Electronic – Solenoid force to stroke equation

The behavior you're describing (denting stuff) is a function of pressure not force. I could dent a bowling ball with a few grams of force if it was in a small enough area.

I'm not just being pedantic, it's a key to thinking of what you want to do. 24oz of force (yes, it is at a specified current) can be increased over small distances using levers, or you can get a smaller force over a longer distance, again using a lever. Force is just part of the equation; you need to consider the Work that Force will do.

It's ampere-turns that produce the magnetic field to attract the moving part of a solenoid and operating at AC means the inductance of the coil comes into play and there is a limiting impedance restricting current. At DC the solenoid dc resistance may be very low and to get it to work correctly might mean operating it at quite low dc voltages compared to the ac operating voltage.

If you try running it at 24V dc it could easily burn-out so be careful. The dc voltage should be chosen so that the current is approximately the same as the RMS ac current at 24V AC.