Introduction: A Simple Mount for a Magneticaly Attached Hold Anything Cup

By
About: I’m a lifelong maker. I became involved with the maker movement because of my children. I was looking for a way to supplement what they were doing in school with some hands-on activity.

This project demonstrates two ideas. The first is using magnets to create a repositionable storage container. The second is creating a surface with a suitable attachment point to nonmagnet surfaces.

This project shows the origin of our CPAP mask project. The CPAP mask holder is derived from the larger version of the Hold Anything cup. The steel attachment point solves a frequently asked question: how to mount a holder to a nonferrous surface, like a wooden headboard.

The Hold Anything cup uses two magnets with a holding power of 120lb to secure the cup to a ferrous surface. While the Hold Anything moniker is tongue-in-cheek, it can hold a surprising number of diverse items. We use it for cell phones, the TV remote, car keys, and wallets. They also work great for baby bottles, small packs of wipes, pencils, random tools, and earplugs in the garage.

The mounting plate also works great for our magnetic headphone holder. (PrintablesThingiverse)

Supplies

Phone container: PrintablesThingiverse

Large container: Printables. Thingiverse

CPAP mask Holder PrintablesThingiverse

Headphone Holder PrintablesThingiverse


We use 25mm Neodymium magnets.

The magnets we used: Amazon

Step 1: Print the Design

Links to the holders can be found in the Supplies section.

Print the file(s). We have printed the file in PETG and PLA. The approximate print time is four hours. The files can be printed without support.

The bottom of the smaller holder is solid. The bottom of the larger holder has a wire channel cut in it to support speakers or a phone charger. The bottom of the CPAP holder is open. The bottom from the large holder will work with the CPAP holder if you want to close up the bottom.

Step 2: Assemble the Holder

Insert the magnets. Place one magnet face down on a nonmetallic surface and press the part onto the magnet. The face-down part of the magnet is flat. The other face has a curve to the top, which helps guide it into the hole. 

Screw the magnet to the holder using the screws from the magnet kit. Repeat with the second magnet.

The magnet and screw should be flush with the holder's body so they do not scratch the surface they are applied to.  

Step 3: But There Is No Metal Surface Around

One of the most common complaints we heard for the CPAP holder was, "There is no metal surface around." So, the simple solution is to add one.

The big home improvement stores and smaller hardware stores all sell flat steel bars. They come in a variety of lengths and widths. These bars provide an excellent surface for magnets to attach to.

The one we usually purchase from Home Depot can be found here, but any hardware or home improvement store will have a selection.

The steps to make the attachment point are:

  1. Cut a piece of the steel bar approximately 76 mm(three in) using a hacksaw or a bandsaw with a metal blade.
  2. Use a file to break the edge of the cut and any other rough surfaces on the cut bar.
  3. Draw a center line running the length of the cut piece. Measure up two times the head diameter of the screw you will be using to mount the plate from each end of the piece and draw a line.
  4. Use a punch to make a mark at the interception of each line with the center line. You are just making a small indention to start the drill.
  5. At each indentation, drill a hole slightly larger than the screw.
  6. Use a countersink drill bit to break the edges of the hole and provide enough clearance for the head of the screw to be flush or slightly below the surface of the bar.


Step 4: Attach the Metal Plate

Find the place where that attachment point is going to be mounted.

  1. Place the attachment point where it will be mounted and mark where the holes will be.
  2. Drill small pilot holes at the marks.
  3. Screw the attachment point using two screws.
  4. Attach the holder to the mounting point.


Step 5: To Paint or Not to Paint, That Is a Question.

The question of painting the attachment point is left up to the maker. We have done both. It does not seem to affect the magnets' holding power, and we have not noticed any significant scratching on the painted surfaces. The unpainted attachment points have been used in the garage and workshop. The unpainted surfaces show no rust in our Midwest climate.

Anything Goes Contest

Participated in the
Anything Goes Contest