Would you like to hang Christmas decorations, garlands, balloons or other decorations from your Troldtekt ceiling without drilling holes? Magnetic hooks let you use the existing ceiling screws for easy hanging. We tested four magnetic hooks that held between 900 and 1,800 grams on a flat ceiling in our tests.
In this article, we'll show you how to use magnetic hooks on Troldtekt ceilings, which sizes work best and why a more powerful magnet does not always hold more weight.
Troldtekt is a brand of wood wool cement panels. In this article, we use the terms Troldtekt panels and wood wool cement panels to refer to the same type of ceiling panel.
Can you hang decorations from a Troldtekt ceiling without drilling?
In most cases, you can hang lightweight decorations from a Troldtekt ceiling using magnetic hooks. They are well suited to the job because they come in different sizes and have a hook from which you can easily hang decorations.
Place the magnetic hook directly on one of the metal screws holding the wood wool cement panels in place. The magnet is attracted to the steel in the screw and stays attached. This offers several advantages:
- You don't need to drill additional holes in the ceiling panels.
- The magnets can be attached and removed without tools.
- You can move the magnets whenever you like.
- You don't have to leave permanent hooks behind when you take down your decorations.
- You can reuse the same magnetic hooks again and again.
Important: This method only works if the ceiling panels are installed with visible screws made of magnetic metal. Some wood wool cement panels are installed using concealed brackets or rail systems. In those cases, you cannot use magnetic hooks as described in this article.
How did we test the magnets?
We tested four popular magnetic hooks in different sizes to find out how much weight they could hold on a Troldtekt ceiling. The holding force stated for each magnet corresponds to the load required to pull it off the metal screw. Our results therefore show the maximum holding force under our test conditions, not the weight we recommend hanging from the hooks. When choosing a magnet, select one with plenty of spare holding capacity to allow for a suitable safety margin.
We tested the magnets on both flat and sloped ceilings because the ceiling angle has a significant effect on holding force. On a flat ceiling, the magnet is pulled directly away from the screw head. On a sloped ceiling, gravity still pulls the weight vertically downward, but the force acts at an angle relative to the screw head. As a result, the magnet can tilt or detach more easily and will typically support less weight.
The results below come from our own practical tests, so your results may vary.
How to hang decorations from a Troldtekt ceiling with magnetic hooks
Getting started is easy, and you won't need a drill, screwdriver or wall plugs.
Step 1: Find the screws in the Troldtekt ceiling
Look for the existing mounting screws holding the Troldtekt panels in place. The screws are often painted the same colour as the acoustic panels, which can make them difficult to spot. If necessary, use a small magnet to check whether the screw head is magnetic.
Step 2: Choose a suitable magnetic hook
A small magnetic hook may be sufficient for lightweight decorations. Choose a magnet with plenty of spare holding capacity relative to the weight of the decoration. This reduces the risk of it coming loose if you accidentally tug on the decoration or a draught causes it to move. We compare four different sizes later in this article.
Step 3: Place the magnet on the screw head
Bring the magnet towards the screw until it attaches. Make sure it sits as flat and centrally on the screw head as possible. If the magnet sits at an angle, its holding force may be reduced.
Step 4: Hang your decoration
Attach the decoration or another lightweight item to the hook and make sure everything is securely in place.
Tip: If you're hanging a long garland, you can spread its weight across several magnetic hooks. Remember that the load may not be distributed evenly between them.
Test: How much weight can magnetic hooks hold on a Troldtekt ceiling?
A magnet's rated strength is not the same as its actual holding force on a Troldtekt screw. A magnetic hook rated to hold 5 kg on a large, thick steel plate may hold considerably less when attached to a small, painted screw head. That's why we tested four magnetic hooks directly on a mounting screw in a Troldtekt ceiling.
| Magnetic hook | Rated strength | Flat ceiling | Sloped ceiling |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mm | 3 kg | 900 g | 200 g |
| 13 mm | 5 kg | 1,600 g | 350 g |
| 16 mm | 6 kg | 1,800 g | 500 g |
| 20 mm | 13 kg | 1,800 g | 400 g |
Note: These figures are the results of our own tests. Actual holding force depends on factors including the screw head and the slope of the ceiling.
10 mm magnetic hook – small and discreet
The smallest model in our test has a diameter of 10 mm and a rated holding force of 3 kg. On the Troldtekt screw, it held 900 grams on a flat ceiling and 200 grams on a sloped ceiling. Its diameter is a good match for the screw head, and it may be sufficient for very lightweight decorations.
13 mm magnetic hook – a good balance of size and strength
Our 13 mm magnetic hook has a rated holding force of 5 kg. In our test, it held 1.6 kg on a flat ceiling and 350 grams on a sloped ceiling. That's 700 grams more than the 10 mm model on a flat ceiling, even though its diameter is only 3 mm larger.
16 mm white magnetic hook – discreet on a white ceiling
The white 16 mm magnetic hook has a rated holding force of 6 kg. In our test, it held 1.8 kg on a flat ceiling and 500 grams on a sloped ceiling. This was the best overall result in our test. The white finish also blends discreetly into many Troldtekt ceilings.
The model is also available in a shiny silver finish:
20 mm magnetic hook – the largest, but not stronger in our test
Our largest magnetic hook has a diameter of 20 mm and a rated holding force of 13 kg. Nevertheless, it held just 1.8 kg on a flat Troldtekt ceiling – exactly the same as the white 16 mm model. On a sloped ceiling, it held 400 grams, which is 100 grams less than the 16 mm model. One possible explanation is that the larger diameter provides no advantage on the relatively small screw head. A bigger magnet is therefore not necessarily the best choice for a Troldtekt ceiling.
Which magnetic hook should you choose for a Troldtekt ceiling?
For very lightweight decorations: The 10 mm magnetic hook can be used for items such as balloons, Christmas baubles and lightweight garlands. Always consider the total load.
For most decorations: We generally recommend the 16 mm magnetic hook. It performed best overall in our test and is available in white, which blends discreetly into many Troldtekt ceilings.
For string lights: First, check how much the lights weigh and how the weight will be distributed. If they weigh 500 grams, for example, several 16 mm magnetic hooks may be a suitable solution. The number required also depends on how you want the lights to hang. Remember that our test results are not certified safe working loads.
For permanently hanging heavy items: We primarily recommend magnetic hooks for temporarily hanging lightweight decorations. For heavier objects such as lamps and plants, choose a more secure mechanical fixing designed to support the load. If you're unsure, feel free to contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Can you attach magnetic hooks directly to Troldtekt panels?
No, not to the wood wool cement panel itself. The magnet must be in contact with a suitable magnetic metal, such as a screw head.
How much weight can a magnetic hook hold on a Troldtekt ceiling?
It depends on the magnet, screw and installation conditions. On a flat ceiling, the four magnetic hooks held between 900 and 1,800 grams in our tests. On a sloped ceiling, they held between 200 and 500 grams. These figures are from our own tests and are not officially certified safe working loads.
Can the magnets damage the Troldtekt ceiling?
This method does not require any new holes in the ceiling. However, the paint on the screw head may become marked or damaged if the magnet is dragged or twisted forcefully across its surface. Always remove the magnet carefully.
Can magnetic hooks be reused?
Yes. Magnetic hooks can be moved and reused many times, provided they are undamaged and still attach securely.
Can I use two magnetic hooks to hang something heavier?
Multiple magnetic hooks can distribute the load, but each hook may not carry an equal share. You therefore cannot assume that using two magnets will double the safe load.
