A magnetic hook holds up to its listed pull force only when the load pulls straight off the steel, for example hanging from a steel ceiling or beam. On a vertical steel wall the same hook holds much less, because only friction stops it sliding down, so choose a hook rated several times heavier than the load.
What does the pull force of a magnetic hook mean?
The pull force on our product pages is the force needed to pull the magnet straight off a thick, flat, clean steel plate with full contact, from supplier data. It's a maximum under ideal conditions, not a safe working load. Our hook magnets are neodymium (N40) magnets in a steel cup: the cup concentrates the field on the flat face, so the face holds and the back and sides are hardly magnetic. See pot magnets (cup magnets) explained.
How much weight can our magnetic hooks hold?
Listed pull forces for our hook magnets, straight off thick steel:
The number in the size is the diameter of the magnet face. Browse all hook and eyebolt magnets.
How much can a magnetic hook hold on a vertical wall?
Much lower than its listed pull force. On a wall, a door or the side of a fridge, the weight pulls along the steel surface (shear), and only friction between the magnet face and the steel resists it, so the magnet slides off at a much lower force than a straight pull. Source: our technical data page. Always test with the real load.
Hook on a ceiling or on a wall: which holds more?
| Mounting | Load direction | What holds the load | Use for sizing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel ceiling, beam or underside of a shelf | Straight off the steel | Full magnetic attraction | Up to the listed pull force, minus margin |
| Vertical steel wall, door, fridge, whiteboard | Along the steel (shear) | Friction only | A fraction of the pull force |
| Hook sticking out from a wall | Along the steel plus leverage | Friction and the attraction at the top edge | Less again; the lever can tip the magnet off |
What reduces the holding force of a magnetic hook?
- Thin steel: sheet steel such as a fridge door or a whiteboard is too thin to take the full field, so the magnet holds less than on thick steel.
- Paint, coatings and dirt: anything between the magnet and the steel is an air gap, and holding force drops quickly with distance.
- Small contact area or a curved surface: only part of the face touches.
- Vibration and knocks: a hook can creep or drop off over time.
A rubber-coated hook gives up some pull force (the rubber is a small air gap) but resists sliding better and protects painted surfaces. Source: our technical data page. More in magnet pull force explained.
Hook or eyebolt magnet?
Both use the same steel-cup construction. A hook suits hanging bags, cables, tools and lights; an eyebolt suits a rope, a chain, a cable tie or a carabiner. Listed pull forces of some eyebolt magnets:
| Product | Size, type | Pull force (lb) | Pull force (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neodymium Eyebolt Magnet 20 x 8 x 6 mm N40, Steel Housing | 20 mm, nickel | approx. 18.7 | 8.5 |
| Neodymium Eyebolt Magnet 40 x 18 x 10 mm N40, Steel Housing | 40 mm, nickel | approx. 61.7 | 28 |
| Rubber-Coated Eyebolt Magnet 66 mm, Neodymium N40 | 66 mm, rubber | approx. 59.5 | 27 |
| Stainless Steel Eyebolt Magnet 88 mm, Rubber-Coated, Neodymium N40 | 88 mm, rubber, stainless eyebolt | approx. 121.3 | 55 |
For magnet fishing, see the best magnet for magnet fishing.
How do I choose the right magnetic hook?
- Weigh the load and decide where the hook goes: ceiling or wall.
- On a ceiling, pick a hook with a pull force well above the load. On a wall, pick one with a pull force several times the load.
- Choose rubber for painted surfaces, cars and outdoor use, nickel for dry indoor use.
- Never hang anything over people or anything valuable from a magnet alone.
Related guides
Need help choosing? Browse our hook and eyebolt magnets or contact us with the weight and the surface. For larger quantities or a size, grade or coating we don't list, request a quote. In-stock orders ship from US stock the same working day and arrive in about 5 business days; shipping is $5.99 under $50 and free from $50 (see US shipping).
Safety: strong magnets can pinch fingers and skin, and can chip or shatter if they snap together. Keep them away from pacemakers and other medical implants. Our products are not toys: keep small magnets out of the reach of children. See our magnet safety page.
Questions and answers
How much weight can a magnetic hook hold?
Up to its listed pull force when the load pulls straight off thick, flat steel, such as a steel ceiling. On a vertical wall it holds much less, because only friction stops it sliding.
Why does my magnetic hook slide down the wall?
On a vertical surface the weight pulls along the steel, and only friction resists it. Thin steel, paint and a hook that sticks out reduce the hold further. Choose a stronger or rubber-coated hook, or mount it on a horizontal steel surface.
Is the pull force the same as the safe working load?
No. The pull force is measured under ideal conditions straight off a thick steel plate. In real use the hold is lower, so leave a generous margin.
Do magnetic hooks work on a fridge or a whiteboard?
Yes, if the surface is steel, but the steel is thin and the load hangs along the surface, so the hook holds far less than its listed pull force.
Are rubber-coated magnetic hooks weaker?
They have a lower pull force than an uncoated hook of the same size because the rubber acts as a small air gap, but they resist sliding better and don't scratch paint.
Can I hang things over people with a magnetic hook?
No. Don't hang anything over people, or anything that would cause damage if it fell, from a magnet alone.