Start with what you’re hanging and where you’ll use it. Magnetic hooks vary widely in strength and design, so matching the hook to the job can help.

• Holding power: Aim for a higher rating than your expected load. Published ratings are often based on ideal, flat steel surfaces and vertical pull tests.
• Magnet type: High-grade neodymium hooks tend to offer stronger hold in a compact size.
• Surface: Painted or curved refrigerator doors and thin metal reduce grip. Larger bases usually hold better.
• Protection: Rubber-coated bases help protect appliances and reduce slipping.
• Style: Swivel or carabiner-style hooks add versatility for kitchen, garage, or cruise use.

On Walmart.com, you can filter by holding power, finish, and pack size, check reviews, and choose pickup or delivery.

A few simple steps can reduce the risk of marks on refrigerators and other appliances.

1. Choose protective bases: Look for magnetic hooks with rubber or silicone coatings. If yours aren’t coated, add a thin felt or clear film between the base and surface.
2. Clean both surfaces: Wipe dust or grease from the metal and the magnet base so debris doesn’t rub.
3. Place, don’t slide: Set the hook where you want it and lift straight off when repositioning. Avoid dragging.
4. Stay within limits: Overloading can cause slipping that may scuff paint. Start light and adjust as needed.
5. Test first: Try an out-of-sight spot to get a feel for grip and removal.

Magnetic hooks can be a handy space-saver in many cruise cabins because walls and doors are often steel, but results can vary by ship.

• Pack versatile strengths: Bring a few mid-to-heavy duty hooks for hats, lanyards, or organizers, and some lighter ones for small items.
• Protect surfaces: Rubber-coated bases can help prevent scratches on painted walls or doors.
• Place thoughtfully: Start with clean, flat areas and add weight gradually to gauge grip.
• Check policies: Review your cruise line’s guidelines to confirm magnetic accessories are allowed.
• Store safely: Keep magnets together with a spacer (like thick cardboard) so they don’t snap together or damage luggage.

Magnetic hooks need ferrous metal to grip. Their performance depends on both the material and its thickness.

• Good matches: Steel doors, many refrigerators, workbenches, lockers, and garage shelving.
• Sometimes magnetic: Some stainless-steel appliances are only weakly magnetic, which can reduce holding power.
• Not suitable: Aluminum, copper, wood, glass, tile, and drywall won’t hold magnets.
• Quick test: If a basic fridge magnet sticks firmly, a magnetic hook will likely work better there.
• Surface factors: Paint layers, texture, and curves create gaps that can reduce strength. A larger base may help.

If your surface isn’t magnetic, consider non-magnetic hook options available in our hardware section.

Weight ratings are useful guides, but they’re typically measured under ideal conditions—on a thick, smooth steel plate with a direct, vertical pull.

• Orientation matters: Hanging sideways (shear) usually holds less than a straight pull.
• Surface gaps: Paint, texture, and curvature reduce contact and real-world strength.
• Metal thickness: Thin steel panels (like some fridge doors) may not allow full rated hold.
• Hook size: Larger base diameters generally provide more holding power.
• Distribution: Using multiple hooks to share a load can help, but results vary.

For best results, start below the stated rating and add weight gradually. Product pages on Walmart.com often list holding power details to help you compare.