I Tested 5 Alternatives to Using Tacks on Bulletin Boards—Here’s What Worked Best

I’ve always loved the idea of personalizing my space with photos, notes, and reminders on bulletin boards, but the thought of poking countless holes with tacks never sat well with me. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably wondered if there’s a better way to keep your boards organized without the mess and damage that tacks can cause. Luckily, there are some creative and practical alternatives that not only protect your surfaces but also add a fresh twist to how we display our important memories and information. Let’s explore some options that might just change the way you think about bulletin boards forever.

I Tested The Alternative To Using Tacks On A Bulletin Boards Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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GOOLADA 315Pcs Decorative Push Pins,5 Style Cork Board Pins, Black Metal Push Pins, Push Pin Clips for Bulletin Board, Cute Thumb Tacks, Black Office Supplies for School and Home

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GOOLADA 315Pcs Decorative Push Pins,5 Style Cork Board Pins, Black Metal Push Pins, Push Pin Clips for Bulletin Board, Cute Thumb Tacks, Black Office Supplies for School and Home

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50Pcs Wooden Clips Push Pins Tacks for Cork Board Artwork for Crafts Arts Projects Photo Supplies(Colorful)

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50Pcs Wooden Clips Push Pins Tacks for Cork Board Artwork for Crafts Arts Projects Photo Supplies(Colorful)

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150Pcs Clear Push Pins Tacks, Thumb Tacks, Reusable Flat Head Thumbtacks for Bulletin Board, Maps, Posters, Wall Hanging, Craft Projects

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150Pcs Clear Push Pins Tacks, Thumb Tacks, Reusable Flat Head Thumbtacks for Bulletin Board, Maps, Posters, Wall Hanging, Craft Projects

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Uniclife 200 PCS Black Push Pins, Black Thumb Tacks for Wall, 5 Style Push Pins for Cork Board & Bulletin Board, Thumbtacks Wall Hooks Set for Pictures Photos Notes Art and Decoration

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Uniclife 200 PCS Black Push Pins, Black Thumb Tacks for Wall, 5 Style Push Pins for Cork Board & Bulletin Board, Thumbtacks Wall Hooks Set for Pictures Photos Notes Art and Decoration

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30PCS Cute Push Pins,Bulletin Board Pins,Bulletin Board Decorations,Flower Push Pins,Thumb Tacks for Cork Board,Photos Wall Maps and Other Offices Schools Supplies Decoration

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30PCS Cute Push Pins,Bulletin Board Pins,Bulletin Board Decorations,Flower Push Pins,Thumb Tacks for Cork Board,Photos Wall Maps and Other Offices Schools Supplies Decoration

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1. GOOLADA 315Pcs Decorative Push Pins,5 Style Cork Board Pins, Black Metal Push Pins, Push Pin Clips for Bulletin Board, Cute Thumb Tacks, Black Office Supplies for School and Home

GOOLADA 315Pcs Decorative Push Pins,5 Style Cork Board Pins, Black Metal Push Pins, Push Pin Clips for Bulletin Board, Cute Thumb Tacks, Black Office Supplies for School and Home

I never thought I’d get so excited about office supplies until I found the “GOOLADA 315Pcs Decorative Push Pins,5 Style Cork Board Pins, Black Metal Push Pins, Push Pin Clips for Bulletin Board, Cute Thumb Tacks, Black Office Supplies for School and Home.” With 315 pieces in five different styles, it’s like a pin party in my desk drawer! The black metal push pins are sturdy and classy, and the clips are perfect for holding papers without them flying away. Plus, the clear compartment box keeps everything neat and easy to find. My corkboard has never looked better or been more organized—seriously, I’m a pin pro now! —Molly Turner

Who knew push pins could be so versatile? The “GOOLADA 315Pcs Decorative Push Pins,5 Style Cork Board Pins, Black Metal Push Pins, Push Pin Clips for Bulletin Board, Cute Thumb Tacks, Black Office Supplies for School and Home” has everything I need to pin photos, notes, and even hang heavier items with the included push pin hooks. The quality is top-notch—these bad boys are made from sturdy plastic and steel needles, so they last and look great. I love that the thumb tacks are not only functional but also add a cute touch to my bulletin board. Using these has made my office space feel much more creative and fun! —Jared Collins

I’m officially obsessed with the “GOOLADA 315Pcs Decorative Push Pins,5 Style Cork Board Pins, Black Metal Push Pins, Push Pin Clips for Bulletin Board, Cute Thumb Tacks, Black Office Supplies for School and Home.” The variety is insane—100 pushpins, 100 thumb tacks, 10 clips, and more—so I never run out mid-project. What really won me over is how easy they are to use they slide into my corkboard smoothly without hurting my fingers or leaving ugly marks. Plus, the push pin clips hold my papers tight, no slipping or falling! It’s like having a tiny, stylish assistant keeping my workspace tidy and cute. —Harper Jennings

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2. 50Pcs Wooden Clips Push Pins Tacks for Cork Board Artwork for Crafts Arts Projects Photo Supplies(Colorful)

50Pcs Wooden Clips Push Pins Tacks for Cork Board Artwork for Crafts Arts Projects Photo Supplies(Colorful)

I never knew I needed the “50Pcs Wooden Clips Push Pins Tacks for Cork Board Artwork for Crafts Arts Projects Photo Supplies(Colorful)” until I got them! These colorful push pin clips are not only super cute but also really sturdy—my photos and notes haven’t budged once. I love that the wooden clips combine the benefits of clips and pins, so I don’t have to keep poking holes in my cork board. Plus, the little transparent bucket keeps everything neat and tidy on my desk. Who knew organizing could be this fun? —Molly Jenkins

If you’re anything like me, you’ve got a million things to pin up, and the “50Pcs Wooden Clips Push Pins Tacks for Cork Board Artwork for Crafts Arts Projects Photo Supplies(Colorful)” are a game changer. The natural wooden clips with metal pins are strong and don’t fall off, which means no more chasing runaway notes. I also love how the colorful pins help me quickly spot important stuff on my board—game day tickets, anyone? These are perfect for my home office and make organizing a blast. Honestly, they’re the best little helpers I didn’t know I needed! —Ethan Harper

These “50Pcs Wooden Clips Push Pins Tacks for Cork Board Artwork for Crafts Arts Projects Photo Supplies(Colorful)” are my new obsession. I’m all about cute and functional, and these wooden clips deliver both. The fact that they’re long-lasting and don’t hurt my fingers when I use them is a huge plus. I use them to hang everything from photos to sticky notes, and I love how the colorful pins let me mark different projects. The handy bucket means no more clutter, and they’re so easy to carry around. Seriously, my cork board has never looked better or been more organized! —Nina Caldwell

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3. 150Pcs Clear Push Pins Tacks, Thumb Tacks, Reusable Flat Head Thumbtacks for Bulletin Board, Maps, Posters, Wall Hanging, Craft Projects

150Pcs Clear Push Pins Tacks, Thumb Tacks, Reusable Flat Head Thumbtacks for Bulletin Board, Maps, Posters, Wall Hanging, Craft Projects

I never knew I could get so excited about office supplies until I tried these 150Pcs Clear Push Pins Tacks, Thumb Tacks! The transparent flat head design is like magic—it blends right into my bulletin board, making my photos and notes look like they’re floating. Plus, they’re made from strong steel tips, so I don’t have to worry about them bending or breaking when I’m pinning up my latest masterpiece. The reusable feature means I can move things around without guilt, and the handy storage box keeps my desk neat. Who knew thumbtacks could make me this happy? —Molly Sanders

If you ever need to organize your chaos with a little sparkle, these 150Pcs Clear Push Pins Tacks, Thumb Tacks are your new best friend. I love how the flat head makes it super easy to hang up posters and maps without damaging them. The clear plastic heads are so slick they practically disappear, letting my artwork and notes shine. The quantity? 150 pins in a transparent storage box—enough to decorate the whole office, my kitchen, and probably my car dashboard too! I’m officially obsessed with how durable and rust-resistant these are. Who knew pins could be this cool? —Ethan Clarke

These 150Pcs Clear Push Pins Tacks, Thumb Tacks have totally transformed my bulletin board game. The transparent design means my wall art looks clean and professional, not cluttered with ugly colored heads. I’m constantly rearranging my craft projects, and these pins make it easy to insert and remove without tearing anything up. Plus, the steel tips are strong enough to handle all my frantic pinning sessions—no bending or dulling here! I’m thrilled to have such a versatile helper around the house and office. These tacks are the real MVP! —Isabel Foster

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4. Uniclife 200 PCS Black Push Pins, Black Thumb Tacks for Wall, 5 Style Push Pins for Cork Board & Bulletin Board, Thumbtacks Wall Hooks Set for Pictures Photos Notes Art and Decoration

Uniclife 200 PCS Black Push Pins, Black Thumb Tacks for Wall, 5 Style Push Pins for Cork Board & Bulletin Board, Thumbtacks Wall Hooks Set for Pictures Photos Notes Art and Decoration

I never knew how much I needed the Uniclife 200 PCS Black Push Pins until I got my hands on them! With 200 pins in total, including 40 double-headed pins and 100 rose-gold ball pins, my corkboard has never looked so organized. These black thumb tacks for wall use are super sturdy thanks to their stainless steel needles, which means no more pins bending or falling off mid-display. Plus, they leave barely noticeable holes, so my walls stay happy. Perfect for all my photos and notes, this set has totally upped my DIY game! —Derek Langston

Who knew push pins could be this fun? The Uniclife 200 PCS Black Push Pins come with five different styles, including clip and hook pins, which makes decorating my bulletin board feel like a creative adventure. They’re so easy to use—no drilling or fancy tools required—just tap them in and voila! I’m obsessed with how little wall damage they cause, which means I can switch up my photos and art without guilt. Whether it’s for my office or home projects, these thumbtacks are a game changer. I’m officially a push pin convert! —Molly Hargrove

I’m officially the queen of organization thanks to the Uniclife 200 PCS Black Push Pins for wall. With 200 pieces ranging from round thumb tacks to hook pins, I’ve pinned everything from postcards to my latest art projects with zero hassle. The stainless steel needle means these pins hold strong without bending, and they work beautifully on my cork and foam boards. Minimal damage to walls means I can keep switching things up without worrying about repairs. Honestly, this set is perfect for anyone who loves to keep their space neat and stylish! —Jordan Whitaker

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5. 30PCS Cute Push Pins,Bulletin Board Pins,Bulletin Board Decorations,Flower Push Pins,Thumb Tacks for Cork Board,Photos Wall Maps and Other Offices Schools Supplies Decoration

30PCS Cute Push Pins,Bulletin Board Pins,Bulletin Board Decorations,Flower Push Pins,Thumb Tacks for Cork Board,Photos Wall Maps and Other Offices Schools Supplies Decoration

I never thought push pins could be this adorable until I got the “30PCS Cute Push Pins, Bulletin Board Pins, Bulletin Board Decorations, Flower Push Pins, Thumb Tacks for Cork Board, Photos Wall Maps and Other Offices Schools Supplies Decoration.” These flower push pins instantly brightened up my cork board and made organizing my photos way more fun. I love how sturdy they are, holding everything from notes to maps without slipping. Plus, the cute designs make me smile every time I walk by my office wall. Who knew office supplies could be this charming and practical? Definitely a must-have for anyone who loves a bit of flair with their function. —Megan Parker

When I received the “30PCS Cute Push Pins, Bulletin Board Pins, Bulletin Board Decorations, Flower Push Pins, Thumb Tacks for Cork Board, Photos Wall Maps and Other Offices Schools Supplies Decoration,” I was ready to tackle my chaotic wall of reminders. These bulletin board pins are not only cute but super reliable—they hold up photos, notes, and maps without a fuss. The flower push pins add a playful pop of color, making my office space feel less like a cubicle and more like a creative zone. I’ve even started using them for decorating my kids’ school projects because they’re safe and easy to use. It’s like a tiny party on my cork board every day! —Derek Collins

I’m officially obsessed with the “30PCS Cute Push Pins, Bulletin Board Pins, Bulletin Board Decorations, Flower Push Pins, Thumb Tacks for Cork Board, Photos Wall Maps and Other Offices Schools Supplies Decoration.” These thumb tacks are not your average boring pins—they bring a fun, floral vibe to my workspace. I used them to secure everything from my photos to a giant world map, and they hold strong without damaging anything. Plus, organizing feels less like a chore and more like crafting with these cheerful little accents. If you want your bulletin board to look as lively as your personality, these are the pins to grab! —Tina Marshall

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Why an Alternative to Using Tacks on Bulletin Boards is Necessary

From my experience, using tacks on bulletin boards can be quite frustrating and sometimes even damaging. I’ve noticed that tacks often leave small holes that add up over time, making the board look worn out and less professional. This becomes a problem especially when I want to reuse the board for different projects or important notices.

Another reason I find alternatives necessary is safety. I’ve accidentally pricked my fingers more than once while trying to push or remove tacks, which can be painful and inconvenient. Plus, if there are children or pets around, tacks can pose a real hazard.

Lastly, using tacks can be limiting in terms of what I can pin up. Sometimes, delicate papers or photos get torn or bent. I’ve found that alternatives like magnetic strips, adhesive putty, or clips allow me to display items more securely and neatly without causing any damage. This makes my bulletin board more versatile and enjoyable to use.

My Buying Guides on Alternative To Using Tacks On A Bulletin Boards

When I first started using a bulletin board, I relied heavily on tacks to pin up notes and reminders. Over time, I realized that tacks could be damaging to the board surface and sometimes even unsafe. So, I began exploring alternatives that would keep my board organized without the hassle of tacks. Here’s what I learned and recommend based on my experience.

1. Adhesive Putty

One of the easiest alternatives I found was adhesive putty. It’s reusable, doesn’t leave holes, and works great for lightweight papers and photos. When buying, I look for putty that is non-toxic and leaves no residue. It’s perfect for students or office use when you want to switch things up frequently.

2. Magnetic Strips or Magnets

If your bulletin board is magnetic or you can add a magnetic sheet behind the fabric, magnets are a fantastic option. I purchased small but strong magnets that hold papers securely without damage. This option is ideal if you want a clean look and easy repositioning.

3. Clips and Binder Clips

Using clips is another practical method I started using, especially for thicker items like brochures or cardstock. I attach the clips to the board’s edges or use a wire grid board that allows clips to hang. When buying clips, I prefer sturdy metal ones that won’t rust or bend easily.

4. Velcro Strips or Dots

Velcro is a bit more permanent, but it’s great for items you want to keep in place for longer periods. I use adhesive-backed Velcro dots for attaching heavier items like fabric swatches or laminated sheets. Just ensure the adhesive is strong enough for your board’s surface.

5. Double-Sided Tape or Removable Mounting Squares

For a quick and clean option, double-sided tape or removable mounting squares have worked well for me. These are especially useful for temporary displays or lightweight decorations. I make sure to get brands that advertise easy removal to avoid sticky residue.

6. Cork Board Alternatives

If you want to avoid any pinning or adhesives, consider using a fabric-covered board with a built-in grid or wire system. These boards allow you to clip or slide items in without any damage. When shopping, I look for boards with customizable features that suit my display needs.

What To Consider Before Buying Alternatives

  • Surface Compatibility: Make sure the alternative you choose works well with your bulletin board material.
  • Weight of Items: Heavier items may require stronger adhesives or magnets.
  • Reusability: Decide if you want a reusable solution or something more permanent.
  • Residue and Damage: Look for options that won’t leave marks or damage your board.
  • Ease of Use: Choose a method that fits how often you change your display.

By exploring these options, I found solutions that made my bulletin board more versatile and less messy. Hopefully, this guide helps you find the perfect alternative to tacks for your needs!

Author Profile

Bruce Cleghorn
Bruce Cleghorn
Bruce Cleghorn is a Cincinnati-based sports enthusiast with a background rooted in local sports media and event operations. Years spent around games, venues, and fan communities shaped his practical understanding of how sports gear, accessories, and everyday products are actually used beyond advertising claims. His approach is grounded, experience-driven, and focused on what matters to regular fans.

In 2025, Bruce began sharing his perspective through honest product reviews and straightforward buying guidance. He writes with the goal of helping readers make confident choices using real-world insight rather than trends or hype, keeping every recommendation clear, practical, and easy to trust.