A button compass is one of those handy little tools you don't think about until you need it. Whether it's part of your outdoor gear or tucked into your emergency kit, its job is simple but vital-pointing north. Cheaply and effectively. But even the best tools can falter; if your compass isn’t quite hitting the mark or seems sluggish, don’t be too quick to toss it. You might already have everything you need to fix it in your workshop: a rechargeable battery.
Why Batteries Work
Rechargeable batteries from your common power tools- like those used in drills and drivers that produce really strong magnetic fields due to the flow of current inside them. This magnetic field can breathe new life into your compass. By positioning your compass near the battery, the magnetic force realigns the compass needle, essentially giving your trusty tool a magnetic tune-up. It's straightforward and effective.
What You’ll Need
A rechargeable battery from any power tool.
Your button compass.
How to Recharge Your Compass
Power Off the Battery: Begin by ensuring the battery is disconnected from any tool and switched off. This safety step ensures you're only dealing with the magnetic field.
Bring the Compass Close: Position the compass near the side of the battery where the magnetic field is strongest. There's no need for direct contact- just close enough that the magnetic field can influence the compass. Leaving it there for an hour or two should do the trick, but if you’re not in a hurry, overnight is even better.
Watch the Needle React: As the compass nears the battery, watch for the needle to move or snap into alignment-a sure sign that the magnetic field is doing its job.
Test Your Compass: After some time, move the compass away from the battery and see how it behaves. If it now points north promptly and holds steady, you’re set. If not, it might need a little more time near the battery.
This method is a hassle-free alternative to more invasive procedures like manually swiping the compass needle with a magnet. Here, the battery’s magnetic field does all the heavy lifting for you. Just a simple survival trick to keep your compass as reliable as ever. Just wanted to share a neat survival hack with y'all.-jb
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