Quick answer: to use adhesive hooks, pick a smooth, clean surface such as tile, glass, metal or a smooth wall, wipe it clean and let it dry, peel the backing and press the hook on firmly, then wait before you hang anything: several hours for TidyMend’s clear and stainless steel hooks, and 24 hours for the adhesive screw hooks. Keep to light items. Adhesive hooks are a no-drill way to hang towels, keys, kitchen tools and light seasonal decorations without making new holes in the wall.
Which adhesive hook do you need?
TidyMend sells four kinds of stick-on hook, all in Adhesive Hooks & Mounts:
- Clear hooks for tile, glass and metal: clear adhesive wall hooks (5-pack). A clear adhesive base that blends in on smooth, non-porous surfaces. Not for textured or freshly painted walls.
- Steel hooks for kitchens and bathrooms: stainless steel adhesive hooks (10-pack). A clear adhesive pad with a stainless steel hook, for tea towels, kitchen tools, bath towels, keys and bags on tile, glass and metal. Not for textured walls or wallpaper.
- J-hooks for light everyday items: self-adhesive J-hooks (6-pack). J-shaped hooks for keys, towels and umbrellas on a clean, smooth wall or door. They are meant for light items, not heavy coats or bags.
- Screw-post pads for frames and small racks: no-drill adhesive screw hooks (10-pack). Clear pads about 6 × 4 cm, each with a 10 mm screw post, for pictures, small racks and light bathroom shelves on smooth surfaces.
What you need
- Adhesive hooks suited to the item and the surface
- A cleaner suitable for the surface, and a dry cloth
- A pencil or a small piece of masking tape to mark the spot
- Time for the adhesive to set before you hang anything
Step-by-step: how to put up an adhesive hook
- Check the surface. These hooks are for smooth surfaces. Tile, glass and metal suit the clear and stainless steel hooks; avoid textured walls, wallpaper and freshly painted walls.
- Plan the position. Decide where each hook will go before you peel the backing, and mark the spot. Hold the item up to check it hangs where you want it.
- Clean and dry the spot. Wipe away dust, grease and soap residue, then let the surface dry completely.
- Peel and press. Peel off the backing and press the hook on firmly, pressing over the whole pad.
- Let the adhesive set. Wait several hours for the clear and stainless steel hooks, and 24 hours for the adhesive screw hooks, before hanging anything. For the J-hooks, let the adhesive set before use.
- Hang light items only. Hang the item gently. If a hook starts to lean or lift, take the item off.
Hanging holiday decorations without nails
Adhesive hooks are a handy way to put up light seasonal decorations for the winter holidays without new nail holes. A few tips:
- Fit hooks a day ahead so the adhesive has time to set before you hang decorations.
- Use clear hooks on glass, tile or a smooth door where you want the hook to blend in.
- Keep to light decorations; heavier pieces are better hung from screws and wall plugs.
- For a picture or small frame with a hanging hole, the adhesive screw hooks give you a 10 mm post to hang it on.
If you do take down nails and hooks after the holidays, see how to fill nail holes in a wall.
Adhesive hooks or nano tape?
Hooks are made for hanging things. For small, light items that sit flat against a surface, or to stop something from sliding, reusable double-sided nano mounting tape can be cut to length instead. See what nano tape is and how to use it.
Tips
- Use more hooks rather than overloading one.
- Some adhesives can mark paint when removed, so think about placement on painted walls and in rented homes.
- In kitchens and bathrooms, put hooks up when the surface is dry, not straight after a shower or washing up.
- Heavy items such as shelves, mirrors or TVs need screws and wall plugs, not adhesive hooks.
More options in the shop: the Command large utility hooks, 7 pack, the Command medium designer hooks, 2 pack (ships to the United States only) and the GLUIT large clear adhesive wall hooks, 12 pack (ships to the United States only).
Frequently asked questions
How long should I wait before hanging something on an adhesive hook?
For TidyMend’s clear adhesive wall hooks and stainless steel adhesive hooks, wait several hours. For the no-drill adhesive screw hooks, let the adhesive set for 24 hours.
Do adhesive hooks work on textured walls or wallpaper?
No. These hooks are for smooth surfaces such as tile, glass, metal or a smooth wall. The clear hooks are also not for freshly painted walls.
Can I hang a coat on an adhesive hook?
The self-adhesive J-hooks are meant for light items such as keys, towels and umbrellas, not heavy coats or bags. Keep to light items with all adhesive hooks.
Can I use adhesive hooks in the bathroom?
Yes, on clean, dry tile or glass. The stainless steel and clear hooks are suggested for bath towels and bathroom tiles where you do not want to drill.
Can I hang a picture frame without drilling?
For a light frame with a hanging hole, the no-drill adhesive screw hooks have a 10 mm screw post on a clear pad. Stick the pad to a smooth wall and wait 24 hours before hanging the frame.
Related guides
What is nano tape and how to use it · How to fill nail holes in a wall · How to organize under the kitchen sink · All TidyMend guides