Key holder without drilling: magnet or hook?

In short: You can put up a key holder without drilling using an adhesive hook, a suction cup hook or a magnetic holder. The advantage of a magnet: you just bring your keys up to it, with no loop to thread. The Soapi key holder sticks on with an adhesive pad on smooth surfaces such as tiles, glass, mirrors or stainless steel and costs €11.95. It does not belong on painted or wallpapered walls, where a drilled key rack is the better choice.

Key holders without drilling: the three options

	Adhesive hook	Suction cup hook	Magnetic holder with adhesive pad (Soapi)
No drilling	yes	yes	yes
Grip on the wall	adhesive surface	vacuum, can come loose with dryness, temperature changes or limescale	waterproof adhesive pad, ready to use straight away
Hanging your keys	thread the ring onto the hook	thread the ring onto the hook	bring the key ring up to the magnet
Moving it	usually needs a new adhesive strip	any time	needs a new sticker (€1)
Best for	anyone who wants to spend little	anyone who often rearranges	anyone who wants a fixed spot and one-handed hanging

How a magnetic key holder works

There is a magnet inside the housing. It does not hold the key itself but the steel key ring. That matters, because many keys are made of brass or nickel silver and are not magnetic. Is your ring made of titanium or aluminium? Then it will not hold. If in doubt, try it quickly with a fridge magnet.

Where you can put it

Suitable: tiles, glass, mirrors, stainless steel, acrylic, smooth stone and smooth wood, for example on a coat stand or on a mirror next to the door.
Not suitable: wallpaper, woodchip, plaster, painted walls and lotus coatings.

Hallway walls are often painted. In that case, look for a smooth surface nearby. If there is none, a drilled key rack or a shelf is honestly the better solution.

How to attach the key holder

Clean the spot and let it dry well.
Peel the protective film off the adhesive pad and press the holder on firmly.
Done. No waiting, your keys can go on straight away.

In a rented flat and when you move

The adhesive pad comes off tiles, glass and stainless steel without leaving residue. A pad can be used once, and a replacement sticker for the new spot costs €1. You can read more, including for the bathroom, under soap holders for rented flats.

The Soapi key holder at a glance

Same build as the Soapi magnetic soap holder, in 10 colours, €11.95.
Cannot rust, because the magnet is fully enclosed in the plastic.
The housing is injection-moulded from recycled plastic, with around 90% coming from discarded fishing nets and ropes.
Injection-moulded in Berlin, with a 10-year durability guarantee on the holder.

Frequently asked questions

Which key holder works without drilling?

Adhesive hooks, suction cup hooks and magnetic holders with an adhesive pad all work without drilling. They need a smooth surface. A magnetic holder like the Soapi key holder holds the key ring without you having to thread it on.

Does a magnet hold every key?

No. The magnet holds the steel key ring, not the key itself. Many keys are made of brass or nickel silver and are not magnetic. Rings made of titanium or aluminium will not hold either.

Which surfaces does the key holder stick to?

Tiles, glass, mirrors, stainless steel, acrylic, smooth stone and smooth wood. Not wallpaper, woodchip, plaster, painted walls or lotus coatings.

Is a key holder without drilling suitable for a rented flat?

Yes, if there is a smooth surface. The adhesive pad comes off tiles, glass and stainless steel without residue when you move out.

Can I move the key holder?

Yes, with a new sticker. A pad can be used once, and the replacement sticker costs €1.

Can I hang my keys up straight away?

Yes. The adhesive pad can take weight immediately, so there is no need to wait.