Magnetic cabinet catches hold cabinet doors closed when you don't want them swinging open. Common in older cabinets without spring-loaded hinges, or when soft-close hinges aren't an option. The catch has a small magnet on the cabinet (or door) and a metal strike on the matching surface — when the door closes, the magnet grips the strike, holding shut.
This guide covers installing magnetic catches for typical cabinet doors. Modern soft-close hinges make catches less common, but they're still useful for many situations.
Before you start
Three things to settle:
1. Choose magnet strength. Light magnets (small): standard kitchen cabinets. Heavy magnets (full-extension push-to-close): heavier doors or cabinets in shop spaces. Stronger magnets hold tighter but require more force to open — match to user comfort.
2. Catch placement matters. Catch is typically at the top inside corner of the cabinet (one or two per door). The magnet+strike align when door closes — verify alignment in dry-fit before final mounting.
3. Soft-close hinges or magnetic catches?. Soft-close hinges damp the close + hold closed. Magnetic catches only hold closed. Modern preference: soft-close hinges. Magnetic catches more common in older cabinets without spring hinges.
What you'll need
Tools
- Drill with bits
- Screwdriver (matched to catch screws)
- Tape measure
- Pencil
Materials
- Magnetic catch with strike (sized to door)
- Cabinet screws (typically included)
Strike screws to door, magnet screws to cabinet
Standard arrangement: metal strike on the door (interior side), magnet on the cabinet body.
When door closes, magnet attracts strike.
Some kits reverse this — verify before mounting.
Step-by-step instructions
Identify mounting locations
Cabinet body: inside top corner (where door's top inside corner contacts when closed).
Door: matching position on the inside (interior) face of the door.
Mark both locations with pencil.
Dry-fit catch and strike
Hold catch and strike at marked locations.
Close door slightly; verify catch and strike align.
Adjust if not aligned.
Pre-drill mounting holes
1/16 inch pilot hole at marked locations.
Use small drill bit to avoid splitting wood.
Drill cabinet body and door.
Mount the magnet to cabinet body
Position magnet at marked location.
Drive included screws.
Tighten — magnet should be flush against cabinet.
Mount strike to door interior
Strike (metal plate) on inside face of door at marked location.
Drive screws.
Verify strike is flush.
Test door closing — magnet should pull door tight.
Adjust if needed
If door doesn't fully close: strike is too far from magnet. Move strike closer or thinner spacer.
If door is hard to open: magnet too strong, or strike too close. Move strike further or use lighter magnet.
Verify smooth operation.
Install on adjacent cabinets
Repeat for each cabinet door needing a catch.
Match magnet positions across cabinets for visual consistency (if visible).
Common mistakes that cost you
- Misaligned catch and strike. Door doesn't catch. Verify alignment in dry-fit.
- Wrong magnet strength. Too weak = door swings open; too strong = hard to open. Match to door size.
- No pre-drill. Wood splits. Always pre-drill.
- Strike on cabinet body. Wrong arrangement. Strike on door, magnet on cabinet.
- Catch in wrong location. Cabinet door doesn't fully close. Mark contact point first.
Frequently asked questions
Magnetic catch vs roller catch?
Magnetic: silent, no moving parts.
Roller catch (spring-loaded with rollers): more positive engagement, can be noisier.
For most uses, magnetic catches are quieter and lower-maintenance.
Can I install on inset cabinet doors?
Yes — same process. Position the magnet on the inside of the cabinet face frame; strike on the door interior.
Verify door's edge profile doesn't interfere with catch.
Why is my magnetic catch weak?
Magnet collected metal debris — wipe clean.
Magnet wrong type (cheap brittle plastic-housed magnet weakens with age).
Replace with quality cabinet catch.
When to call us instead
Cabinet hardware upgrades are part of kitchen renovations. Our team handles catches, hinges, slides, and pulls.
Book a free 60-minute site visit →Related Ottawa services
If your kitchen needs more than catch install, our kitchen renovation team handles full hardware upgrades. Book a free 60-minute consultation.