The ones that I use I've noticed that I can put my finger nail at the joint where the 2 pieces meet and open it that way. Anybody I've made one far I've shown them to do that instead of yanking it open.
Susan

Thank you for your response! I've tried that and it doesn't work! These are really strong. I also tried painting them with clear nail polish to lessen the contact, but they are still very tight. They are square in shape, so you can twist them until the corners are apart and then use your fingers to pry them apart, but still they are very difficult and nobody wants to go through that to open their purse! Does anyone know if there is a way to "de-magnatize" magnets? Thanks! Kathy

I did notice that the ones Walmart has has a magnet strength # posted on the pkg. I had to struggle with the square ones which had a higher #.

could you sew a piece of fabric over one magnet as that might lessen the power otherwise keep trying the nail varnish a few more coats might work.

One thing to bear in mind is that these magnets destroy the little computer chips on bank cards! I won't buy another hand bag with a magnetic clasp. I don't know what American bank cards are like but if they do have the little chips, beware.

I have heard about this problem and that they can mess up cell phones. Forgot about that! Maybe I'll go back to velcro, but I hate that stuff! Anybody need some really strong magnetic clasps? Thanks!
Kathy

I personally have not had a problem with my bank cards or cell phone and every purse I've made myself has the magnetic clasp. Maybe mine are too weak. I saw an interesting thing in Sewing Savvy mag. They were cutting pieces of milk jugs and putting it on top of the fabric (like I do with fleece) before you put the washer on. Think I may try that.
Susan in Bama

Hi, Susan~ where did you find your magnetic clasps? I saw on the Dritz website they recommend that you use a piece of plastic canvas behind the washer. That would be easier to cut than the milk jug.
Kathy

ive got loads of bags with magnets and never had a problem with my mobile phone but these magnets do sound very strong

Keep them away from your sewing machine too!

I bought mine at walmart for $1.14 for a pack of 2 clasp. Lately I've had a hard time finding them at the local store so I may have to go with dritz eventually.
Susan

I've never had any problems with the magnets hurting my stuff. The magnets I bought at walmart were mega strong and square. I bought some circular ones at Hancocks and they weren't nearly as strong.(much better for me) They were also much more expensive.

toni

i have been using the magnets from tantalizing stitches.com they work very well.

i use the ultra thin round 18mm on wallets for the past 2 years.