How to install magnetic cabinet catches

That is why you have locks to drawers , and, to a greater extent, you have a safe in your home. We need some cabinets securely closed, especially if we are protecting it from things inside falling out or from insects getting in. The solution to that is relatively simple if you know how to install magnetic cabinet latch in your home. These handy magnetic latches are an affordable option for keeping cabinets tightly closed and secure.

Cabinets usually use two different types of latches. And the term latch is often used alternatively with a catch because of its mechanism. A magnetic cabinet latch differs from a roller spring catch in certain ways. Now that we have these differences in place, it is to realize why you would want to know how to install magnetic cabinet latch in place of a regular spring latch: A magnetic latch offers more security.

Here are the DIY steps for your magnetic cabinet latch installation:. There are other good reasons why a magnetic cabinet latch is practical:. Drill pilot holes at the pencil marks. Screw the magnetic base to the shelf with a screwdriver. Do not use a drill with a screwdriver bit, as you risk stripping the screws out of the wood.

Place the striker against the inside of the cabinet door, and position it so it is directly across from the magnet when the door is closed. Drill a pilot hole in the door using the screw hole in the striker as a guide. Screw the striker to the door using the supplied countersunk screw. A touch latch also has a magnet to hold the door in place when it is closed. A magnetic catch is similar to the touch latch, except it has no spring.

What is a magnetic door catch? The Precision Concealed Magnetic Door catch is recessed into the head jamb and the top edge of the door on the strike side. While the catch works as is, additional metal plates can be added to the catch.

Therefore, the catch can accommodate heavier doors. What is a magnetic door lock? An electromagnetic lock, magnetic lock, or maglock is a locking device that consists of an electromagnet and an armature plate. Typically the electromagnet portion of the lock is attached to the door frame and a mating armature plate is attached to the door. The two components are in contact when the door is closed.

Roller catch. The roller catch is similar to the Bales catch except that a roller is used instead of a ball. The roller normally has a slot in it which allows adjustment of how far the roller protrudes from the flange.

When the magnet is energized, it bonds to the armature and locks the door. To allow access or egress, a switch must be provided to de-energize the magnet. As the electric power activates the magnet, the bolt locks the door. To unlock the door, simply remove power. If the door has a knob or handle, push IN on the door firmly, then use the magnet to unlock the door. If the lock is in contact with the strike, it will not unlock with the magnet.

The strike should be adjusted to allow the lock to swing freely. Magnetic catches are a simple and effective way to hold cupboard doors in cabinets and enclosures closed.

The catch consists of a magnet or series of magnets within a casing which is fixed to the cabinet door. When the door is closed, in the case of metallic cabinet, it is held closed by the magnet.

Easy for adults to use but difficult for children. To open, simply lift the hook outwards to release the latch.