A magnetic sweeper configured to collect magnetic
metal debris, such as nails, screws, sheet
metal fragments, staples, rivets and the like from a surface, and to permit easy removal of the collected debris from the sweeper is disclosed. The sweeper comprises a non-metallic body, a permanent
magnet disposed within the body, a non-metallic cover hingably mounted to the underside of the body and an integrated latch configured to removably secure the cover to the body. The sweeper is configured to removably engage a
handle for controlling the sweeper, and in another embodiment, an extendable, telescoping
extender may be connected between the coupler and the
handle to permit the sweeper to be used in a wide variety of locations. Preferably, the sweeper body is configured to swivel upon application of torque to the
handle. In use, the sweeper is passed over
metallic debris using the handle to guide the body. As the body passes over such debris, the
magnet attracts the debris and holds it against the outer surface of the cover. When debris collection is complete, the cover is unlatched from the body, and swung outwardly from the body, thereby displacing the collected debris to a location outside of the
magnetic field of the
magnet and permitting the debris to fall away from the cover.