Any creative ideas for this...?

Question

I'm trying to find a way to attach a pen to a few dozen metal folding chairs so that those sitting behind these chairs can use and return the pen when finished.

Requirements:
1) Nothing can be permanently attached to the chair; the device must be able to be removed and re-applied any number of times.
2) The "pen" can be any writing instrument.
3) The device must be available for purchase or made using materials that are available for purchase. This must be proved by providing a web page reference (unless it's a very common item).
4) The solution must look professional (e.g. "duct tape" can solve almost any problem, but usually doesn't look very nice.)
5) The total cost per each pen and its associated attachment device must be $1 or less.
6) The device must be quiet (e.g. no Velcro).

Magnetic solutions are welcome. I've considered attaching magnets to the pens, but that risks violating #4 above - not a very graceful solution.

Thank you all for giving this some thought!

Answer 1

1. If the chairs have metal backs, go to Michaels Arts and Crafts and purchase some magnetic sheet which look like thick rubber 8 x 10 inch matts. Go to the Stationary Store like Staples and purchase some Manilla Envelopes that are about 2.5 inches wide by about 4 inches long. Cut the flaps off the envelopes and glue or use heavy duty double sided sticky tape and attach the magnets to the envelope backs. Stick them on the back of the chairs. Pen goes in envelope.

2. If the chairs are magnetic, go to the dollar shop and purchase some magnet clips and put the pen into the clip and stick it on the back of the chair.

3. If the chair is not magnetic, get some pipe cleaners and attach them to the back of the envelopes you got at the stationary store and then bend them over the chairs or twist them around the chair or a slot that is in the chair depending on what the chair looks like. Pen goes in envelope of course.

4. Purchase some tacky putty for hanging pictures and attach it on the back of the chair. It looks like gum sometimes after it has been used. Put enough on it so that the pens can be pushed into the putty and the putty will hole it there until you need the pen.

5. Get some 1/8 inch elastic (white or black) from a fabric store and make a loop around the back of each chair horizontally, that is quite tight so that it cannot slip. Purchase pens that have some sort of clip that can be clipped onto the elastic when not in use.

Answer 2

You can glue a small magnet to the pens, and then you would not need to do anything to the chairs.

Or you can use the duct tape that comes in colors to make a nice loop on the back of the chairs. If you do it neatly and with a nice color of tape, it will look professional.
.

Answer 3

Ok.. so sort of like the first answer, but I would find some pre-made bows (like the holiday bows for presents) and hot glue a small sturdy magnet to the back of the bow. The pen could then be slid into one of the many loops and hooked on. You could use any kind of bow or even make your own out of cheap ribbon (a google search on making ribbon bows will find lots of instructions). You can stay in a color theme this way and make them as festive as you want!

Answer 4

There is a product called Command, made by 3M. The have a multitude of products, all designed to be removed easily. Walmart carries a lot of them. There is one that has a small clip hook that will work perfectly. No matter what of the answers you go with, this product will work with anything. You can use any of they're products with ease. This was you don't have to worry about what kind of metal the chairs are. Also, I have found the putty used to put up pictures, takes a few minutes to get it all off.

Answer 5

How about using a magnet on a small test-tube looking vial?

This could be something the pen could go in and out of quickly, easily and quietly, and would look a little more professional.

Florists might even have those kinds of vials by the dozens.

Answer 6

that's not a bad idea. Get some little magnets, glue to pens.

Magnet will stick to the metal chairs. (Provided the chairs aren't aluminum.)

Answer 7

try running some artist tape (comes off easily) through a jump ring and attaching it to the chair...cheap and noiseless! and then just slide the little thingy on the side of the pen through the jump ring...viola problem solved!!! try buying some bulk pens at an office supply store..

Answer 8

I am not sure how to do it, you would need to play with it.. but some fabric and some hot glue and you should be able to make little magnetic loops... see if you can visualize what I am saying... a small round magnet with a fabric hoop glued to it. the magnet would attach to the chair (for as long as you needed it) and the pens would slip onto the loop (noiseless & cute)

Answer 9

velcro
string
double sided tape on a strong envelope with pen inside

Answer 10

http://www.amazingmagnets.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=120

Or do a web search for "magnetic pens."