Magnetic Key holder

[SammyClaws]

Looking for suggestions as to where to find the large magnetic key holders that make good micro caches. I checked the two local hardware stores, but they have the “one” key sized ones. Not really enough room. Did find some jumbo ones on Ebay but shipping was more than the holder. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[Jeremy]

Target carries the ubiquitous “Bel” style black oval with hinged top magnetic key holders in their automotive area.

A caution: On one of the last ones I purchased there (for the campout), the magnet came loose. I don’t know if someone damaged it, but you may want to reinforce it with some extra glue…

[AuntieNae]

We are also having issues with the oval “Bell” style – the lid opens by flipping. The hinge on this lid keeps breaking. I suspect it is because people do not know how to open them.

We too are seeking a better alternative.
AuntieNae

[Vegas Gamblers]

One suggestion is the use of an AMMO CAN……………………Damn you micro hiders 😆

[hogrod]

@Auntienae wrote:

We are also having issues with the oval “Bell” style – the lid opens by flipping. The hinge on this lid keeps breaking.
We too are seeking a better alternative.

I don’t think it’s a operator issue, but more of a quality issue. I had bought about 5 of these “bell” containers at once when setting up a multi, and I think two of them had broken lids before I had even left my house. I also had one of the magnets that came loose.
I ended up taking the magnets off of these containers and mounting them on the side of waterproof match holders, it worked but I would have liked a better option that is readily available.

[Lostby7]

I bought a number of sliding MASTER LOCK key holders; they are sold at ACE and work well…I’ve had one in service for about two years with no issues.

[Team Deejay]

Wal-Mart has the rectangular models (Black with gold or silver printing) which seem to be the most durable of the keyholders. They are in the Automotive department in the key display. The problem with these containers is that people sometimes lose the cover.

If you want something bigger, you could buy magnets and attach them to jars or other larger containers. I’ve seen magnets on film cans, match cases, PVC pipe, peanut butter jars, and fake rocks.

[Gusty Winds]

With one of these magnets you can attach an ammobox to a steel beam…

http://www.unitednuclear.com/magnets.htm

[EnergySaver]

My experience is that any key holder with a GLUED in magnet is prone to problems on occassion. The reliable ones are the good ol’ fashioned magnets with a metal bracket that’s rivited to the keyholder.

Once a found a pack of 5 keyholders … I stuck them on metal, the first time I pulled them off 3 of the 5 left their magnets on the metal surface. I glued them back in with silicon caulk (the bathtub stuff works well).

Also, just consider buying a strong magnet and glue it on the small container of your choice, using silicon caulk. I’ve had good luck glueing magnets onto the side of film canisters … just be very generous with the caulk … make sure it’s 100% silicon caulk, NOT latex.

[Johnny Cache]

@Gusty Winds wrote:

With one of these magnets you can attach an ammobox to a steel beam…

http://www.unitednuclear.com/magnets.htm

😯 “Our larger magnets can easily bruise fingers and even break finger bones as they attempt to connect together. If you or someone in your household has a PACEMAKER or another electronic surgical implant, don’t even think of ordering these items.” 😯

[SammyClaws]

Thank you to all, never even thought about the magnets coming off. How do they expect them to stay on a car that way. Anyhow, I’ll give it to the kids to play with for a while – a true test of durability.

[EnergySaver]

most of the newer/cheaper ones … I’d never trust them to hold a key under a car (assuming you find some metal under your car) … the only thing I can think of (other than the things being no good at all), is that they assume you stick it there and maybe pull it off once or twice in your life time, vs. being pulled off more often for a cache.

[Mbarb]

I was able to get some very strong magnets here http://www.kjmagnetics.com

[knoffer]

You can get strong magnets and lots of neat other stuff at American Science & Surplus.

You can order online or at the nearest WI store:

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
6901 W. Oklahoma

Latitude: 42.9883308
Longitude: -87.9990234

414-541-7777

Hours:
Monday 10am – 7pm
Tuesday 10am – 7pm
Wednesday 10am – 7pm
Thursday 10am – 8pm
Friday 10am – 7pm
Saturday 10am – 6pm
Sunday 11am – 5pm

I go here about once a month just to see what new stuff they get in or sales. They also have a decent selection of Ammo Cans and decent pricing.

[Cheesehead Dave]

@EnergySaver wrote:

My experience is that any key holder with a GLUED in magnet is prone to problems on occassion. The reliable ones are the good ol’ fashioned magnets with a metal bracket that’s rivited to the keyholder.

Once a found a pack of 5 keyholders … I stuck them on metal, the first time I pulled them off 3 of the 5 left their magnets on the metal surface. I glued them back in with silicon caulk (the bathtub stuff works well).

Also, just consider buying a strong magnet and glue it on the small container of your choice, using silicon caulk. I’ve had good luck glueing magnets onto the side of film canisters … just be very generous with the caulk … make sure it’s 100% silicon caulk, NOT latex.

For my homemade magnetic containers, I’ve had good luck using rare earth magnets and Gorilla Glue, except that I glue the magnet to the inside of the container. The RE magnet is strong enough to stick through the container, and since it’s glued to the inside, there’s no stress on the bond from finders removing the container and there’s no weather damage to the magnet as well.

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