Abstract: A system for holding an item comprises a magnetic item comprising one or more magnets and a universal base comprising a magnetically attractable surface and for removably coupling with the magnetic item. In some embodiments, a shape of the one or more magnets is selected from a set comprising a strip, a ball bearing and a disc. In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more magnets comprise one or more of a neodymium magnet and a ceramic magnet. In further embodiments, the magnetic item is a holder comprising an aperture for receiving an additional item. In some embodiments, the universal base removably couples with an additional article. In some embodiments, the magnetic item is a tape measure. In further embodiments, the magnetic item and the universal base comprise interlocking geometry.