When a cabinet door springs open, a stronger magnet may not solve the problem. The metal strike plate may miss the magnet face by a few millimeters because the hinge has shifted. Check the contact point and door alignment first.
QUICK STEPS
If you need the short version, try these steps first.
- Move fragile items away from the door.
- Check whether the door rubs the frame.
- Close slowly and watch the strike plate.
Before you continue, check these safety points.
- Keep small magnets away from children.
- Do not use a catch as a child-safety lock.
- Do not force oversized screws into damaged panels.
Watch where the plate meets the magnet
The catch only works when the metal plate touches the magnet closely and squarely. A sagging door can keep the two surfaces apart.
- Move fragile items away from the door.
- Check whether the door rubs the frame.
- Close slowly and watch the strike plate.
- Inspect screws, plate, and magnet housing.
- Tighten sound fasteners with the correct tool.
- Adjust the plate only if the model permits.
- Replace cracked parts with compatible enclosed hardware.
Fix a sagging hinge before shifting the catch
Uneven door gaps or rubbing corners suggest hinge misalignment. Do not keep driving larger screws into crumbling particleboard.
Strong loose magnets create a separate hazard
Loose small magnets can be swallowed by children. Use enclosed hardware and remember that a magnetic cabinet catch is not a child-safety lock for medicines or cleaners.
A magnetic catch is not a child-safety lock
Magnetic holding force is intended for normal door closure. If medicines or cleaners are inside, use a separate child-resistant latch and a safer storage location.
Before you call it done
- The door closes without rubbing.
- The plate fully meets the magnet.
- Hinges and screws are sound.
- No loose magnets remain.
- Hazardous items have separate child-safe storage.