How to Magnetize Warhammer Bases Without Drilling
Magnetized bases let you pull models off their bases for transport, snap them onto magnetic movement trays, or swap basing schemes between game systems. The good news: you don't need a drill for most base magnetization. There are two methods that work without any drilling at all.
Method 1: Flush-Fit Basing Magnets (For Beveled GW Bases)
Games Workshop bases have a beveled underside with a recessed ring. Flush-fit basing magnets are designed to press directly into this recess — no drilling, no cutting, no mess.
What You Need
- Flush-fit basing magnets (sized to your base diameter)
- Super glue (optional — friction fit is often enough)
Step by Step
- Flip the base over. You'll see the beveled rim and the recessed circular area underneath.
- Press the flush-fit magnet into the recess. These magnets are sized to match the GW base cavity. Push it in firmly with your thumb until it seats flat.
- Check the fit. The magnet should sit flush with or slightly below the base rim. The base should still sit flat on a table without wobbling.
- Optional: add a drop of super glue. Most flush-fit magnets hold by friction alone, but a small drop of CA glue ensures they'll never pop out during a game.
- Test on your magnetic surface. Flip the base over and place it on a magnetic sheet or movement tray. It should grab firmly.
When to Use This Method
This works on any standard Games Workshop base with the beveled underside — which includes the vast majority of current 25mm, 32mm, 40mm, and larger round bases. If your base has the characteristic sloped rim on the bottom, flush-fit magnets will work.
This is the fastest method. You can magnetize an entire army's worth of bases in minutes.
Method 2: Self-Adhesive Peel-and-Stick Magnets (For Any Base)
Self-adhesive magnetic sheets have a peel-off backing that exposes a sticky layer. You cut them to size and stick them to the bottom of any base — beveled, flat, square, hex, whatever.
What You Need
- Self-adhesive flexible magnets
- Scissors or hobby knife
Step by Step
- Trace your base. Place the base upside-down on the magnetic sheet and trace around it with a pen, or just eyeball it.
- Cut to shape. Cut just inside the traced line so the magnet won't peek out beyond the base rim. Scissors work fine for flexible magnetic sheet.
- Peel the backing. Remove the adhesive backing to expose the sticky side.
- Press onto the base bottom. Center the magnetic disc on the underside of the base and press firmly. Hold for a few seconds.
- Test the hold. Place the base on a metal sheet or magnetic movement tray. It should hold the model securely.
When to Use This Method
Self-adhesive magnets are the universal solution. Use them when:
- Your bases are flat-bottomed (no bevel recess) — common with third-party bases and older GW bases
- You're working with square or rectangular bases (Warhammer: The Old World, Kings of War, etc.)
- You need magnets for hex bases or other non-standard shapes
- You want a flexible magnet that won't crack if dropped
The trade-off: flexible magnetic sheet is weaker than neodymium disc magnets. For light infantry on a metal tray, it's plenty. For heavy metal models or aggressive transport, flush-fit neodymium magnets or drilled-in disc magnets provide a stronger hold.
Which Method Should You Use?
| Criteria | Flush-Fit Magnets | Self-Adhesive Sheet |
|---|---|---|
| Base type | Beveled GW bases only | Any base shape |
| Hold strength | Strong (neodymium) | Moderate (flexible ferrite) |
| Speed | Very fast — press in and done | Fast — cut, peel, stick |
| Tools needed | None | Scissors |
| Best for | Current GW models, magnetic trays | Mixed collections, square bases, any system |
Tips
- For metal models, use flush-fit neodymium magnets. Flexible sheet may not hold the weight.
- For movement trays, make sure your tray surface matches your magnet type. Neodymium magnets need a steel sheet to grab. Flexible magnets work on steel too, but also attract to other flexible magnets.
- Polarity doesn't matter for base magnets if you're sticking them to a steel tray. It only matters if you're pairing magnet-to-magnet (e.g., model base to magnetized display board).
- Batch it. Set up an assembly line — flip all bases, press in all magnets, done. Magnetizing bases is the easiest entry point into the hobby.
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