ᐅ Kallax doors close magnetically – where to buy magnets?

Created on: 21 Jul 2016 08:23
J
jegubi
J
jegubi
21 Jul 2016 08:23
Hello everyone,

I recently bought a Kallax shelving unit from IKEA and now want to add matching doors. I noticed that IKEA doors close magnetically, which I find very practical to prevent them from shifting.

My question is: Where can I buy suitable magnets to retrofit these Kallax doors?

I am specifically looking for small but strong magnets that can be neatly installed in the frame or on the doors without being visible or affecting the appearance. Are there particular types or brands you would recommend? And is neodymium more suitable, or would another type of magnet work better?

I would appreciate tips on where to find them (e.g., online stores, hardware stores, specialized suppliers) as well as advice on how to attach the magnets optimally so that the doors close reliably and quietly.

Thanks in advance for your help!
N
NICOLELIS
21 Jul 2016 09:47
Hello,

for Kallax doors, I recommend neodymium magnets, which are strong and small. You can often find them on Amazon or eBay.

Make sure to choose magnets with a holding force of at least 2-3 kg (4.4-6.6 lbs). Small self-adhesive disc magnets or those with a hole for screwing are suitable for mounting.

For hardware stores, OBI or Hornbach might be worth a try.
R
rotofra
21 Jul 2016 14:56
Hello jegubi,

to answer your question in detail, here is a brief guide on magnets and Kallax doors:

1. Magnet Selection:
Neodymium magnets are the best choice due to their strong holding power. Look for an appropriate size, for example, small disc magnets around 10 mm (0.4 inches) in diameter and 2-3 mm (0.08-0.12 inches) thick.

2. Sources:
- Online: Amazon, eBay, specialized stores like Conrad, Pollin, or Magnet-Shop.de
- In-store: Hardware stores such as Bauhaus, OBI, Hornbach – availability varies

3. Attachment:
- Magnets can be mounted with adhesive backing or fixed with small screws.
- Make sure to clean the surface thoroughly before applying adhesive.
- If the doors are wooden, you can rout a small recess so the magnets sit flush.

4. Installation Tips:
- Test the holding power first with a sample magnet.
- Position magnets where they are visually unobtrusive but still ensure reliable closing.
- Be careful with very strong magnets – pinching fingers can be painful!

Conclusion: For a sturdy and neat solution, neodymium disc magnets are inexpensive and easy to find online. Installation is usually straightforward.

If you need more details, I’m happy to help.
V
vinpau
22 Jul 2016 11:12
Wow, it’s really clever that you want to close the shelf magnetically! 🙂

I ordered similar magnets myself from Amazon – absolutely top quality, and the doors close perfectly!
rotofra schrieb:
Make sure to clean the surface thoroughly before gluing.

That’s excellent advice! If the surface isn’t clean, the magnet won’t hold properly, and then the whole thing loses its charm.

In case you’re looking for a shop: I ordered from ‘SuperMagnete.de’, they have a wide selection. Their support is great if you have any questions.

Good luck – you’ll see, the Kallax shelf will look even more elegant, and the doors will be a pleasure to use! 🙂
R
risar
23 Jul 2016 16:05
Hello jegubi,

I’d like to add a few supplementary tips that are often overlooked.
jegubi schrieb:
I’m especially looking for small but strong magnets that can be neatly attached to the frame or doors without being visible or spoiling the appearance.

Here’s a tip: If you want to keep the magnets out of sight, consider using cylindrical magnets with countersunk holes, which you can embed into a small routed groove in the wood. This way, they are completely invisible yet work perfectly.

Also, think carefully about the holding force: magnets that are too strong can make frequently opening the doors unpleasant, while ones that are too weak won't hold well. For a Kallax unit, I recommend a holding force of about 1.5 to 2.5 kilograms (3.3 to 5.5 pounds), depending on the size of your doors.

Furthermore, check if your doors already have wooden edges where you can attach the magnets. If the doors are painted or coated, it’s best to use high-quality, waterproof adhesives, otherwise the magnets might come loose over time.

If you choose neodymium magnets, please consider safety: these magnets are very strong and can cause skin pinching injuries if handled improperly. Always work with caution!

If you like, I can also share manufacturers and links so you can order directly.

Best regards