ᐅ Ikea BESTA – how can I equip the doors with magnetic catches?
Created on: 17 Apr 2016 09:17
J
Jedennis
Hello everyone,
I am currently planning to upgrade my Ikea Besta cabinets with new doors, and I want to install magnetic catches to ensure the doors close securely and quietly. I am wondering which type of magnetic catches work best, the best way to install them, and what technical and practical aspects to consider to guarantee long-lasting performance.
Does anyone have experience with magnetic catches specifically for BESTA fronts? How do they work best in combination with the often pre-installed, but sometimes not entirely satisfactory hinges?
I would appreciate tips on selecting the right magnets, positioning them on the doors and the cabinet frame, as well as recommendations for tools and any necessary preparation work.
Thanks in advance!
I am currently planning to upgrade my Ikea Besta cabinets with new doors, and I want to install magnetic catches to ensure the doors close securely and quietly. I am wondering which type of magnetic catches work best, the best way to install them, and what technical and practical aspects to consider to guarantee long-lasting performance.
Does anyone have experience with magnetic catches specifically for BESTA fronts? How do they work best in combination with the often pre-installed, but sometimes not entirely satisfactory hinges?
I would appreciate tips on selecting the right magnets, positioning them on the doors and the cabinet frame, as well as recommendations for tools and any necessary preparation work.
Thanks in advance!
Hello!
Regarding magnetic catches for Ikea Besta units, there are a few important points to consider:
- Type of door: Whether you are aiming for a self-closing function through the magnet or simply a secure closure.
- Installation: Most cabinets are made of MDF or particleboard. So be careful when drilling or gluing!
- Magnetic strength: Too weak magnets won't hold, while too strong ones make opening difficult.
I personally use magnets with a holding force of about 4–5 kg (9–11 lbs), especially when the doors are not too heavy.
If you like, I can also describe my exact approach.
Regarding magnetic catches for Ikea Besta units, there are a few important points to consider:
- Type of door: Whether you are aiming for a self-closing function through the magnet or simply a secure closure.
- Installation: Most cabinets are made of MDF or particleboard. So be careful when drilling or gluing!
- Magnetic strength: Too weak magnets won't hold, while too strong ones make opening difficult.
I personally use magnets with a holding force of about 4–5 kg (9–11 lbs), especially when the doors are not too heavy.
If you like, I can also describe my exact approach.
Franklin36 schrieb:
One important tip: When combined with IKEA hinges, you should check whether the magnetic lock interferes with the hinge mechanism, as these often have their own weak damping.I find this helpful. I am actually considering whether to add to the hinge mechanism or possibly replace it with soft-close hinges. The topic is quite complex.
TuLevi schrieb:
Maybe you could install some kind of guide rail or small guide inserts that gently direct the door into the correct position when closing?The idea of a guide sounds good. Are there specific accessories for this? Or could you make something yourself – perhaps using small plastic profiles?
I want to change the appearance as little as possible, but it needs to be practical.
Jedennis schrieb:
I am actually considering whether to add a hinge mechanism or possibly replace it with a soft-close device.You should carefully weigh this. Soft-close devices have their own mechanisms that can interfere with magnets.
The magnet usually provides the closing force, while the soft-close damps the movement. Combining both often requires fine-tuning.
I recommend clearly defining the primary goal: either soft closing or firm closing, not trying to achieve both.
Good morning,
Regarding guidance: There are actually small plastic guides that can be mounted discreetly, such as brackets or clips used in furniture construction. These ensure that the doors lock into the correct position with a slight guidance.
Alternatively, it is possible to attach narrow rubber or silicone strips to the edges of the cabinet body, which provide gentle guidance while also serving as a buffer.
When the magnet and hinge are properly adjusted, this works very well.
Regarding guidance: There are actually small plastic guides that can be mounted discreetly, such as brackets or clips used in furniture construction. These ensure that the doors lock into the correct position with a slight guidance.
Alternatively, it is possible to attach narrow rubber or silicone strips to the edges of the cabinet body, which provide gentle guidance while also serving as a buffer.
When the magnet and hinge are properly adjusted, this works very well.
What I have always done is embed small magnets into recesses so that they sit flush without any gaps.
This looks really great visually, but it does require a bit more tooling to plane or mill the recess.
Always recommended if you enjoy DIY and want a completely seamless surface appearance.
This looks really great visually, but it does require a bit more tooling to plane or mill the recess.
Always recommended if you enjoy DIY and want a completely seamless surface appearance.
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