Building a better toothbrush holder
1 of 2
Photo 1: Glue the magnets
Mark the position of the magnets
and glue them on the mounting strip,
orienting the magnets so they attract
each other.
2 of 2
Photo 2: Mount the holder
Glue the mounting strip to the wall
with Super Glue, hot-melt glue or
silicone caulk.
The problem:
Battery-powered toothbrushes
don't fit in toothbrush holders
and end up lying on a wet, messy
countertop.
The solution:
Mount neodymium (“rare
earth”) magnets on a Corian mounting
strip with Super Glue. Glue the strip to
the wall with Super Glue or silicone
caulk.
Tools and materials:
To make the
mounting strip, cut a Corian threshold
(available at tile stores and home centers) with a miter saw or
jigsaw. Neodymium magnets are available
from internet suppliers (search “neodymium magnets”). We
used 1/2-in. x 2-in. x 1/8-in. magnets,
grade N42 (the higher the grade, the stronger the magnet). You can double
them up if you need more holding
power.
Note:
Neodymium magnets are incredibly
strong but break if handled roughly.
Order several more than you need—shipping is expensive. Also, don't handle
neodymium magnets if you wear a
pacemaker, and never leave them next
to your computer or credit card. For more safety
information, search “neodymium magnet safety” on the internet.
Make Any Toothbrush Stick
Battery-powered toothbrushes have
hidden steel parts that stick to magnets.
Mount standard toothbrushes by
adding a tiny screw or metal
washer to the back.
