<p>A fastener means for releasably fastening first and second elements, for example a handbag and flap for closure has first and second members which in use are attached to the first and second elements respectively. The first member includes a permanent magnet (1) having a hole (4) therethrough between the opposite end surfaces (1a,1b). Respective poles of the magnet are located adjacent the respective opposite end surfaces (1a,1b), one such end surface (1b) being oriented so as to extend in a direction away from the first element when the first member is attached thereto. At least part of the surface of the magnet are covered by a covering (5). The second member comprises a ferromagnetic member (2) attracted in use to the pole adjacent this one end surface (1a). The covering (5) is formed of a ferromagnetic material having a thickness of between 0.03 mm and 0.20 mm. <IMAGE></p>
