Q: if i buy enough sets and I put them on each sea border can they have enough force to totally eliminate middle America?
A: Why would you want to eliminate middle America? That's where we are, right smack in the middle of the country. If you eliminate middle America, you eliminate us, and that means no BuckyBalls for anyone. You don't want that, now do you?
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Q: Does transportation by air require additional paperwork like Dangerous Goods Inspection list. I believe Magnetic Material needs to be declared ?
A: Small consumer shipments of BuckyBalls do not require any paperwork. It is only very large bulk shipments that require inspection.
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Q: You show a pencil caddy made of buckyballs near a computer. Wouldn't the magnets wipe out the computer's hard drive?
A: No. You'd have to set the BuckyBalls directly on top of your computer's hard drive to wipe it out. The relationship between the force of a magnet and the distance to an opposite pole is one over the square of that distance. Huh? Basically, the magnetic force decreases rapidly as distance increases. Generally speaking, if you halve the distance between two magnetic poles, the force between them increases by a factor of four. So, you'd have to get those BuckyBalls darned close to that hard drive.
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Q: Is this product available for shipping to other countries? For example: Singapore (South-East Asia)
A: Yes, Vat19 ships worldwide.
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Q: if you swallow some will things stick to your stomach?
A: Do not swallow BuckyBalls. They are extremely strong magnets, and while bumming around in your stomach, they can easily attract each other and cause intestinal blockage or puncture. If you do swallow BuckyBalls, seek medical attention.
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Q: are buckyballs 6 mm?
A: Each BuckyBall is 5mm in diameter.
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Q: Why no mention of Buckminster Fuller?
A: We meant no disrespect at all to Mr. Fuller. History lesson! Richard "Buckminster" Fuller was an American architect (among other things) that developed many inventions, most notably the geodesic dome. Carbon molecules called "fullerenes" were later named after Mr. Fuller because they resembled his geodesic spheres. "Buckyballs" are another term for these molecules, hence the connection of Mr. Buckminster Fuller to our BuckyBalls Magnetic Toy. Also, Buckminster Fuller is an awesome name.
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Q: What grade are these? And the actual dia of em?
A: The BuckyBall magnets are grade N35, and each sphere is 5mm in diameter.
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Q: another question asked about shooting with bb gun, what if i shot it with an air pumped bb gun?
A: We do not recommend shooting BuckyBalls at anyone or anything. Rare earth magnets like these tend to be brittle, and they could shatter upon impact. Plus, it's just not safe.
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Q: do buckyballs come in diff colors if not can they?
A: No, the BuckyBalls do not come in other colors. We are not aware of any plans to create multi-colored BuckyBalls in the future, although that would be very cool.
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Q: I've got a friend named Bucky, and want to buy this for his birthday. But he only needs two balls. Can I buy just two balls?
A: Nope, you've got to buy all 216. He'll have plenty of spares.
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Q: There are three buckyballs holding that half pound wrench.
A: That's only because it was extremely difficult (near impossible actually) to hold onto just one BuckyBall. We had to add a couple more so we could grip it.
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Q: If i swallowed a very strong magnet (I WOULD NEVER DO SOMETHING SO STUPID I AM ASKING OUT OF CURIOSITY)would metal things stick to you? Would the magnetic connection penetrate your stomach wall?
A: Trust us, you would NOT want the magnetic connection to penetrate your stomach wall. This would likely result in perforations or blockage in your intestines. And we have a feeling that would hurt.
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Q: I swallowed one. Will it ever come out?
A: It's possible that it may find its way through your system and, well, out. But these are very strong magnets, so if you swallow one (or more), seek medical attention.
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Q: Aren't buckyballs carbon-based spheres having nothing to do with neodymium and having no magnetic properties?
A: In the scientific world, yes, buckyballs are spherical fullerenes, or molecules formed entirely of carbon. In Vat19 world, BuckyBalls are spherical magnets that make up one incredibly addictive toy. Much more fun than carbon molecules, if you ask us.
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Q: Someone has claimed that BuckyBalls "are leaving a blueish/gray stain under my fingernails". Is this a problem with the coating? Is it a health risk?
A: We have not heard of any instances of skin discoloration with the use of BuckyBalls. There is a polish on the balls that could possibly cause a slight discoloration on fingertips, but again we have not heard any complaints of this. However, if the plating on any single magnet should happen to break, the ball should be thrown out.
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Q: Can I buy these at a store
A: We're not aware of a brick-and-mortar store that carries BuckyBalls. We ship worldwide, though, so we can certainly get some to you!
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Q: how much balls can you connect? (when you buy more sets)
A: This is a good question, and unfortunately we don't have a definitive answer. Each little magnet is crazy strong, so if you strung them together on the floor or something, I'd think it could go on indefinitely. We're not entirely sure of the maximum amount of weight that a single BuckyBall can hold, though, so we can't specify how many you could dangle from a single magnet. However, we do know that a single BuckyBall can hold onto a half-pound wrench, so you could at least dangle a half-pound of BuckyBalls (which is a little over two sets, or about 450 BuckyBalls).
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Q: Can these magnets rust?
A: BuckyBalls have a nickel plating which should help prevent rust, and the manufacturer has yet to hear complaints or reports of it. But, like most metals, there is always possibility of rust, especially if they are frequently exposed to water. (We're not sure why they would be, unless you're building BuckyBall structures in the bath. And if you are, we really don't need the details...)
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Q: what is one of the least fun and most fun things you can do with bucky balls ?
A: The least fun thing you can do with BuckyBalls is not play with them! One of the most fun things you can do with them is build a really cool shape that perhaps no one else has ever built. Playing fridge darts (check out the video) is also pretty fun.
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Q: What is the rating of the magnets;eg.n35?Thanks,I am thinking about using these to babysit the kids (just tack them to the metal door with them),any idea how many it may take.they are 17 & 19 yrs.
A: The BuckyBall magnets are grade N35. They're pretty darn strong, but we're thinking 17 and 19-year-olds are stronger. Good luck wrangling those crazy teenagers!
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Q: can you ship stuff to the phillipines? cause i want one
A: Yes, we do ship to the Philippines. We ship worldwide!
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Q: Would you sell a few BuckyBalls as spares? Glad to send $10 for your trouble. (Don't be too frisky with long dangly "chains"! Whiplash at end can send them to unfindable places.) 6 came off, found 3
A: If you purchased your set of BuckyBalls from Vat19.com and happen to lose a few, give us a call at 800-476-1991 and we'll arrange to send you a few replacements. We're not going to ask about your BuckyBall whipping chains...
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Q: Do you have to join something? To get them
A: Nope, nothing to join! Just add them to your cart and proceed with the checkout. Although not necessary to make a purchase, we highly suggest you join our e-mail newsletter. We'll send you updates on our newest products AND coupons, no more than twice per month.
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Q: what if i said you sink(but you dont)?
A: We "sink" or we "stink"? Either way, we beg to differ.
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Q: ROTFLMFAO!!
A: THX! TTFN!
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Q: If u carry a few packs of buckyballs (as gifts to friends)in my check-in luggage out of the country, will the customs officer give me a hard time about it?
A: BuckyBalls are not hazardous materials, and so far the manufacturer has not had or heard of any problems with airport security. Therefore, it's highly unlikely that you will run into problems, but we cannot guarantee smooth sailing through airports and customs.
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Q: can i buy this in a store?
A: We are not aware of any brick-and-mortar stores that carry the BuckyBalls Magnetic Toy. Good thing you can get it here!
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Q: can i use this for my engine oil filter?
A: No, please do not put BuckyBalls in an engine.
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Q: say my teacher is named bucky and well he is missing is male parts..can i get him well lets say 2?
A: Um, did you read the part where it says that each ball is only 5mm in diameter?
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Q: Can you De-Magnetize a Buckyballs by using it for a LONG period of time?
A: The manufacturer tells us that magnets do lose strength, but only after a very, very long period of time. And the losses over time are minimal. Neodymium (what BuckyBalls are made of) tends to lose only about 1% of its magnetism over a 10 year period. There are certain factors such as extreme heat and radiation that may cause that loss to accelerate, but playing with them too much should not have an effect.
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Q: How are magnets like this made?
A: That's a good question, and one far beyond our capacity to answer. We suggest Googling "How are magnets made?" There's a wealth of information out there.
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Q: Could I paint them? If so, with what? (Acrylic, oil, watercolour, sharpies?) Is it possible for paint to weaken them?
A: We suppose you could paint them, but unfortunately neither we nor the manufacturer have a recommendation as to which medium is the best. The manufacturer says that painting or covering the BuckyBalls in any way will likely weaken the magnetism a bit, as there would be a layer between the magnet and the surface you are sticking it to.
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Q: is there anywhere I would be able to buy replacement bucky balls? because i dont want to spend $30 on these when i know ill lose one in five seconds
A: We do not have individual BuckyBalls available for purchase, but if you do happen to lose a few, let us know and we should be able to send you some replacements (within reason, that is).
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Q: LOL @ THE NAME
A: Yep, it's pretty fun to say.
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Q: so can I put these in a BB gun and shoot them at my office cabinet or refridgerator?
A: We don't recommend it. Rare earth magnets tend to be more brittle than other types of magnets, so shooting them out of a BB gun can cause them to chip or shatter upon impact. BuckyBalls are a very fun and addictive toy, but they are not ammunition.
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Q: I love this site!!!it always makes me happy when im sad and because you showed buckyballs it will be for my birthday!!!!thank you vat19.com!!!:D :D :D :D
A: Awww, thanks! We're glad to hear you love Vat19.com!
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Q: will it be strong forever? because i bought some balls from another store (not vat19 products) and after 5 months its magnetic power is gone
A: Well that's bizarre! Our BuckyBalls should maintain their strength for a very long time. Neodymium (what BuckyBalls are made of) tends to lose only about 1% of its magnetism over a 10 year period. There are certain factors such as extreme heat and radiation that may cause that loss to accelerate, but just playing with them should not have an effect.
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Q: (Not a Q. -- FYI): I've read (trusted source) that at least one person has died from complications after swallowing two r.e. magnets, one later than the other. Magnets did severe intestinal pinch.
A: Yep, that's exactly why we advise our customers NOT to swallow BuckyBalls. And, if you do, PLEASE seek immediate medical attention.
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Q: say i was to, oh i dunno, feed them to my cat, would she stick to the fridge too?
A: If you love your cat at all, you will not feed it BuckyBalls. Seriously, these are very strong magnets, and they could cause major damage to your cat's insides.
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Q: Do these bounce at all? Even just a little bit?
A: Yes, BuckyBalls do bounce a little. But not nearly as high as the SkyBall!
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Q: But do they float?
A: No, BuckyBalls do not float.
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Q: I used to take the magnets out of my Magnetix toys and make face piercings out of them. Are these magnets too strong to put between your skin? As in if you do, will it hurt?
A: It is safe to use BuckyBalls to create fake "piercings". I actually tried it on my earlobe and did feel a little bit of discomfort. Remember that these are very strong magnets! Please also remember to keep them away from your mouth, as accidentally swallowing them could mean trouble. So, no lip or tongue "piercings".
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Q: Do the BuckBalls come in a glass jar as shown?
A: Yes, the BuckyBalls come in a glass jar.
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Q: Why do you call them "rare"?
A: *Deep breath* Technically, "rare earth" magnets aren't rare at all. They are named such because they are made from the alloys of rare earth elements. However, those "rare earth" elements aren't really rare either. They were originally coined as "rare" because they were first isolated from uncommon oxide-type minerals extracted from one mine in the village of Ytterby, Sweden. In actuality, rare earth elements are found in relatively high concentrations in the earth's crust. So basically, "rare" is just a nickname that stuck. (PS - Thanks, Wikipedia.)
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Q: can you get at a comesarie
A: We're not aware of any brick-and-mortar stores that carry the BuckyBalls Magnetic Toy.
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Q: Are there any store that sell buckyballs?
A: We are not aware of any brick-and-mortar stores that carry BuckyBalls. Vat19 can ship anywhere you like, though!
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Q: Can you make HOLLOW shapes out of BuckyBalls? (BTW, I love the name xD)
A: Sure. For example, you can make a square box.
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Q: How long will it take to ship in the usa. In san antonio texas
A: The shipping time will depend on which shipping method you choose. To view shipping options, prices, and delivery times, click the "Calculate Shipping" link.
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Q: Who came up with the vat19 jingle?
A: One of our staffers came up with the jingle and his bandmate did the vocals for us. Pretty catchy, no?
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Q: if i ate bucky balls would i be on death road? not that i will
A: Please do not eat BuckyBalls. They are very strong magnets, and if more than one is swallowed, they could attract each other and cause intestinal blockage or puncture. If you do swallow BuckyBalls (even just one), please seek medical attention.
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Q: BuckyBalls. That name makes me laugh. Does it cause you to laugh as well?
A: Sometimes. It is pretty fun to say. It could be a good non-swear swear word. "I dropped a hammer on my toe! Oh, BuckyBalls!!"
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Q: If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, what does a pear prevent?
A: I am stumped. Is this your trick-or-treat joke?
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Q: If, say, that nifty little star on the fridge falls off and onto the floor...will the star break and scatter tiny hard-to-find balls all over my floor?
A: These magnets are very strong, so chances they'll fall off your fridge are slim-to-none. And if by some cosmic chance they do, they'll likely keep their configuration intact.
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Q: are they useful to take over the world? i tried it with a woodcraft tank once, but nobody got me right and they nearly killed me inside it by burning it. now i need something more valuable.
A: Well, we haven't yet tried taking over the world with BuckyBalls, so we can't really say if it's possible or not. Um...good luck?
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