Magnet questions, and how best to keep drawers closed...

[Kristofor]

I have a few questions about magnets that could be used as door/drawer catches.

1. Is there a table that lists standard attractive forces for magnets of a given composition/size? Maybe just a rule of thumb for a given diameter/thickness? (I'm obviously not googling for the right terms on this one)
2. What is considered a "standard" or desirable level of additional pull/resistance for a magnetically latched door/drawer (I know this will depend on the mass of the door/drawer involved and may need some tweaking, but should I start at 3% or 30% of the component I'm trying to control)
3. Are there any preferred suppliers or ones to stay away from at all cost? Both Rockler and Woodcraft have these locally, is there any real difference from one supplier to another? Anything heads and shoulders better online (cost or selection)?

And here's a little more background about what I'm trying to do, so maybe there's a better approach overall...

I am thinking of using ~24 small magnets to keep 12 drawers from sliding open when the case they're sitting in tilts slightly. The runners on these drawers have very little friction and no "bump" at the end to keep them closed. The net effect is that when one or two drawers are opened at the same time there is enough forward tilt of the case that the rest come sliding open. This was not a problem for my wife and me, but with the baby crawling and pulling things open this was a problem.

I have secured the units (hand-me-downs, fairly cheap flatpacks I'm sure) to the wall so the whole thing can't tip and crush the little guy, but there's enough give with the thick carpet and pad that drawers will still open on their own which is a nuisance and still potential safety hazard. The loads in the drawers are light (baby clothes/paraphernalia)

I considered trying to shorten the back slightly but this might look odd as the molding would then appear to be slanted.

I also considered trying to add leveling feet to slightly raise the front but a quick experiment with some washers seemed to concentrate the weight more so even with four "feet" the front didn't really sit any higher or depress less when the drawers were opened.

New homemade furniture with a more steady design would be great, but that's not in the cards in the near future. Any insight about the best approach in the meantime?

Thanks,
Kristofor.

[BobSch]

You might try regular cabinet magnets like http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?p...&filter=magnet or try this place http://www.magnetsource.com/Solution...UGSalnico.html for more choices.

[LarryG]

I've been getting my rare earth magnets from Lee Valley. At a glance their prices appear considerably cheaper than Rockler's; I didn't check Woodcraft. Note that they have a table that gives the strength of the various sizes, if that helps.

They offer a 50pc sampler pack for $13.50 that might be a good place for you to start your experiments. These little magnets are always handy to have around, especially in the shop, so you'll find other uses for them if they don't work for your drawer problem.

Also check their product index for related products like cups and washers.

[cabinetman]

There is a variety of magnets, and magnetic catches that can be used. There are also adjustable friction catches, and the kid proof locks that will prevent drawers from opening, and touch latches.
.

[poolhound]

for safetys sake, with a little one around is it possible to fix it to the wall so it wont go toppling over.

[Kristofor]

Thanks for the info guys.

Larry, those prices look to be about 80% cheaper than what I recall seeing locally, and I agree a variety of sizes makes experimenting easier. I'm placing an order now.

Poolhound, I have attached the units to the wall so they cannot tip over, but there was still enough flex/tilt that if 2 drawers are open, or one is opened and pushed down, the other 5 will come out too (albiet slower than before).

[JimD]

I also like the Leevalley magnets. I usually get the smallest size you can secure with a screw (the cup). I screw a cup on one side and a flat metal plate on the other and it holds pretty well (once you drop a magnet into the cup). They mount in holes of normal inch sizes so they are very easy to install (if you have some forstner bits). I have also mounted the pieces with epoxy - that is what I did with the micropositioner on my BT3100, for instance.

Jim

[jackellis]

We've developed a strategy that works well with cats and earthquakes. On bottom cabinet doors, we use child-proof latches. They're inexpensive and practically adult-proof too. Those doors stayed closed during the '89 earthquake out here.

For upper cabinets, we use touch latches. Not quite as cat-proof if the cats figure it out, but effective during earthquakes.

I personally would not use magnets for the application you have in mind. I don't think they're quite reliable enough for instances where something has to stay closed. If there's a child around, touch latches are probably not good either. Instead, I'd use child-proof latches or something similar, and I would be prepared to replace them in about five years when the plastic starts to get brittle.