How Do Cabinet Doors Click Shut with Magnets?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How do cabinet doors click shut with magnets?

The Big Idea

Push a cabinet door almost closed, and it clicks shut all by itself. There is no spring, no hook, and no latch. Just a small magnet and a bit of steel working together!

Magnet in the Frame

Step one: a magnet in the frame. A small magnet is fixed inside the cabinet frame. A little steel plate is attached to the back of the door.

Click!

Step two: click! When you push the door nearly closed, the magnet pulls the plate. That holds the door shut with a satisfying click.

A Small Tug

Step three: a small tug. It takes only a small tug to open the door again. The catch has no springs or hooks to wear out, so it can last for years.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! The magnet sits in the frame. The steel plate sits on the door. The magnet pulls the plate. The door clicks shut.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Some catches use two magnets that attract each other. There are no springs or hooks to wear out. The click tells you the door is shut. A steel plate is often the other half of the pair.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Look for magnetic catches on cabinet doors with a grown-up. Count how many you can find in your home. Write down the number. Compare with a friend. Tell a grown-up what you discover!

Outro

A magnetic catch holds a cabinet door shut with a small magnet pulling on a steel plate. Science is amazing! What will you discover next? Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!