Fixing A Reversed Compass

1. A compass can sometimes become reversed; or to be specific the moving needle within the compass can sometimes become reversed.

2. This happens if the compass has a bang, or is exposed to a magnet.

3. To fix - take a magnet, such as a fridge magnet, and stroke along the compass needle.

4. One stroke should do the job. Stroke the magnet from south to north, then lift away from the compass.

5. Storing several compasses together is not ideal, but if this is the case store them parallel to each other so all needles are aligned.

6. With this in mind it shows that it is good to carry two compasses if you are out by yourself; or have two compasses within your team if there are a few of you out.

Nathan Kingerlee - Outdoors Ireland