The Best Magnetic Key Holders: A Cool Home Gadget

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Keeping Your Keys in Place with The Magic of Magnets!

Would you like to have a sleek and convenient way of hanging your keys?
Do you find your current key hook hanger old and boring?

Well, my friend, let’s fix that!

The solution to your key-hanging woes is here: magnetic key holders (also known as ‘magnetic key racks’ or ‘magnetic key hangers’).
These little gadgets use the power of magnets to keep your keys in one place, so you can just grab them and go.

Plus, they’re just cool because it looks like your keys are magically floating in midair .

But with many options out there, which one should you choose?
Don't worry, I’ve got you covered. In this article, we'll be going over some of the best magnetic key holders. 

So hold on to your keys, sit back, relax, and let’s dive in!

"But, I don't have time to read this entire awesome article right now..."

No problem! Click here to jump to the top recommendations.

The 2 Main Styles of Magnetic Key Holders (for walls)

Any item in this product category essentially falls into one of these 2 styles below:

These will install where your light switch cover screws are; Simply remove the existing switch screw and install the key holder in their place (as shown below). If it’s adhesive-based it just sticks right over the screw.

One style of key holder isn’t necessarily better than the other – it’s all subjective and personal preference.

The Most Common Type of Magnet Used in Key Holders

Neodymium magnets, also known as "NdFeB", "Neo" or "NIB" magnets, are the most commonly used type of magnet in magnetic key holders.

These are permanent magnets made from a combination of neodymium, iron, and boron, which makes them incredibly strong and durable. As part of the Rare-Earth magnet family, they possess the strongest magnetic properties of all permanent magnets. Due to their strength, neodymium magnets can securely hold multiple keys or even heavier items such as tools (like basic and light screwdrivers, picks, etc.). They’re also resistant to demagnetization, meaning they will maintain their strength over time.

These types of magnets are widely used in various other consumer, commercial, industrial, and technical applications due to their high magnetic strength and relatively low cost.

In addition to their practicality, neodymium magnets also have a sleek and modern appearance, making them a popular choice for this type of product. These magnets come in a variety of shapes and sizes, allowing for customization to fit different styles and needs.

And now with that context out of the way, let’s get into the main recommendations!

Best Magnetic Key Holders Overall

Best for Walls

Best Specifically for Light Switches

3 Factors to Consider Before Purchasing

1.) Magnet Strength

Look for key holders with strong Neo magnets (as stated earlier) that can securely hold your keys in place without the risk of accidental detachment. Reading the different product listings can help you get an idea of how much weight or how many keys a holder’s magnets can support.

It’s also a good idea to see how big the actual magnets are since bigger-sized magnets are (usually) stronger – Which leads me to my 2nd factor…

2.) Holder Size & Your Key Collection

Consider the overall size of the magnetic key holder that you’re looking at, and how many keys and key rings it can accommodate.
Do you need enough space for only 2 key rings total? Or, will you need more space than this?

Small magnetic key holders are sleek and can fit pretty much any small area, but may not have enough space (or strength) if you’ve got a boatload of keys.

So, assess your current key collection and note the number of keys you intend to hang on the magnetic holder. Consider your house keys, car keys, garage keys, etc.

3.) Installation Method

When researching this article, I mainly came across these 3 installation methods:

• Using adhesive (most common)
• Using screws
• Using drywall anchors (least common)

Out of the 3, an adhesive install is the easiest; Followed by using screws.
A wall anchor install isn’t very complicated either, but there are more steps involved than the other 2.

However, using adhesive is pretty much a permanent install (if installed on the wall). If you try to remove the adhesive from the wall after you install it, you’re almost certainly going to peel the paint off.

Screws don’t have this issue, and you can remove them whenever without any damage.
But then again, the holders that install via screws don’t come in many styles like the others .

Whatever you choose, just make sure it’s something you’re comfortable with!

Extra Tips for Magnetic Key Holders

• Choose the right surface: Before installing a magnetic key holder, ensure that the surface is suitable for the type of installation (i.e. Adhesive will work great on a regular painted wall, but not so much on something like a brick wall).
• Clean the surface: To ensure better adhesion make sure to thoroughly clean the surface. If sticking to a wall, simply take a microfiber towel, spray a bit of water onto the towel, and gently wipe the wall of any dirt or dust (make sure to let it air dry afterward). 
• Avoid exposure to moisture: Excessive moisture can cause the magnets to rust and weaken (ask me how I know). Keep the magnetic key holder far away from water-prone areas like sinks or bathrooms.
• Magnet interference: Keep magnetic key holders away from sensitive electronic devices, since strong magnets can mess with the functioning of electronics.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts (TL;DR)

Overall, these handy gadgets are practical, stylish, and functional tools for organizing your house keys.
Hopefully, with the pointers and info provided in this guide, you can make an even better-informed decision and select the best magnetic key holder that suits your needs and complements your home's décor the most.

The convenience of easy access to your keys and the space-saving benefits of wall-mounted magnetic key holders makes them an excellent addition to any home. Additionally, their versatility allows for the storage of other metallic items, making them a multi-functional organizational tool!

You can say goodbye to those other boring ol’ key hangers and add a touch of simplicity, functionality, and decorative appeal to your living space.

So, whether you opt for a sleek and modern shelf design or a simple light switch magnet, you won’t be disappointed (unless you have a crazy stack of keys ).

If you can’t get enough of cool magnetic gadgets like these, you may also like the article I wrote on the best magnetic kitchen organizers .

Do you have any other favorite key holders? Feel free to share them below.

Otherwise, I’ll see you in the next one.
Take care!

Common Questions

Q: "What is the best height for a key holder?"

A: Basically, aim for eye level.

A general recommendation is to mount them at a height that is easily reachable for most people without bending down too much or stretching too high.

The typical height for a wall key holder is around 48 to 54 inches (122 to 137 centimeters) from the floor. This height is great for most and allows for easy reach.

Q: "How much weight can the magnets support?"

A: Based on what I’ve seen, the average holding strength of the magnets is about ~3 lbs.
Some say around 4 lbs. but it’s best to stay well under that to make sure your keys don’t fall off the magnet.

Also, 1 single average house key is around under an ounce or so – just for your reference .

Q: "Are they pretty durable?"

A: Yes they are!
As stated before, just don’t expose the magnets to water since that can cause rust. 

Q: "Where do you install a key holder?"

A: Near the front door seems to be the most common option. But here are a few more common locations where you can install them:

• The Mudroom
• Kitchen
• Garage
• Near the back door or side door (this is where I have mine)
• Home office
• Bedroom