as with the first notch 22 second notch 44 and third notch 48 the grooves are a specific distance from the opposing can facing surface such that the bail is held in tension and the holding device is restrained between the bail on one side and the outside surface of the container 18 the protrusions 82 or grooves prevent the axis of the can from rotating relative to the first can facing surface 24 other features on the holding device can include additional handle features these include but are not limited to holes can opener notch 110 slots 112 114 fig6 and protruding arms the device 20 can also include other useful features such as loops or a catch surface 106 that can be used for hanging the device on a ladder either by a rung using the handle portion 30 or by inserting the ladder side rail into the handle in the preferred embodiment the device is pivoted in relation to the can and then hooked around ladder side rail from the rear or underside once the device comes to rest on a rung the handle is compressed against the interior of the side rail by gravity acting on the container on a standard gallon can 10 a secure attachment to the ladder occurs when the container 16 is adjacent to the ladder and disposed at a slight angle toward the painter this provides a painter with a better view of the contents of the can 10 since the device pivots both left and right it can be attached on either side of the ladder as the painter chooses optionally a magnet 90 can be attached to the handle of the device.