Rare Earth Magnetic cabinet closures – no more rollers! 13’ Scamp

[Shannon Thompson]

Swapped out all the roller closures in the Scamp with rare earth mags from Lee Valley. http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=58750&cat=1,42363,42348
Purchased the 3/8” mags, cups and washers. The cups increase the advertised strength a bit. The rollers had about 4lbs of pull strength; the magnets (single in cup) about 7lbs. For the large closet door used 2 (top and bottom) and increased the total strength to about 8.5lbs.
The cab doors are about ½” thick so instead of screwing the cup into the door, I used a forstner bit to drill out a recessed hole for the mag and cup and then glued in with epoxy and mated up with the countersunk washer on the cupboard frame that is held with a machine screw and nut on the backside. Glad to be rid of the rollers!

Shannon

[Pam Garlow]

Nice idea! I've had that project on my back burner for a while. Once I replace my doors with better ones, I want to use magentic closers like this.

[Francesca Knowles]

Good idea!

Those are pretty strong magnets, though- I wonder what would happen if I got near them with my hair full of bobby pins...

Francesca

[deryk]

Originally Posted by Francesca Knowles

Good idea!

Those are pretty strong magnets, though- I wonder what would happen if I got near them with my hair full of bobby pins...

Francesca

what bobby pins?

[Daniel A.]

I use magnets out of old hard drives almost as strong and free.

Takes a couple of minutes to remove them.

[Raz]

I have had mixed results. On small cabinets and my silverware draw, they seem to work well, but my closet was disappointing. Mass of the door and nothing in the cabinet pushing against the door has a lot to do with success. One problem is that unless something falls out I really don't know if the door stays closed or opens and closes back up. Raz

[Shannon Thompson]

Hi Raz, I too, worry about cupboards flying open while traveling and pack them accordingly. I think any large bump or too quick turn could throw them open. I always bungee the closet door shut, but usually do not for the rest. The magnets have increased the pull strength by 1.5x. A couple months ago while roaming this site, I came across a wickedly clever idea (sorry -- don't remember poster) and quickly stole...errrr.... "implemented" his idea. Here is my version: Did same for under the sink.

S.

[deryk]

lol nice!


deryk

[Raz]

Originally Posted by Shannon Thompson

A couple months ago while roaming this site, I came across a wickedly clever idea (sorry -- don't remember poster) and quickly stole...errrr.... "implemented" his idea. Here is my version: Did same for under the sink.

S.

Here perhaps?


http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...hes-56105.html

[greendragon]

Bar across the doors ect has been around as long as i can rember. im in my 50s and as a child my parents used this idea to keep doors shut while travling.

[Marinab]

I put struts in my cupboards...not even heavy objects fall out now.
Marina

[Joy A]

Originally Posted by Shannon Thompson

Hi Raz, I too, worry about cupboards flying open while traveling and pack them accordingly. I think any large bump or too quick turn could throw them open. I always bungee the closet door shut, but usually do not for the rest. The magnets have increased the pull strength by 1.5x. A couple months ago while roaming this site, I came across a wickedly clever idea (sorry -- don't remember poster) and quickly stole...errrr.... "implemented" his idea. Here is my version: Did same for under the sink.

S.

Shannon...it be me,
I didn't mention it but I put felt on the wooden cross bar where it touches the doors. Don't know if you thought to do that...

[Shannon Thompson]

Hey Joy -- it was you...great idea! And thanks for the reminder about adding felt to the backside of bar. The thought had wandered thru my brain that I need to do something to protect the door fronts but it had not yet reached the cells that instigate action. Having loads of fun adding little updates.
S.

[Joy A]

Hey Shannon,

I like yours doors been thinking about making some for my Scamp. I tend to think, think and re-think my mods so who knows if and when I'll do it.

Is that you in A3 across from me (A4) at Bullards?????