We’ve all had that one cabinet door that wouldn’t stay shut. Maybe the hinges were on an angle or maybe the cabinet itself was unlevel. Regardless of the reason, the door was a constant hazard for bumping your head or knee as you moved around the kitchen. Modern cabinet fixtures have a solution to this problem: Magnets. So even if you make the rash decision to install the cabinet on the ceiling, there’s no chance of the door opening on its own. 

Magnets in the Kitchen

The general concept is rather simple: A magnet is attached inside the cabinet door, and another is placed right inside the cabinet, flush against the edge. When the two magnets come close, they attract each other, snapping the cabinet closed with a satisfying Click! In the simplest designs, these latches will use countersink magnets. This allows users to drill through the magnet so the top of the screw sits flush with the face of the magnet. In some cases, these can be installed inside the wood so they don’t protrude at all. However they’re installed, the magnets attract each other to ensure the door remains shut. Countersink Magnet

An example of a countersink magnet.

Other designs are a bit more intricate, with a larger catch. This allows users to install the catch on top of the bottom cabinet shelf, instead of along the cabinet face. The catch is often a thin, box-like item with a magnet protruding from the face. A user will then install a magnetic plate on the inside of the door so that when it closes, the plate and catch meet. The idea is the same as the countersunk magnet design: Two magnets attract to keep the door closed.

Other Useful Locations

Both designs are also useful in other high-traffic areas, like inside filing cabinets or lockers. Magnets ensure the doors won’t open when the housing is jostled, and also makes the door easier to close with a simple nudge. In some cases, the magnetic design isn’t as important. For example, if you’re working with a ferromagnetic filing cabinet, you won’t necessarily need to use a countersunk magnet because you won’t need to do any drilling. Instead, you’ll only need a magnet or two to help keep the cabinet closed. Just as magnets as useful for keeping doors closed, they’re also useful for keeping doors open. By replacing your door stops with magnets, you can keep your doors from blowing shut in the wind. The design is equally simple: Screw one magnet to the wall and another to the door. When the door’s open all the way, it will “stick” to the wall until someone pulls them apart. Finally, some will use electromagnets to keep their doors locked when not in use.

How Apex Magnets Can Help

Need to make your own magnetic latches? Apex Magnets offers a wide range of magnets, including countersink magnets, which can be used for keeping cabinet doors closed. Contact us if you have any questions!