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How to Build Your Own Solenoid Coil

Build your own solenoid coil to use in a door lock, circuit breaker or vending machine. Solenoids are long coils of wire that generate a magnetic field. They range from 1/4 inch to 15 inches in diameter and convert energy from electrical to mechanical. Parts to make a solenoid are available at your local hardware store. If you make your own solenoid coil, you can customize its size to fit into the desired device.

Things You'll Need

1-inch iron T-plunger
1/32-inch insulated copper wire
Wire cutter
Wire stripper
12-volt battery
Electrical tape

Instructions

- 1
  Position a 1-inch iron T-plunger with the ̶0;T̶1; portion facing upward.
- 2
  Hold 1 inch of the end of the wire in your hand. The end of the wire will be used to connect to the power source.
- 3
  Wrap 1/32-inch insulated copper wire 200 turns around the T-plunger. Start from the top of the T-plunger, and work your way downward to the tip. Leave 1 inch of the wire uncoiled, to connect to the power source later. Cut the wire, using a wire cutter.
- 4
  Strip 1/4 inch of the coating from both ends of the wire, using wire strippers.
- 5
  Wrap one end of the exposed wire to the negative charge of a 12-volt battery. Cover the wire and negative charge with electrical tape.
- 6
  Wrap the opposite end of the exposed wire to the positive charge of the 12-volt battery. Cover the wire and positive charge with electrical tape. The current runs through coiled wire and generates a magnetic force.

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