Choose the hook size by the weight and bulk of what it will hold: small J-hooks and single coat hooks suit hats, keys and light coats, while larger wall hooks or double coat hooks take heavy jackets, bags and tools. Cabin hooks are sized by length, typically 75-300 mm, with longer hooks reaching wider gaps on gates. Position and fix hooks so the load stays close to the wall.

Galvanised and stainless steel hooks are suitable for outdoor use because they resist rust on gates, sheds and garden walls, while black japanned or self-colour hooks are best kept for dry interiors. For coastal or very wet locations choose hot-dip galvanised or stainless steel. Zinc-plated hooks work indoors and in sheltered spots but can corrode if permanently exposed.

Fit a wall or coat hook by marking the position, drilling pilot holes and screwing it to solid timber, or using wall plugs and screws in masonry or plasterboard. For a cabin hook, fix the hook plate to the moving door or gate and the screw eye to the frame or post so they align when closed. Use fixings rated for the load and, outdoors, choose galvanised or stainless screws.

The weight a wall hook can hold depends on the hook size, the fixings and the surface, ranging from a few kilograms for a small J-hook to 20 kg or more for a heavy-duty wall hook fixed into solid timber or masonry. Strength comes mainly from the fixings, so use the right screws and wall plugs for the material. Spread heavy loads across two hooks or a rail rather than one point.