Hello everyone, I want to equip my Ikea Pax wardrobe doors with magnetic catches because the original latches are not very reliable and the doors sometimes remain slightly ajar. My question is: which types of magnetic catches are best suited for Pax doors, and what is the easiest and safest way to install them without damaging the doors or the frame? I am especially looking for advice on the appropriate magnet strength, optimal positioning, and any useful tools or mounting materials. If anyone has already done a project like this, I would be very grateful for detailed tips or instructions.
I can answer the question about drilling and how to avoid damage well. For wooden doors, it is recommended to use a thin wood drill bit slightly smaller than the screw diameter, so the screw holds firmly. It is important to drill slowly and straight to prevent splintering.
For plexiglass doors, sharp drill bits are needed, ideally special plastic drill bits or a small twist drill bit. It helps to place tape over the drilling spot to reduce chipping. Also, drill at a low speed and avoid applying too much pressure.
Additionally, you can pre-drill and gently deburr the hole with fine sandpaper to prevent cracking. If screws are not desired, I usually recommend magnetic adhesive solutions – they are gentle and usually hold well enough.
What is your specific door material? Then I can help you more precisely.
For plexiglass doors, sharp drill bits are needed, ideally special plastic drill bits or a small twist drill bit. It helps to place tape over the drilling spot to reduce chipping. Also, drill at a low speed and avoid applying too much pressure.
Additionally, you can pre-drill and gently deburr the hole with fine sandpaper to prevent cracking. If screws are not desired, I usually recommend magnetic adhesive solutions – they are gentle and usually hold well enough.
What is your specific door material? Then I can help you more precisely.
klo61 schrieb:
What is the exact material of your door? Then I can help you more precisely.Most of my Pax doors are made from wood or MDF-coated panels. However, I also have two doors with Plexiglas fronts. For the wooden doors, I originally wanted to use screws, but I am concerned about possible cracks or splintering.
For the Plexiglas doors, I prefer to avoid screws, so I am leaning towards adhesive pads or mounting adhesive. Does anyone have experience with the durability of magnets on Plexiglas in a cabinet that is opened regularly?
Basically: For MDF or coated wood panel doors, screws with pre-drilling work very well, provided the drill bit has the correct diameter and you work carefully. Remove drilling dust immediately and finish gently.
For acrylic fronts, bonding is definitely the better option. I recommend high-quality double-sided tape (e.g., 3M VHB) or solvent-free assembly adhesive that does not cause chemical reactions with the plastic. Adhesion is very good if the surfaces are free of dust and grease.
Regarding durability: Magnetic catches on acrylic work well if the magnetic force remains stable and the magnets are not too strong—strong magnets can cause stress in the plastic over time, leading to cracks. Also, I recommend keeping the contact surfaces as smooth and even as possible.
A mounting tip: Before final fixing, position the parts temporarily with tape and perform several opening and closing cycles to find the optimal alignment.
For acrylic fronts, bonding is definitely the better option. I recommend high-quality double-sided tape (e.g., 3M VHB) or solvent-free assembly adhesive that does not cause chemical reactions with the plastic. Adhesion is very good if the surfaces are free of dust and grease.
Regarding durability: Magnetic catches on acrylic work well if the magnetic force remains stable and the magnets are not too strong—strong magnets can cause stress in the plastic over time, leading to cracks. Also, I recommend keeping the contact surfaces as smooth and even as possible.
A mounting tip: Before final fixing, position the parts temporarily with tape and perform several opening and closing cycles to find the optimal alignment.
It’s great to see so much expertise gathered here. I was also initially concerned about whether the acrylic glass doors would hold up. From my experience, the adhesive solution works very well in the long term, but as CHENFAR already mentioned, the magnets shouldn’t be oversized. Personally, I used thin neodymium magnets with adhesive tape, and they held well without any marks or cracks.
I was unsure at first and worried about the appearance, but with careful work and patience, it goes smoothly. A project like this takes some time, but the result is very satisfactory and preserves the doors to the greatest extent.
I was unsure at first and worried about the appearance, but with careful work and patience, it goes smoothly. A project like this takes some time, but the result is very satisfactory and preserves the doors to the greatest extent.
Aimee schrieb:
Magnetic fasteners on plexiglass: clean surface, 3M adhesive tape, and medium magnet strength. Not too strong, otherwise cracks may occur.There is nothing to add, especially regarding load cycles and material fatigue. Those who value durability should also position the magnets so they are not subjected to strong leverage or forces in everyday use, particularly at the edges.
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