Abigail Hanna
15 min readApr 12, 2024

Attention all DIY enthusiasts and office organizers! If you’re tired of struggling with flimsy adhesives that just won’t hold, it’s time to get your hands on some dependable thumb tacks. In today’s roundup, we’re diving headfirst into the world of these practical little wonders, exploring their many uses and helping you find the perfect set to tackle your next project.

The Top 10 Best Thumb Tacks

  1. Everbilt 13/32 Inches Thumb Tacks: 4 Pack (60 Pieces Each) — New in Box — Green Thumb Tacks Everbilt 13/32 Inches 4 x Packs (60 Pieces Each) offer durability and versatility for organizing and hanging projects. A perfect addition to your workspace.
  2. Brass Thumb Tacks for Hanging and Holding Lightweight Items — Hillman’s brass-finish, brown-colored Thumb Tacks are perfect for hanging charts, banners, calendars, and more, providing an attractive and versatile solution at home, school, or office, suitable for lightweight jobs and bulletin boards.
  3. Thumb Tact Push Pins — 25 Count (Assorted Colors) — Brighten up your board with these colorful Thumb Tact Push Pins — 25Count, featuring an ergonomic grip for a smooth push experience.
  4. Midwest Fastener Brass Thumb Tacks — Midwest Fastener’s Brass Thumb Tacks provide a durable, stylish solution for hanging charts, banners, and calendars, and are highly rated by customers.
  5. Thumb Tacks: 1000 Pcs Nickel-Plated Silver Sharp Steel Points — Versatile and long-lasting, these 1000 silver thumb tacks from Klingy provide easy insertion and removal for a wide range of pinning needs, thanks to their durable nickel-plated steel construction.
  6. Black Metal Thumb Tacks for Corkboards — 8pc Set — Stylish and versatile, these black metal thumb tacks feature a domed cover and are ideal for securing paper items or photos on corkboards, making them perfect for home or office use.
  7. Poppin Desert Assorted Push Pins: Rubberized Hourglass Shape and Polished Steel Points — Experience ultimate finger comfort and precision with the Poppin Desert Assorted Push Pins Set, featuring an ergonomic hourglass shape, soft rubberized grip, and polished steel points — all in one stylish package perfect for your pin-up needs.
  8. Yalis 100 Count Black Thumb Tacks — Ideal for Organizing Work and Home — Organize your workspace with Yalis’ Standard Dark Pushpins, featuring a durable steel point and reusable clear container. Perfect for maps, bulletin boards, and calendars.
  9. Plastic Push Pins and Thumb Tacks Set — The JIKIOU Push Pins Tacks 800 Count in Reusable Box are perfect for organizing papers, photos, and maps on various boards, offering durability and ease of use with their clear plastic heads and sharp steel points.
  10. Durable Clear Thumb Tacks for Bulletin Board — Durable and versatile KOWVOWZ Clear Thumb Tacks, 150 count, ideal for hanging documents or displaying memories on cork boards, providing a convenient and stylish solution for organizing daily life essentials.

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Reviews

Everbilt 13/32 Inches Thumb Tacks: 4 Pack (60 Pieces Each) — New in Box

Everbilt 13/32 Inches Thumb Tacks: 4 Pack (60 Pieces Each) - New in Box | Image

I recently gave these Green Thumb Tacks a try, and let me tell you, they definitely earned their place in my toolbox. These tacks are the perfect size for securing smaller items like photos or posters without making a big hole in the wall.

What really stood out for me was the sturdy grip these tacks have. No longer do I have to worry about a tack slipping out of place while I’m trying to hang something up. These little guys stay put!

However, one drawback I noticed was the sticky residue left on the wall after removing the tacks. It’s not a deal breaker, but it does require a bit of extra effort when it comes to cleaning up.

Overall, the Green Thumb Tacks from Everbilt are a great choice for anyone in need of a reliable, small-sized tack for securing items without causing damage to the wall. Just be prepared for a bit of cleanup afterwards!

Brass Thumb Tacks for Hanging and Holding Lightweight Items

Brass Thumb Tacks for Hanging and Holding Lightweight Items | Image

The Hillman Thumb Tacks are a classic addition to any work or home space. With their brass finish and warm, brown color, these tacks lend an old-fashioned charm that’s hard to resist.

They’re perfect for hanging charts, banners, calendars, and more, making them an essential tool in any environment. Lightweight and reusable, these tacks can be used on bulletin boards and sheetrock walls, ensuring you have a versatile solution for your hanging needs.

Though they may not be suitable for heavy-duty tasks, their timeless appeal and practicality make them a valuable asset to any individual or professional setting.

Thumb Tact Push Pins — 25 Count (Assorted Colors)

Thumb Tact Push Pins - 25 Count (Assorted Colors) | Image

As a stationery enthusiast, I recently put the Thumb Tack Push Pins to the test in my daily life. I must say, the colorful pins definitely brightened up my mood whenever I needed to pin up a note or two. The Thumb Tact Push Pins are much sturdier than your average pins, making it easier for me to secure my messages wherever I please.

The set of 25 pins comes in handy for organizing my desk, creating diagrams on a corkboard, or keeping track of essential reminders around the house. I was surprised by the variety of colors available, which made them look even more appealing for everyday use. Additionally, the pins were designed to be easy to handle and not prick my fingers, thanks to their well-thought-out shape.

However, I did notice that the pins seemed to have some minor rusting after a while. While it didn’t impact the overall functionality, it did give me a hint that the pins might need to be replaced sooner than I had anticipated. Aside from this minor issue, I found the Thumb Tack Push Pins to be a great addition to my stationery collection, perfect for those who always need a visual reminder at their fingertips.

Midwest Fastener Brass Thumb Tacks

Midwest Fastener Brass Thumb Tacks | Image

I’ve been using these brass thumb tacks for quite some time now, and they’ve definitely become a staple in my toolkit. The high-quality materials give them a sturdy, durable feel, perfect for hanging charts, banners, or even a calendar on your fridge. One interesting feature is their multipack quantity, offering five of these brass tacks at a time, which can be quite handy when you’ve got a project that requires quite a few.

However, there were a couple of minor drawbacks. Firstly, they’re a bit shorter than I’d hoped. While this wasn’t an issue for most of my uses, it would’ve been nice if they were a tad longer, maybe for hanging heavier objects or those pesky hard-to-reach corners. Secondly, while the multipack is handy, it can be a bit of a struggle to open the pack without spilling out the thumb tacks. Nonetheless, these minor issues haven’t stopped me from using them regularly; they’ve proven to be efficient and reliable time and time again.

Thumb Tacks: 1000 Pcs Nickel-Plated Silver Sharp Steel Points

Thumb Tacks: 1000 Pcs Nickel-Plated Silver Sharp Steel Points | Image

These Nickel-plated Silver Thumb Tacks are a true game-changer for anyone in need of a sharp, reliable solution for pinning notes, schedules, and reminders. Featuring a 3/8" round head, these tacks are not only easy to insert but also remove with minimal effort. With 1000 pins included in the set, you’ll have every surface covered.

Klingy Steel Thumb Tacks have also gone the extra mile and made sure to include these tacks with durable nickel-plated steel, ensuring rust resistance for the long haul.

Black Metal Thumb Tacks for Corkboards — 8pc Set

Black Metal Thumb Tacks for Corkboards - 8pc Set | Image

Experience the versatility of these stylish black metal thumb tacks for your furniture upholstery needs. With dimensions of 40mm x 38mm (1.6" x 1.5"), these 125g tools boast a nail length of 36mm (1.4"). The sleek design, complete with a domed cover metal pin, allows for secure attachment of paper items or photos onto a corkboard.

Perfect for holding down charts, banners, calendars, and more, these unlimitedly useful thumb tacks can enhance the aesthetics of any space, whether in the home or office.

Poppin Desert Assorted Push Pins: Rubberized Hourglass Shape and Polished Steel Points

Poppin Desert Assorted Push Pins: Rubberized Hourglass Shape and Polished Steel Points | Image

Recently, I tried out the Poppin Desert Assorted Push Pins Set — and I have to say, they’ve definitely added some style to my pin-ups. The clever hourglass shape provided great finger comfort, making it a breeze to use. The rubberized touch made it soft and non-slippery, letting me grasp it with ease.

One thing that stood out was the polished steel points — they really allowed me to press down and secure items with a sense of satisfaction. Each box holds 100 pins, so you’re bound to have enough for all your pin-happy ideas. Designed in NYC by Poppin, these push pins are a fabulous addition to any workspace.

However, there was one feature that I found somewhat less practical. These pins require a good amount of force to push through paper, which can be slightly frustrating at times. But overall, the Poppin Push Pins are just the right mix of stylish design and user-friendly functionality to make your pin-up game truly pop.

Yalis 100 Count Black Thumb Tacks — Ideal for Organizing Work and Home

Yalis 100 Count Black Thumb Tacks - Ideal for Organizing Work and Home | Image

These standard-sized push pins from Yalis are the perfect addition to any home or office setting. With their sleek black plastic head and sturdy steel needle point, these pins effortlessly pin important papers and messages to various surfaces, including cork boards, foam boards, and even maps.

Arriving in a reusable clear container case, they’re not only practical but also keep your workspace organized. The 100-count pack is ideal for both personal and professional use, and Yalis’s dedication to crafting quality office supplies is evident in the push pins’ durability and easy-to-use design.

Plastic Push Pins and Thumb Tacks Set

Plastic Push Pins and Thumb Tacks Set | Image

I’ve been using these JIKIOU push pins for quite some time now, and I must say, they’ve been a game-changer. The 800 count in that reusable box? I can’t even remember the last time I ran out of them! Plus, they come with a clear plastic container that’s perfect for keeping them organized and easy to find when I need them.

One of the things I love about these push pins is how simple they are to use. The standard size makes them perfect for use on various surfaces, and that sharp ground steel point? Well, it’s made inserting them into walls and posting paper seamless. Of course, you can always use a small hammer to put them up, but I’ve found that a soft push does the trick just fine.

Another great feature of these push pins is that they come with two different plastic head sizes, making them easy to pull out and reuse. And trust me, I’ve used these on countless occasions, and they’ve maintained their brightness and non-rusty nature every single time.

I’ve used these push pins for everything from hanging photos and important documents in my office to marking points on a map in my home. They’re incredibly versatile, and I can’t imagine going back to those flimsy stickers that lost their stickiness within a day.

In terms of cons, I would say that the steel point might be a little sharp for some instances, so use caution when handling them. Additionally, while the reusable box is great, it could use a little more structural strength to prevent spills when knocked over.

Overall, I highly recommend these JIKIOU push pins. They make keeping my bulletin boards organized and tidy a breeze, and I know I’ll be using them for many more years to come!

Durable Clear Thumb Tacks for Bulletin Board

Durable Clear Thumb Tacks for Bulletin Board | Image

I’ve been using these KOWVOWZ Clear Thumb Tacks for Wall Hangings for months, and I must say, they have been a game-changer in keeping my bulletin board organized. The sturdy structure of these pushpins, composed of plastic heads and steel points, is a testament to their reliability. I’ve used them to hold up posters, photos, and even maps without any issues.

One feature that particularly stands out is the clear design. The compact size and light weight of these pushpins ensure they don’t occupy too much space on my board, making it easier to view all my items. Plus, they are easy to store in a box when not in use.

However, there are a couple of cons worth mentioning. Firstly, these pushpins are not suitable for use on ceramic or concrete walls as they may not hold firmly. Secondly, the sharp nature of these pins makes it necessary to keep them out of reach of children.

Overall, these clear pushpins are a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to keep their corkboards and bulletin boards organized. They are durable, easy to use, and don’t take up much space.

Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to fastening lightweight materials or small items to surfaces, thumb tacks are a popular choice. These small, versatile accessories can be found in various styles, sizes, and materials. It’s essential to understand the key features and considerations when selecting the right thumb tacks for your needs. This buyer’s guide will help you make an informed decision by outlining what to look for when choosing thumb tacks and providing general advice for using them effectively.

Material

Thumb tacks are typically made from metal or plastic. Metal tacks are generally more durable and suitable for heavy-duty tasks, while plastic tacks are lighter and more suitable for lighter tasks. Consider the material based on your intended use and the surface to which you’ll be attaching the item.

Size and Shape

Thumb tacks come in different sizes and shapes, each with its own advantages. A larger thumb tack with a larger head may provide better grip, but it might be more difficult to remove. On the other hand, a smaller thumb tack with a tapered shape may be easier to remove but might not hold as firmly. Choose the size and shape that best suit your needs and the materials you’ll be attaching.

Strength

The strength of a thumb tack is determined by its thickness and overall construction. Thicker tacks are generally more robust and can support heavier items, while thinner tacks are more suitable for lighter tasks. Consider the weight of the items you plan to attach to ensure the thumb tack can handle the load.

Quality and Durability

Although the most expensive thumb tack may not always be the best, investing in quality can make a significant difference in the long run. A well-made thumb tack will be more resistant to bending, breaking, or rusting. Look for a trusted brand with positive reviews for the best results and a lasting experience.

FAQ

What are thumb tacks and what are they used for?

Thumb tacks are small, pointed, metal or plastic fasteners primarily used to pin papers or other lightweight items onto a surface such as a cork board, bulletin board, or a wall. They come in various colors, sizes, and styles to suit different needs and preferences. They are a popular office or school supply, as well as in homes and offices for displaying notes, schedules, or reminders.

Thumb tacks are easy to use and convenient since they can be pushed into a surface with just a thumb or finger. The pointed end helps the tack to grip onto the surface and hold securely. Their small size and affordable cost make them an essential tool for many daily activities and projects. Most commonly used for hanging or displaying notes, schedules, or maps, thumb tacks are versatile and can be used in a variety of creative ways.

What are the different types of thumb tacks?

Thumb tacks come in a variety of materials, sizes, designs, and colors, including plastic, metal, wood, and neon. Plastic thumb tacks are often the most affordable and lightweight option, making them suitable for casual use. Metal thumb tacks tend to be stronger and more durable, which might be necessary for hanging heavier items or for long-term use. Wooden thumb tacks are more eco-friendly and can add a natural touch to your office or home.

Thumb tacks also come in different shapes and sizes to fit different needs. Some thumb tacks have a smooth or rounded tip for a more subtle and less damaging grip on your surfaces. Others have a sharp or spiral-shaped tip for better holding power on certain types of surfaces, like lightweight papers or fabrics. Additionally, some thumb tacks have built-in magnets, allowing you to attach multiple items to the same surface without the need for additional pins.

What is the difference between a thumb tack and a pushpin?

While the terms thumb tack and pushpin are often used interchangeably, there is a slight difference between the two. A thumb tack typically has a smoother or more rounded tip, intended for minimal surface damage when used. The thinner shape of a thumb tack also makes it less likely to tear through paper, fabric, or other thin materials when inserted.

A pushpin, on the other hand, usually has a sharper tip and a more rigid shape. The thicker body of a pushpin means that it can penetrate denser materials like thicker paper, wood veneer, or even fabric. Pushpins are often used for hanging items that need significant support and a more secure hold. Since pushpins are generally sturdier and more durable, they can be used in a variety of settings, such as in the workplace, at home, or for DIY projects.

Which are better, self-adhesive thumb tacks or magnetic thumb tacks?

The choice between self-adhesive thumb tacks and magnetic thumb tacks depends on your specific needs and the type of surface you want to attach your items to. Self-adhesive thumb tacks have a sticky side that sticks to any surface and holds securely without the need for nails or pushpins. This makes them an easy and convenient option for hanging items on smooth surfaces, like glass or plastic, without causing damage.

Magnetic thumb tacks, as the name suggests, have a strong magnetic force on one end, allowing them to stick to metal surfaces or magnetic boards. They come in a variety of sizes and designs, are easy to use, and can be repositioned or removed easily without causing any damage. These types of thumb tacks are ideal for displaying notes, schedules, or reminders on metal surfaces or magnetic bulletin boards.

How do I properly use a thumb tack?

Using a thumb tack is a simple procedure that requires minimal effort. To use a thumb tack, make sure the surface you want to attach the tack to is clean and free from any debris or residue. Gently apply pressure with your thumb or finger to insert the tack into the surface at an angle, so the point penetrates easily. If necessary, you can tap the thumb tack gently with a pencil or small object for better penetration. Once the tack is securely attached, you can insert your note or item onto the tack.

Be careful not to push the tack too deep into the surface, as this could cause damage or make it difficult to remove later. Remove the tack using your fingernail, or gently pull it out using a thin object like a pen or a small flat-head screwdriver. Always store your thumb tacks in a safe and organized manner to prevent damage or injury when not in use.

How do I choose the best thumb tack for my needs?

When choosing a thumb tackle, consider the following factors: material (plastic, metal, wood), tip shape (smooth, rounded, or sharp), color, size, and functionality (such as self-adhesive or magnetic). Think about what type of surface you will be attaching the items to and how securely you need them to stay in place. For casual use and displaying lightweight items, a plastic thumb tack may be a suitable and affordable option. For long-term use or secure attachment to denser materials, a metal or wooden thumb tack with a strong grip may be more appropriate.

Additionally, consider the aesthetics of the thumb tack, as they come in various colors and designs. Self-adhesive or magnet thumb tacks can also be a convenient choice if you’re working with a surface that requires minimal damage, like glass or metal. Take your time to explore different thumb tack options and choose the one that best suits your specific needs and preferences.

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