One of the most common questions we get is "which fixing should I pick?" It's a fair question - there are four options in the configurator and they all do different things. Here's the honest breakdown of each one so you can choose with confidence.
Adhesive Tape (+$2)
The adhesive option ships with Scotch Permanent Clear Mounting Tape (3M 4010) pre-applied to the back of your plate. Peel the backing, press it against the wall, hold for 30 seconds, and you're done. It's industrial-quality, clear, and rated to hold up to 908g.
This is the most popular fixing for indoor plates. It works on any smooth, clean surface - plasterboard, painted walls, glass, tiles, and metal. If you're renting and can't drill holes, this is your best bet for a strong hold without damage.
The trade-off: it's semi-permanent. You can remove it (dental floss behind the plate, eucalyptus oil for residue), but it's not designed for frequent repositioning. Pick your spot and commit.
Velcro Hanging Strips (+$2)
Velcro strips give you the best of both worlds - a strong hold that separates cleanly when you want to move or swap your plate. One strip goes on the plate, the matching strip goes on the wall. Press together and they lock in place.
This is the go-to option if you like to rearrange, if you want to swap between different plates, or if you're in a rental where you absolutely cannot risk any wall damage. It's also the default fixing for memorial plates since they're often placed on shelves or stands that benefit from repositioning.
Removal: peel the wall strip slowly at a 90-degree angle. No residue, no paint damage.
Screw Holes + Screws (+$3)
The most secure option we offer. Your plate ships with precision-drilled screw holes and matching M2 stainless steel self-tapping screws. This is the one for permanent displays - sheds, garages, workshops, man caves, and anywhere you want it to stay put.
It's the recommended fixing for Truck-sized plates (the big ones) since the weight is better distributed across screw points than adhesive alone.
What you'll need from your end:
- A drill and appropriate bit (masonry for brick, standard for timber)
- Wall plugs for brick or plasterboard
- A spirit level if you want it perfectly straight
For a full walkthrough, check our wall mounting guide which covers timber, brick, plasterboard, and metal surfaces step by step.
Magnetic Mount (+$5)
This is the fun one. Your plate arrives with N50-grade neodymium rare-earth magnets (3mm × 1.5mm discs) already embedded flush in the back - you don't need to do anything. Just place it on any ferrous (magnetic) metal surface and it snaps into place. No tools, no adhesive, no holes.
Works brilliantly on fridges, filing cabinets, toolboxes, metal shelving, some doors, and lockers. Repositioning is unlimited - slide it off, put it somewhere else.
Before you buy this one: check that your target surface is actually magnetic. Most stainless steel is not magnetic, and neither is aluminium. Quick test: if a fridge magnet sticks to it, your plate will too.
We source our magnets from AMF Magnetics in Australia - guaranteed N50 grade, same-day dispatch. We don't use cheap imports where the grade is anyone's guess. Each 3mm × 1.5mm disc pulls 208g, and they're spaced no more than 10cm apart for even hold. Mini plates get 4 magnets, Coupe plates get 6, and Truck plates get 8.
Which One Should You Pick?
Here's the cheat sheet:
| Situation | Recommended fixing |
|---|---|
| Renting, can't drill | Adhesive or Velcro |
| Want to swap plates | Velcro |
| Shed, garage, permanent display | Screws |
| Fridge, toolbox, metal surface | Magnetic |
| Gift (not sure where it'll go) | Adhesive - works almost anywhere |
| Kids' room, bedroom door | Velcro - easy to reposition |
| Man cave or workshop | Screws - secure and looks the part |
If you're buying a plate as a gift and you're not sure where the recipient will put it, adhesive is the safest default. It works on nearly any indoor surface and doesn't require any tools.
For more on where and how to mount your plate, our mounting guide covers every surface type in detail. And if you want the full technical specs on each fixing, check out our dedicated fixings page.
Ready to Pick?
Head to the 3D configurator, design your plate, and select your fixing during the process. Every fixing option arrives ready to install - no extra trips to the hardware store.