Screw or rivet?

gbaglo · 09-10-2018, 07:36 PM

My RM2510 freezer spring-loaded door is opening by itself when the fridge door is opened. Fix is an expensive Dometic part that requires a special Dometic tool to install.

I've opted to use rare earth magnets from Lee Valley Tools to hold it closed. I purchased the magnets and a magnet cup. The cup has a slot for the screw so you can adjust it slightly. I figure on using epoxy and either a screw or rivet. I have to add a sliver of plastic to shim the magnet cup. One magnet goes in the cup and another is glued to the door.

Any thoughts on how to go about this?
Pix: the magnet cup would go top centre in the opening. A magnet would be glued to the top of the freezer door.

Iowa Dave · 09-10-2018, 08:33 PM

Hi Glenn
Another similar option if you have a pop rivet tool is to get a threaded blind insert like a nutzert which will have threads for a machine screw as opposed to a sheet metal screw. This would give you the ability to shim for the right angle and not pull through or wear out with a few adjustments like a sheet metal screw in plastic might.
Iowa Dave

gbaglo · 09-10-2018, 08:47 PM

Did some searching on "nutzert" and I think that requires a larger hole than the number six screw that is specified for the magnet cup.

Viajante · 09-10-2018, 08:51 PM

Rivet. More secure than a sheet metal screw. Be sure to allow for the width of the seal to make sure the magnet makes contact.

gbaglo · 09-10-2018, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viajante

Rivet. More secure than a sheet metal screw. Be sure to allow for the width of the seal to make sure the magnet makes contact.

I bought four magnets so I can add another if I need to. I may have to install the cup further back rather than add a shim where the inside of the freezer meets the frame ( where that grubby stuff in the pic is ). Problem with adding a shim is the screw or rivet would likely go right where those two materials meet.

rubicon327 · 09-10-2018, 09:54 PM

Glenn: I’m confused. Why all the gymnastics to fix this? I provided a video and the exact parts you need to get this back to original functionality. Ok, the parts aren’t the cheapest, but there shouldn’t be any special tools needed.

RM 2510 freezer door issue

Iowa Dave · 09-10-2018, 09:59 PM

Hi Glenn
I got out a package of pop rivet “ Nut zerts” the hole they fit into that you drill is 1/4 inch and the screw that goes into the threaded hole is a number 8- 32. I’m not aware of other sizes. I’ve had these for years. Can’t even remember the project I got them for. They worked well when we used them
In the parks years ago.
Iowa Dave

gbaglo · 09-10-2018, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubicon327

Glenn: I’m confused. Why all the gymnastics to fix this? I provided a video and the exact parts you need to get this back to original functionality. Ok, the parts aren’t the cheapest, but there shouldn’t be any special tools needed.

RM 2510 freezer door issue

Thanks for the link ( again ).
Scary movie.

Have to see if I can build up the nerve. My luck, several parts will break trying to fix it.

Ron in BC · 09-11-2018, 02:16 AM

I used the same magnets on my door for my alarm system. I epoxied them on and they've been fine. If you don't like the idea of drilling holes to mount the little base you could just epoxy it in place also.

I've never seen that small base for magnets. It could be handy, thanks for posting a photo of it.

Ron

gbaglo · 09-11-2018, 02:24 AM

I have epoxy and I have Le Page Super Glue. The epoxy takes 24 hours to cure and the Super Glue has worked on a couple minor fixes.

I'm guessing epoxy is superior, but what do you think in this application?

Here's link to the magnet cups:
http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/pag...=1,42363,42348

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