DIY Security Systems/How-To Guides
Not everything in your home is meant to be easily accessible. That is why you have locks to drawers, and, to a greater extent, you have a safe in your home. But this level of security isn’t what you always need. We need some cabinets securely closed, especially if we are protecting it from things inside falling out or from insects getting in. The solution to that is relatively simple if you know how to install magnetic cabinet latch in your home. These handy magnetic latches are an affordable option for keeping cabinets tightly closed and secure.
Types of Cabinet Latch
Cabinets usually use two different types of latches. And the term latch is often used alternatively with a catch because of its mechanism. A magnetic cabinet latch differs from a roller spring catch in certain ways.
- A roller spring latch is a traditional style you see in cabinets. It has the following features:
- It allows for a smooth, close, and open mechanism.
- You can worry less about damaging the wood because of the smooth open and close mechanism.
- This style requires a firm door close because the spring in the latch rebounds and, in effect, leaves your cabinet slightly open.
- A magnetic cabinet latch is a hardware that you see on the inside of your cabinet. This is not the default setup of cabinet doors, which is why we will be learning how to install magnetic cabinet latch later. The magnetic latch has the following features:
- The magnetic mechanism allows your door to close automatically at a certain point. This means you don’t need to close a cabinet door with a magnetic latch forcefully.
- In the event you close it with force, it could cause damage to your cabinet. The magnetic mechanism is not as shock absorbing as a spring latch.
7 Simple Steps on How To Install Magnetic Cabinet Latch
Now that we have these differences in place, it is to realize why you would want to know how to install magnetic cabinet latch in place of a regular spring latch: A magnetic latch offers more security. Here are the DIY steps for your magnetic cabinet latch installation:
- Prepare the equipment. Here are some of the things you need to prepare before you start installation:
- Measuring Tape
- Electric Drill
- Pencil
- Screwdriver
- Drill bits
- Prepare the two components of your magnetic latch.
- Floating magnetic base – this is for the bottom cabinet
- Steel striker plate – this is placed inside the cabinet
- Position the magnetic base on the lower cabinet area.After aligning the magnetic base to the front edge of your lower cabinet shelf, mark the mounting holes with a pencil.
NOTE: Be meticulous when you mark the mounting holes for proper alignment during installation
- Start drilling pilot holes on your pencil marks. Manufacturers offer different drill bit sizes, but for this installation, the diameter is small.
NOTE: Be careful when drilling the holes, so you don’t drill through the wood.
- Screw-in the magnetic base with your screwdriver. We don’t use a drill with a screw bit during this step to prevent you from scraping the screws from the wood. We need to use our hands to do this step.
- Position the steel striker plate against the inside of your cabinet. It must be placed directly across your magnet upon the door closing.
- Drill a hole for your steel striker plate. The striker plate has a screw hole. Use this hole as a guide for drilling the hole. You can now screw in the striker to the inside of your cabinet. You can now close the door to check on the magnetic mechanism.
NOTE: If the force needed to open the door is weak, you can readjust by loosening the screws, sliding the magnet base forward, and then tightening the screws again.
Now that you know how to install magnetic cabinet latch, you should be a step closer to achieving the security you need for your cabinet doors at home.
Other Reasons For Using A Magnetic Cabinet Latch
There are other good reasons why a magnetic cabinet latch is practical:
- Old Homes And RVs – In some old homes and RV’s, cabinet doors are no longer aligned. Magnetic latches help keep these doors in place, especially when you choose to store certain valuables inside.
- Warped cabinet doors – Warped doors are a result of environmental changes. When your cabinet doors are exposed to imbalanced moisture, the doors start to warp. A magnetic cabinet latch is recommended for these types of doors, especially since they can no longer close properly anymore.
- Child-proof cabinet doors – Children cannot avoid being curious. And if we want to keep certain things inside a cabinet safe from children, the magnetic cabinet latch can help. This is not to be treated, however, as a substitute for true safety latches.
The prices of magnetic cabinet latches are generally affordable as well. Some can be as cheap as $4.00, while more heavy-duty magnetic latches can cost more than $40.00. This price range allows flexibility for the DIY user, such as yourself. Here’s how to learn more about Cabinet Latches.
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Conclusion
Our security needs in the home vary. Some items need more security than others. And although securing cabinet doors is not a pressing need for some, we can save a lot of unnecessary incidents if we know how to install magnetic cabinet latch for doors that refuse to close fully. It’s affordable, safe, and easy to maintain. Our security needs in the house can change anytime, which is why it is always best to be prepared.