ᐅ Experiences with alternative magnetic catches for KALLAX doors?

Hello everyone,

I am currently facing the challenge of retrofitting the doors of my IKEA Kallax shelving unit with alternative magnetic catches. So far, I have been using the original magnetic catches, but I’m not entirely satisfied with their durability and magnetic strength. Sometimes the doors don’t close properly or require a lot of force to open. Therefore, I am looking for recommendations or experiences with other magnetic catches that work well for KALLEX doors – I am especially interested in models that offer better grip, are easy to install, and integrate well visually. Perhaps someone also has tips on what to watch out for during installation or even DIY solutions?

I look forward to your feedback and thank you in advance!

I have been using these small neodymium magnets for about a year now in combination with thin metal plates that I attached to the door and frame. They provide better adhesion than the standard ones, hold reliably, and were very easy to install.

COLEBAR schrieb:
I have been using these small neodymium magnets together with thin metal plates for about a year now,

That’s a good initial approach, but the challenge with KALLAX doors often lies in the precise positioning of the magnets, since the material is quite thin and this can easily lead to door warping. My recommendation is to choose the appropriate magnet strength—not too weak so the door holds securely, but also not too strong as it can strain the hinge mechanism.

I have tried a version where the magnets were recessed inside a small wooden piece attached to the inner side of the door. This creates a flush appearance and avoids unsightly metal plates on the outside. It is important to measure the distance very carefully with a ruler before drilling or screwing. What door material thickness do you have exactly? Have you checked if the door might warp slightly due to the magnetic force?

Also, installing the counterpart holders should not be underestimated—sometimes they rub against the surface with magnets that are too strong, which can damage the painted cabinet frame. If you want, I can also share a list of recommended neodymium magnets as well as suppliers that offer good holding power at a reasonable price.

I have had good experiences with self-adhesive magnetic strips. Installation is very easy, and they work well enough for lightweight doors. No drilling needed, yet they hold firmly.

Hello,

Regarding alternative magnetic catches for KALLAX doors, I have prepared a brief guide that can help you find the right solution and avoid installation mistakes:

1. Choose the material: For KALLAX doors, using flat neodymium magnets with a strength between N35 and N52 is recommended. This option often provides significantly higher holding force.

2. Positioning: When mounting, make sure to place the magnet so the door does not pull unevenly. A diagram showing the exact distance between the magnet and the metal plate can be helpful.

3. Mounting method: You can either glue the magnets directly or use small countersunk holes to recess the magnets flush with the door surface. Countersinking prevents bulging of the door panel.

4. Surface protection: Use felt pads or thin plastic washers as spacers to prevent the magnet plates from damaging the finish when the door is closed.

5. Test before final installation: First, check the holding force with a simple test setup (for example, using double-sided tape) to estimate the right magnet strength.

_Note_: The KALLAX material has a coating and is quite thin, so using too large a drill diameter can reduce its stability.

I hope these tips help you—feel free to ask if you have any further questions!

tiziano1 schrieb:
The doors sometimes don’t close properly or only open with a lot of force

I know that feeling well; I had the same issue with my cabinet. It can be really frustrating when doors stick or don’t close correctly. I ended up replacing the magnets with stronger ones, which helped, but at first, I wasn’t sure if I might damage something.

If you want, I can tell you exactly how I did it and what I learned during the installation. Sometimes it’s small things — for example, not placing the magnets exactly in the center or needing to adjust the doors a bit.

Don’t stress, it’s not as simple as it looks at first, but with patience, it works out. 🙂