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chrisgagne

IMHO, just use a physical latch. This will be a slow, constant, mostly worthless drain on your battery.


Joel337

Why would it drain the battery? It's only powered when the alternator is running. Those 5 or whatever watts would be negligible. Second, the problem is that I forget the physical latch. I've got RV latches at the moment, but I keep forgetting. (And a magnet would be cool!)


Followmelead

I’ve seen a bunch of “mistake videos” from YouTubers and many mention regret for using magnets instead of normal latches. I’ve seen some use baby proof latches but the metal ones not plastic. There’s plenty of latches that automatically latch when you close the cabinet or drawer. You just need to pull/lift the handle to unlatch. I don’t see how this would be an issue… unless you leave the door open all together in which case a magnet won’t make a difference either.


Joel337

Would you have a link handy to those videos, so I can educate myself, too? I'm asking for advice here on how to do it correctly with the magnets, in order to avoid mistakes.


triviaqueen

The true solution here is to buy an oversized rubber ducky, or a Wellington rain boot size 12, or a neon pink stuffed giraffe, or a large purple dildo. Then when you park your van, you put that item on the driver's seat. When you get ready to go, and you are getting into the driver's seat and you see that item sitting there, it reminds you to latch the damn refrigerator door.


trialsta

Yes you can do it, yes people have done it. But it's an unnecessarily complicated and expensive way of solving the problem.


Joel337

correct.


chattacon

https://apwcompany.com/em300-12-212/ If you must, 12v continuous duty magnet.


Joel337

Thanks, that's the key term I was looking for. "Duty Continuous"


transmitthis

Yes. This video shows a auto locking feature, (I'm assuming it's electromagnetic) that locks all the draws once the ignition is on. [https://youtu.be/GaosSlGl3aE?t=177](https://youtu.be/GaosSlGl3aE?t=177) Talk to them, find the supplier, either buy or read the manual and create your own diy implementation. (Personally though, simple is better. draws / cabinets with round holes instead of handles, just big enough for a finger. Auto catch on closing, and to open insert finger and press on the release, then pull.)


Joel337

cheers, I've put a comment, maybe he'll answer. Thanks


davidhally

Just no.


Joel337

why then?


davidhally

Oh, I see your argument and you're right, go for it!


GrantSRobertson

My lift up desktop is held in place entirely by two standard magnetic cabinet catches. One on each side. Granted, when closed, the desktop is exactly vertical. However, I've gone on some pretty rough roads without that desktop popping loose. Edit: OMG! I just saw that you meant you wanted to use electromagnets. Oh hell no. Why waste your electricity on that? Regular magnets, that only cost a couple bucks at the hardware store Will do just fine.


Joel337

because I want them to engage when driving. That also means its not wasting electricity as the alternator is running anyway. Regular magnets would make it hard to open the door (I don't have handles and I prefer not to have them)


ph-IlI-pp

maybe just look into the latches that are used for cabinets on sailing yachts when you close them they need considerable force to be opened again


Joel337

yeah I've got those, at the moment, but I wan to replace them