Climbing lizards display numerous advanced features in their locomotion, notably a method to quickly switch between a state of low and high adhesive force capacity. Inspired by the gecko's adhesive switching, a method of mechanically switching between low and high adhesive states is reported. In particular, the first switching of an adhesive system using only a change in system compliance is demonstrated. Mechanical clamping and a novel magnetic clamping system are used to switch an iron/PDMS composite adhesive between a soft and rigid state. The switch in compliance directly influences the maximum load of the adhesive as measured in lap-shear. Notably, contact area and the contact chemistry remain unaltered despite significant changes in force capacity. The demonstration of a compliance-only switching mechanism has broad implications for understanding natural adhesive systems-especially in organisms that can dynamically alter their rigidity (e. g. cells). (C) 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.