Gator Magnetics makes one of the best workshop accessories I have ever used.
Shown above are some of the gear and places Gator Magnetics’ hooks can be used for.
I first learned of the brand earlier this year, when they asked if I would be interested in testing out a couple of their magnetic-backed hooks. Sure!
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At the time of this posting, Gator Magnetics’ hooks are available in 3 sizes – a 2.5″ compact hook, a 2.5″ open hook, and a 4″ open hook.
There are 3 color options – black, red, and white.
On the back of each hook, you’ll find a rubberized pad and a “polymagnet” back.
Gator Magnetics’ hooks worked extremely well on the thin-gauge steel walls of my garage storage cabinets and all of the tool boxes I tried them on.
The reason for this is because they have an array of many small individual magnetic poles, rather than the magnetic backing being just a single focused magnet.
Gator Magnetics says that their patterned magnetic arrays are:
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much more efficient on common thin steel surfaces found in your home and exponentially stronger than traditional magnets with weight capacities up to 25 lbs. per square inch.
I haven’t looked deeper into this technology yet, but it works.
Gator Magnetics’ claims of their hooks being able to support up to 25 lbs are spot-on as well.
What I really liked about the Gator hooks is that they can be very easily repositioned, which was surprising. For strong magnets, I usually have to twist and pry them off of tool boxes.
With these, you simply pull the “easy-off” lever at the front of each magnet – the circular bit with their logo – and the magnetic back retreats from the steel surface.
The sum of my experiences with these hooks so far can be summed up as follows: they don’t slip, they reposition easily, and they are extremely convenient and versatile.
I have moved my samples around quite a bit to find their ideal configuration. Ultimately, what I found was that I need more of them. They work exceptionally well, in every regard.
I cannot stress this enough – the design is perfect, at least from what I’ve seen so far. They attach easily and securely to tool boxes, cabinets, and other steel surfaces that can support magnets. They don’t slip, even when loaded down. They are effortless to move around.
You can buy them at the Gator Magnetics store, as well as Home Depot.
I would say that my only wish is that Gator Magnetics could expand their product selection, but they’re doing just that right now – they have a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign for new MEGA Hooks and basket accessories.
I definitely plan on buying a bunch, I just need to figure out which ones I want. They have bundle deals on their website, and free shipping over $50. Their hooks at Home Depot ship for free, in case you want to try just one.
I wish the hooks cost a bit less, so I can buy a ton more of them instead of the couple more I have planned, but it seems fair for a company just starting out. For as perfectly as they’ve been working for me, I think they’re worth it.
Pricing: $16 for the 2.5″ hook, $18 for the 4″
Thank you to Gator Magnetics for providing the test samples!
Dave
These sound interesting and I’d like to try them on the side of my metal tool chests, but the headline makes it sound like they’re discontinued? Hopefully a typo, because I want to try a couple…
Stuart
They’re very much available! I rephrased the title – hopefully that helps.
Jane
Thanks so much for sharing GATOR Hooks!
Jane
Hi from GATOR Dave – we hope you try them out! Or head to Kickstarter where our MEGA Hooks are 4 for $40! Thanks so much!
mike ricchino
$15 ea is a little steep, but $10 ea is worth a shot. $5 ea and I would buy dozens for stuff at work.
Jane
Hi Mike – GATOr here. Yes the MEGAS are an amazing deal right now! We have over 100 patents – unfortunately it’s not an inexpensive product to make. But your GATORS will last you a lifetime. Thanks Mike!
Ball_bearing
“Gator Magnetics’ hooks worked extremely well on the thin-gauge steel walls of my garage storage cabinets and all of the *took* boxes I tried them on.”
Autocorrect is playing tricks again.
Stuart
Thanks, *fixed*! Much appreciated!
Doresoom
Sounds like they’re related to the actual Polymagnet brand, if they’re using the same trademark: https://www.polymagnet.com/polymagnets/
Smarter Every Day featured them a while ago. Really interesting stuff! https://youtu.be/IANBoybVApQ
Stuart
Agreed!
This tech fascinated me, especially the 2mm lift distance.
How do they “print” the magnetic field? There are a couple of recent studies that suggest laser pulses, such as https://www.labnews.co.uk/article/2025169/creating_and_deleting_magnets_with_a_laser
Jane
Hi from GATOR! We have the exclusive rights to consumer products from Polymagnet technology. GATOR has a lot more products coming out in 2023 including Baskets, MEGA hooks, Cupholders and more! Our R&D team has so many great ideas in the works! Thanks!
CountyCork
Magnetic cup holders work great on tractors and zero turns.
Dave R.
Okay, now I’m sold.
Now just need to find some anti vibration absorbing material so it doesn’t rattle all the fizz out.
Derek
Are these okay for outdoor use? Thinking of getting one to hang on an outdoor metal cabinet to hold my hose.
Jane
Hi from GATOR! Our products are great for indoor or outdoor use! We have lots of customers who use them on the exterior of their shops/sea cans. Thanks for asking!!
Derek
Just placed my order. Thank you!
Jane
Thanks Derek! As a start up – we really appreciate that! Let us know how your GATORS work for you! Feel free to email us with some images [email protected]tics.com or message us on FB or Instagram at @gatormagnetics Thanks again Derek!
Nathan
I’m intrigued – getting at least one hook.
also in case you didn’t think of it and I’ll take a minor fee. but automotive mag mount for Go pro and the like. I know there is a version but if your mag tech is easier to release and cleaner might be good.
I don’t like the suction cup models but they work.
Jim Felt
I wonder if there’d be any issues with the fairly strong magnetic field being close to a GoPro or the like? I’ve no idea.
Jane
Hi from GATOR Jim! No issues at all – our GATOR Hooks are super safe and don’t disrupt any other devices. Thanks for asking!
Jane
Hi Nathan! GATOR here – we have this in the works already so keep an eye out!
Sergey
I’m getting a few for sure. Thank you, Stuart! I was looking for magnetic hooks for years and finally abandoned the idea as all of them slip. I hope this is it.
Jane
Hi Sergey! GATOR here. Thank you so much for your support! We’d love to hear how they work for you!
SamR
Please offer a discount code for the Toolguyd readers!
Jane
Hi Sam! Good idea! There may be one coming in a separate deals post! Please email me at [email protected]