Introduction: Simple Magnet Lock
Yes, it's another simple project you can do. I actually got this idea from this site while looking for things for my new nephew: http://www.123safe.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/scstore/p-1031209AL.html?L+scstore+mzbz8040ff0bcd0b+1159202257
I figured out how to duplicate the lock idea that they had, but was unable to make one as small as they had. So after some time went by, I figured out how to make a magnet lock out of some materials that were lying around the house. Below you'll see the two different designs, but I'm only showing you how to make the one with the "Latch's Path". Unfortunately, you need a strong magnet to use this even for a thin door. I, of course, lack the strong magnet needed to operate this lock right now. You can see in the video that I was able to get the lock to respond, but the magnet was too weak to attract the latch all the way.
The thicker the material you use this latch on, the stronger the magnet you will need.
Movie is attached below...
Materials:
1. Soda bottle cap
2. Plastic Shim (small piece of plastic/metal. Metal would probably work better to attract the magnet)
3. Drill and drill bits
4. Spring/Washers
5. Screw
6. Screw Driver
7. Metal pieces like small screws (not needed if you used ferrous metal for the latch)
8. Strong Magnet
9. Scissors
10. Solder Iron
Warning: Soldering Irons get extremely hot. Use with caution. Use in well vented area. Do not breathe in fumes from melting plastic.
These are ideal for locking the household chemicals away from kids while not having ugly locks in view on the outside of the cabinets.
I figured out how to duplicate the lock idea that they had, but was unable to make one as small as they had. So after some time went by, I figured out how to make a magnet lock out of some materials that were lying around the house. Below you'll see the two different designs, but I'm only showing you how to make the one with the "Latch's Path". Unfortunately, you need a strong magnet to use this even for a thin door. I, of course, lack the strong magnet needed to operate this lock right now. You can see in the video that I was able to get the lock to respond, but the magnet was too weak to attract the latch all the way.
The thicker the material you use this latch on, the stronger the magnet you will need.
Movie is attached below...
Materials:
1. Soda bottle cap
2. Plastic Shim (small piece of plastic/metal. Metal would probably work better to attract the magnet)
3. Drill and drill bits
4. Spring/Washers
5. Screw
6. Screw Driver
7. Metal pieces like small screws (not needed if you used ferrous metal for the latch)
8. Strong Magnet
9. Scissors
10. Solder Iron
Warning: Soldering Irons get extremely hot. Use with caution. Use in well vented area. Do not breathe in fumes from melting plastic.
These are ideal for locking the household chemicals away from kids while not having ugly locks in view on the outside of the cabinets.
Step 1: The Shim and the Cap
Shim:
1. Cut a piece off of the shim so that it is longer then the cap.
2. Drill a hole in one side that is slightly larger then the screw you are using.
3. Don't do this step if you used a ferrous metal latch. Drill small holes at the other end of the shim and screw in the small screws.
Cap:
1. Find the center of the cap.
2. Drill a hole through the cap that is smaller then the screw you are using.
3. Screw the screw all the way into the cap.
4. Melt or cut around the cap about halfway. This will give you a ridge or pathway for the latch.
5. Put the spring/washers on the screw and place the latch onto the screw.
Now all you have to do is install your latch into place using the existing screw. If you want to make sure it doesn't turn (the cap), melt a gap on the other side of the cap and install a screw down through it. Make sure you have a strong enough magnet to get the job done (or combine several strong magnets to use it on thicker materials).
Movie is attached to intro.
Told you it was simple.... Now all I need is a stronger magnet.
Two improvements:
1. Trim away the melted plastic with scissors.
2. Use a large flat piece of ferrous metal instead of the plastic shim or "melt" a metal washer into the plastic shim instead of the small screws to help attract the magnet.
Improvements are welcomed....
1. Cut a piece off of the shim so that it is longer then the cap.
2. Drill a hole in one side that is slightly larger then the screw you are using.
3. Don't do this step if you used a ferrous metal latch. Drill small holes at the other end of the shim and screw in the small screws.
Cap:
1. Find the center of the cap.
2. Drill a hole through the cap that is smaller then the screw you are using.
3. Screw the screw all the way into the cap.
4. Melt or cut around the cap about halfway. This will give you a ridge or pathway for the latch.
5. Put the spring/washers on the screw and place the latch onto the screw.
Now all you have to do is install your latch into place using the existing screw. If you want to make sure it doesn't turn (the cap), melt a gap on the other side of the cap and install a screw down through it. Make sure you have a strong enough magnet to get the job done (or combine several strong magnets to use it on thicker materials).
Movie is attached to intro.
Told you it was simple.... Now all I need is a stronger magnet.
Two improvements:
1. Trim away the melted plastic with scissors.
2. Use a large flat piece of ferrous metal instead of the plastic shim or "melt" a metal washer into the plastic shim instead of the small screws to help attract the magnet.
Improvements are welcomed....