How to erase a mag-stripe?

[Danny_Ocean]

Just got my new driver's license. I'm not thrilled when someone (other than law-enforcement...who hasn't seen my license in 25+ yrs.), swipes my driver's license.

I usually protest, but I get the "we are required, blah, blah, blah" BS... There's no freakin' reason why the security guard at a gated community needs to swipe my D/L.

So...how do I erase the mag-stripe? Would a good ole' magnet do it?

[Gogar]

When you go to Home Depot or wherever there's a 18-inch-square demagnetization pad at the checkout counter. It says "No not Place Credit Cards on this pad. DANGER." There you go!

[stomachmonkey]

It's most likely a high coercivirty strip which is a really dark color, most likely black.

Low coercivity strips are light brown and used in stuff with a short shelf life like hotel room cards.

The high coercivity cards are resistant to erasing my most consumer devices or things that you would normally encounter that has a magnetic field.

To erase it you are gonna need some type of industrial grade magnet.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by Gogar

When you go to Home Depot or wherever there's a 18-inch-square demagnetization pad at the checkout counter. It says "No not Place Credit Cards on this pad. DANGER." There you go!

There you go. Give it a whirl.

Or if you have a boneyard around with one of those big mofo magnets that they pick up cars with.

[slodave]

If you have access to hard drive magnets - the ones inside, they will erase a DL magnetic strip. I do it to every license of mine. LEO's are a bit annoyed at having to enter my info by hand.

[Hugh R]

Subwoofer speaker magnet

[Mule]

Originally Posted by slodave

If you have access to hard drive magnets - the ones inside, they will erase a DL magnetic strip. I do it to every license of mine. LEO's are a bit annoyed at having to enter my info by hand.

Correct a mundo! A hd magnet will wipe it clean as new snow!

[Danny_Ocean]

OK, then! I have a buddy who deals in magnets. I'll ask him for the strongest he's got.

Thanks all.

[Jims5543]

Make sure you rub the DL on your balls as well. Every time you hand it over you'll have a funny smirk on your face.

[Danny_Ocean]

Originally Posted by Jims5543

Make sure you rub the DL on your balls as well. Every time you hand it over you'll have a funny smirk on your face.

LOL. I do rub it on my balls, but only for self-gratification...

I have a library card that looks a lot like a driver's license (photo/mag-stripe) and I always hand that over first. I make them work to get my driver's license. And, I have walked from more than one place that insists on swiping it. (The "coupon lady" at the mall needs my driver's license for what?!?)

[WolfeMacleod]

I have a magnet charger. Send it to me, and it'll be totally wiped.

[Danny_Ocean]

Whatzat?

Originally Posted by WolfeMacleod

I have a magnet charger. Send it to me, and it'll be totally wiped.

[slodave]

It's an electromagnet, used -usually- to make other magnets, such as guitar pick-ups.

It's also great for erasing VHS tapes or anything else that gets too close!

[Rick Lee]

Are there any common household items I can use to erase mine?

[911pcars]

Originally Posted by Danny_Ocean

OK, then! I have a buddy who deals in magnets. I'll ask him for the strongest he's got.

Thanks all.

Neodymium. Yes, the type they use in hard drives.

A head or tape demagnetizer might do it as well (for you guys that remember recording heads and tape.

Coil about 100' of 20 gauge insulated wire, then attach the bare ends of the coil onto the posts of a car battery. Instant electromagnet. Pass the card inside the coil.

Sherwood

[WolfeMacleod]

Originally Posted by slodave

It's an electromagnet, used -usually- to make other magnets, such as guitar pick-ups.

It's also great for erasing VHS tapes or anything else that gets too close!

It will also erase people with Pacemakers.

We don't keep any metal tools within three feet of it.

[kstar]

Check out the "Super Magnets" at Nuclear Supply:

http://www.unitednuclear.com/magnets.htm



Above is the #42.

These are frighteningly strong, even the small ones!

You can also pick up uranium there, too, for your home enriching needs.

[notfarnow]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

Are there any common household items I can use to erase mine?

I wonder if the magnetic door locks found at many businesses would work?

[targa911S]

Originally Posted by Jims5543

Make sure you rub the DL on your balls as well. Every time you hand it over you'll have a funny smirk on your face.

LOL coffee out nose!

[VINMAN]

Toss it in the local MRI machine!