
If you haven’t tried this yet, now’s the time. Grab some neodymium magnets, get those bases sorted, and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing your miniatures are secure no matter where the battlefield takes you
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What is your favorite way to put magnets on your Games Workshop bases and miniatures? Does this how to magnetize miniature bases tutorial help?
Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
