Why Nails Don't Attract Pins (And How to Make Them Do So)

A regular nail does not attract pins. Nails are typically made of steel or other metals that are not naturally magnetic.

However, a nail can be magnetized. If you rub a nail in one direction repeatedly with a strong magnet, the nail's atoms can align, causing it to become a temporary magnet and attract pins or other small ferromagnetic objects. The strength of the magnetism will depend on the strength of the magnet used and the number of times the nail is rubbed.