Magnetic Test

I stepped past the torpedo level toward the wall where a black magnetic tool strip ran horizontal above the bench. Leaning against the timber, an unbent steel paperclip lay waiting. I lifted the wire rod and reached toward the lower magnetic track. At an inch away, a sudden, clean pull took the weight from my fingers. The paperclip snapped upward with a sharp metallic clatter, locking flush against the rubberized magnet face. I tugged its lower loop downward to gauge the holding power. The magnetic field held firm, springing back into vertical suspension the moment I let go. Clean, silent tension.