Magnetic Catches: Definition, Holding Force & Function for Cabinet Doors

A magnetic catch is a magnetic furniture fitting that keeps cabinet doors and flaps closed without mechanical latches. It consists of a housing with an integrated permanent magnet and a metallic counterplate, with the closing action defined purely by the magnetic holding force in kilograms.

What exactly is a magnetic catch?

A magnetic catch serves as a simple and low-wear retaining device for furniture doors. The fundamental principle is straightforward: the main element with the magnet is mounted on the furniture carcass, whilst the corresponding counterplate is fixed to the inside of the door. This plate must be made from ferromagnetic steel and is usually nickel-plated or zinc-plated to protect against corrosion.

When the door approaches the carcass during closing, the magnetic field takes hold from a distance of a few millimetres like an invisible anchor and pulls the door flush against the carcass. Because no moving bolts, latches, or springs need to engage, the system operates almost silently and is extremely resistant to mechanical defects.

Types and Designs

Depending on the requirements in furniture construction and the desired appearance, different variants are used:

• Surface-mounted catches: The standard design with a plastic or metal housing. They are screwed directly onto the top panel, base panel, or side panel of the carcass.
• Drill-in catches: These cylindrical magnetic catches are pressed flush into a pre-drilled hole in the front edge of the carcass. This provides a concealed look when the door is open.
• Double catches: A wide design featuring two separate magnets within a single housing. This variant is designed for double-door cabinets without a centre partition.

Dimensions and Holding Force

The most crucial technical parameter when choosing a fitting is the holding force, which is typically specified in kilograms (kg). It must be matched to the weight and size of the door:

• For small, lightweight furniture doors (e.g. small bathroom cabinets or access panels), a holding force of 2 kg - 4 kg is sufficient.
• Medium-weight doors in wardrobes or kitchen runs require 4 kg - 6 kg.
• Heavy solid wood doors or special applications require heavy-duty magnetic catches with a holding force of 10 kg - 12 kg.

The fixing holes on surface-mounted housings often follow System 32 used in industrial furniture construction and frequently feature a hole spacing of 32 mm.

Installation and Alignment

Proper function depends on precise alignment. The magnetic surface and the counterplate must sit completely flat against each other when the door is closed. An air gap of just 1 mm drastically reduces the holding force.

1. Carcass mounting: The magnet housing is usually screwed in place using an elongated hole. This allows depth adjustment of a few millimetres to align the door front completely flush with the front edge of the carcass.
2. Door mounting: The counterplate is secured to the door using a small countersunk screw (typically 3 mm diameter). Wood screws with PZ or TX drives are generally used for fixing.
3. Fine adjustment: The counterplate should retain minimal play. If the screw is not tightened excessively, the plate can adapt flush and without tension against the magnet upon closing.

Application & Selection

A magnetic catch is primarily installed where furniture hinges without an integrated self-closing mechanism (unsprung) are used. For hinges with a strong spring, an additional magnet is generally unnecessary. The magnetic fitting also secures the defined end position for lightweight flap constructions or sliding doors.

If the holding effectiveness diminishes over time, this is almost never due to demagnetisation of the permanent magnet. Most often, the cabinet door has warped slightly, preventing the counterplate from making flush contact. Loosening and readjusting slightly via the elongated hole resolves the issue.

Related Terms

• Push-to-open: A mechanism for handleless fronts (tip-on). A push-to-open element often features a magnet as well, but combines it with a strong spring that ejects the door upon pressing. A standard magnetic catch merely holds the door shut and has no ejection function.
• Ball catch: A purely mechanical alternative in which a spring-loaded ball engages into a strike plate.
• Furniture damper: A hydraulic or pneumatic component that slows the closing speed of the door (soft-close). It has no active retaining function.