What is a Magnetic Catch? Function and Holding Force Explained

April 6, 2026

A magnetic catch is a magnetic furniture catch that keeps cabinet doors or flaps securely closed without mechanical latching. It consists of a magnet housing on the cabinet carcass and a metallic strike plate on the door. The holding force is usually specified in kilograms, ranging from 2 kg for lightweight furniture doors to over 10 kg for heavy front panels.

What exactly is a magnetic catch and how does it work?

The magnetic catch is a classic piece of hardware in cabinet making. In contrast to mechanical snap catches, it functions entirely without moving bolts or springs. Retention is achieved purely through magnetic attraction.

The system always consists of two components: the actual magnet, which is enclosed in a plastic or metal housing, and the strike plate (also referred to as a counter plate). When the door is closed, the metallic strike plate meets the magnet. The magnetism acts like an invisible anchor, keeping the door flush against the carcass until it is opened again by manual pulling force.

Design types and variants

Depending on the requirements in furniture construction, different designs are used:

Housing material: Standard models feature a plastic housing. For higher loads or enhanced visual appeal, magnetic catches made of metal (frequently die-cast zinc) are used.
Colour options: To integrate the fitting discreetly into the furniture design, housings are available in white, brown, or as a black magnetic catch.
Mounting type: Most models are screw-fixed. However, there are also press-fit variants for pre-drilled holes or self-adhesive versions for lightweight applications (e.g. on glass display cabinets).
Distinction from the push-to-open function: A classic magnetic catch merely holds the door shut. To open the door, a furniture handle or a furniture knob is required. This must not be confused with a magnetic push catch (tip-on), which features an integrated spring that actively pushes the door open upon pressure.

Dimensions, holding force and technical specifications

When selecting the right catch, two technical parameters are decisive:

Holding force: It defines the resistance that must be overcome when opening.

Lightweight furniture doors (e.g. bathroom cabinets): 2 kg - 4 kg
Medium cabinet doors (e.g. wardrobes): 4 kg - 6 kg
Heavy doors or balcony doors: 10 kg - 12 kg

Hole spacing: For efficient manufacturing, many screw-on magnetic catches are standardised to System 32 and feature a drilling distance of 32 mm.

Installation: aligning magnetic catches correctly

Installation is typically carried out using wood screws and furniture screws (usually countersunk screws with a PZ or TX drive, diameter 3 mm or 3.5 mm).

Positioning: The catch is mounted on the handle side of the carcass – either at the top or bottom, as far away from the hinges as possible to maximise the leverage effect during closing.
Alignment: The housing usually features slotted holes. These allow for depth adjustment of 1.5 mm - 3 mm. The magnet must be adjusted so that the door finishes precisely flush with the front edge of the carcass when closed.
Strike plate: The strike plate is fixed to the inside of the door. Important: the plate must rest flat and flush against the magnet, as holding force decreases drastically if contact is made at an angle.

Note for fitters: A warped carcass can cause the door to not rest flat against the magnet. In such cases, the furniture feet should first be levelled precisely with a spirit level and the furniture connectors retightened.

Application and selection

Magnetic catches are used wherever cabinet doors do not have a closing spring in the hinge and are not locked by a furniture cylinder lock. They are ideal for lightweight flaps, mirrored cabinets, campervan furniture, or as a retrofit solution for older cupboards whose doors swing open by themselves. To acoustically cushion the hard impact of the strike plate against the magnet, the system can additionally be combined with a door damper.