Screw or rivet?

[gbaglo]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f9...sue-13372.html

[Iowa Dave]

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]

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.

http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f9...sue-13372.html

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]

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]

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

[Ron in BC]

I'm thinking that if the surfaces are dead flat either would do. If the surface is slightly rounded etc. that epoxy would be better because it has more body and it wouldn't matter if the surface is dead flat.

When I used epoxy to hold the magnets I also tooled the epoxy with something like a toothpick to extend it up the side giving even more bonding area. In effect I made a little epoxy cup.

Ron

[cpaharley2008]

Why not just glue a washer on the door and the magnet on the refer or vice versa and see if 2 or 3 will hold it shut

[titanizer]

KISS principle. Genius

[fudge_brownie]

One issue with using two super magnets is they can be too close together and nearly impossible to separate. As a matter fact the packaging usually warns of possible injury from their use. Most magnetic cabinet latches do not use super magnets, are they overkill in this situation?

[TZBrown]

Another source of all kinds of magnets, sizes and shapes

https://www.kjmagnetics.com/

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Why not just glue a washer on the door and the magnet on the refer or vice versa and see if 2 or 3 will hold it shut

Originally Posted by fudge_brownie

One issue with using two super magnets is they can be too close together and nearly impossible to separate. As a matter fact the packaging usually warns of possible injury from their use. Most magnetic cabinet latches do not use super magnets, are they overkill in this situation?

I think you guys have a point to consider.

I have a package of rare earth magnets and ceramic bar magnets so I tried to do a little empirical testing.

I tried to test the strength to two rare earth magnets face to face against the strength of one against steel. Unfortunately, without a better way of holding them, because they're so small and hard to get a grip on the test was inconclusive. But the two together did seem even harder to pull apart but nothing conclusive.

By comparison I could see, magnet for magnet, the ceramic magnets were weaker.

Ron

[gbaglo]

I have the 3/8" magnets.
Got the heater running in the trailer. Now all I have to do is build up my nerve.
If this fails, I guess I order parts and get out my screw drivers. When that fails, I order a new fridge.

[gbaglo]

Here goes something.
Used instant glue to secure the magnet cup in place. Then I used gaffer tape to test the door magnet location by closing the door and seeing where the magnet went.

Both the cup and a magnet are glued. I'm going to leave it for recommended 24 hours to cure and then see what I have wrought. If it works, I can add the number six screw to fasten the magnet cup. Also have the option of adding another magnet to the one in the cup or to the door.

[Brian B-P]

I'm pretty sure that magnet against magnet is a waste of magnets, and unnecessarily thick. The cup makes the disc-shaped magnet more effectively attract a steel plate, as well as making it easier to mount, so that's a good idea. The other side just needs a plate.

Yes, rare-earth magnets will generally be stronger (for the same size) as a ceramic magnet.

[gbaglo]

Well, the magnets cost 75 cents each and I bought four of them. Which reminds me...as a kid of about 6 years old, I got a magnet and naturally tried picking up various items. One of those was my Timex watch which instantly stopped. I was so angry with myself that I buried the magnet in a dirt hill. When I realized I no longer had a watch or a magnet, I went back to get the magnet and couldn't find it.

And, that's my miserable story.
Anyway, another backup plan is to glue a steel plate to the door, if the magnets don't line up, despite my engineering efforts.