Abstract: A magnetic mounting apparatus has a base structure that includes a steel ball. A magnet is provided that has a peripheral exterior sidewall, a first face and a second face. The steel ball is secured to the first face of the magnet solely by magnetic attraction. A friction collar is provided that has an internal shoulder, a skirt section that extends in a first direction from the shoulder along the peripheral exterior sidewall of the magnet and terminates in a contact edge co-planar with the second face of the magnet and a bowl section extends in a second direction from the shoulder and surrounds the first face. The contact edge provides friction to dampen movement of the magnet along a surface of an object to which the second face of the magnet is secured. The bowl section provides friction to dampen movement of the steel ball.