Magnetic catches

[nellist]

I have always had trouble with these,I have fitted some to a small bookcase door,with the usual problem.The catches are stong enough until attached to the door then they have a weak magnetic attraction.Has anyone got a foolproof way of attaching these please.

 

[Oryxdesign]

It is important that the screws you use to attach the plate are not proud of the plate, this reduces the attraction significantly. I don't use them much but when I do I fit the magnetic bit in the cabinet first, the I put the screws through the plate and attach to the magnet, shut the door onto the protruding screws and it will mark where you need to screw it on. Hope that helps Simon

 

[nellist]

cheers I'll give it a try

 

[toysandboats]

Hi,
I gave up with magnetic catches for the same reason. I now use these:

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/18069...hes/Latches/Double-Ball-Brass-42mm-Pack-of-10

Screwfix only do 10 at a time but I've nearly got through them all

regards
David Ward

 

[big soft moose]

my general approach ( and as i'm proncipally a turner i dont build furniture a lot - unless it is round - so bear with me if this is stoopid) is to get a pack of little round magnets from staples (about 3 quid for 10) - i then use a small forstner bit to cut rebates in both door and frame and glue the magnets in using cryanolate (being sure to get oposite poles upwards) these attract much better than normal mag catches - and you can even veneer over both mags for an invisible catch - tho it is worth using wider mags for higher adhesion if doing this.

 

[Oryxdesign]

my general approach ( and as i'm proncipally a turner i dont build furniture a lot - unless it is round - so bear with me if this is stoopid) is to get a pack of little round magnets from staples (about 3 quid for 10) - i then use a small forstner bit to cut rebates in both door and frame and glue the magnets in using cryanolate (being sure to get oposite poles upwards) these attract much better than normal mag catches - and you can even veneer over both mags for an invisible catch - tho it is worth using wider mags for higher adhesion if doing this.

Good idea

 

[nellist]

I've given up on the magnetics.got some of the ball catches from my local dealer.

 

[skipdiver]

Ball catches are better in my opinion and adjustable too.

 

[Aled Dafis]

I use rare earth magnets sunk into the lid and body of jewellery boxes in much the same way as big soft moose, and just as he warned, be very carefull as to which poles face each other - not that I'd ever make this mistake of course :roll: :roll: :roll:

Well actually I did make one box that stayed open by about 5mm, no matter what you did to it.