Abstract: A sound dampened solenoid utilizes pneumatic dampening to quiet the sound during the plunger's movement. An O-ring is mounted around the outer diameter of the pole piece thus sealing the pole piece to the solenoid tube. A seal is placed in the pole piece opening where the plunger push rod passes through. A pair of low friction wear bands are wrapped around the plunger. Small gaps are formed where the ends of each wear band meet. A second O-ring is located under one of the wear bands to form a seal between the plunger and the tube. In a pull solenoid, when the solenoid is energized the plunger begins to accelerate toward the pole piece causing the volume of air within the tube between the plunger assembly and pole piece to shrink. The only path for air trapped within to escape is through the gaps in the wear bands. Air is forced through the gaps at a slower rate than the rate of volume change. Air pressure within the volume rises slowing the plunger acceleration and quieting its operation.