Neodymium supermagnets *

Photo: Daniel Salo * These magnets from United Nuclear Scientific Supplies are a little like gremlins — seemingly harmless, even cute, but capable of serious mayhem. Their combined pull force is 800 pounds, meaning they'll try to tunnel through pretty much any sorry thing that comes between them — furniture, walls, interns, designers. (United Nuclear refused to send us its most powerful pair, which has a total pull force of 4,000 pounds.) We have found, however, that just one of these magnets is all kinds of useful: When the managing editor threatens to cancel Rock Band practice, respond by waving the cylinder of rare earth metal 12 inches from his MacBook. One inch closer and his hard drive is toast!

Start Previous: 10 Best: Battle Cries — 'By the Power of Greyskull... I Have the Power!' Next: The ResQtec V2 Ram Wrenches Trapped Drivers Free in 13 Seconds Most Dangerous Object in the Office: The Toxic Cloud-Emitting Portable Dry Ice Maker

Most Dangerous Object in the Office: The CO2-Fueled Twister 325 Air Cannon

The Most Dangerous Object in the Office This Month: The Photonic Disruptor

Most Dangerous Object in the Office This Month: Booster Blades

Wired Science Episode 101: Dangerous Science

Don't Try This at Home