I was an aircraft mechanic once upon a time, and we did something similar daily to protect engines from being damaged by small bits of metal being sucked into turboshaft intakes. I always wondered...
I was an aircraft mechanic once upon a time, and we did something similar daily to protect engines from being damaged by small bits of metal being sucked into turboshaft intakes.
I always wondered why this wasn't ever done on streets. The issue highlighted in the article (metal grates and manhole covers making a magnet unusable) isn't really an issue. The magnet sweepers we used were on wheels that suspended the magnets an inch or two off the ground. They could run over things attached to the ground or heavy pieces of metal no problem. They weren't ridiculously strong or anything, just strong enough to pick up nuts, bolts and screws.
This is a nice idea. When I'm riding a bike I always try to pick up nails or screws that I see in the road. I probably pick up one every month or so. It's weird how many things get situated...
This is a nice idea. When I'm riding a bike I always try to pick up nails or screws that I see in the road. I probably pick up one every month or so. It's weird how many things get situated pointy-side up and will get into a tire. One time I ran over a metal coat hanger that I didn't see and it somehow got into my tire. But the main thing that causes flats for me are goat head thorns, and magnets aren't going to get rid of those things. Of course they would only affect bike tires though, car tires are too thick to be bothered by little thorns.
I was an aircraft mechanic once upon a time, and we did something similar daily to protect engines from being damaged by small bits of metal being sucked into turboshaft intakes.
I always wondered why this wasn't ever done on streets. The issue highlighted in the article (metal grates and manhole covers making a magnet unusable) isn't really an issue. The magnet sweepers we used were on wheels that suspended the magnets an inch or two off the ground. They could run over things attached to the ground or heavy pieces of metal no problem. They weren't ridiculously strong or anything, just strong enough to pick up nuts, bolts and screws.
This is a nice idea. When I'm riding a bike I always try to pick up nails or screws that I see in the road. I probably pick up one every month or so. It's weird how many things get situated pointy-side up and will get into a tire. One time I ran over a metal coat hanger that I didn't see and it somehow got into my tire. But the main thing that causes flats for me are goat head thorns, and magnets aren't going to get rid of those things. Of course they would only affect bike tires though, car tires are too thick to be bothered by little thorns.