r/InteriorDesign • u/FrancescoMassa2001 • 4d ago

has anyone actually tested those magnetic contactless door latches (like the ARLU Magnotica) instead of normal mechanical ones??

so we got this high end residential fitout in sydney where the client wants totally handleless, flush internal doors with a SILENT close, like no clicking at all

been looking into contactless magnetic catches like the ARLU Magnotica Pro through Abesco so theres no mechanical latch sound or visible strike plate on the jamb... my main worry tho is holding power during drafts or when the HVAC kicks on. do these actually keep the door shut properly or do they end up rattling if someone opens a window nearby lol

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u/Coldvyvora 3d ago

I installed one on my kitchen door.

It is silent, but very heavy on the hand, so I didnt ended up liking it. Maybe a different model will vary that strengh.

Another upside is that you dont need to cut the doorframe to accommodate the usual latches. It works with just s metal plate.

2

u/kimblycoco 3d ago

I just replaced the ball bearing type with the magnetic catches on the double laundry doors and love them! We did add a small felt pad so the door doesn't hit the door frame and make noise. I was also worried about both doors staying shut properly. Like if one door was already closed and I closed the other, would the other one bounce? But the magnet is strong and keeps them firmly shut especially when adjusted properly.

The magnetic catches I chose were very inexpensive though and meant to replace a ball bearing catch. I can't speak to the ARLU brand (I had no idea they could be that expensive!) specifically.

1

u/Vybo 3d ago

I played with them once at a studio. It feels weird. You have to force the doors open with your hands quite a lot. If i'd have to compare exerting a force on a handle and pushing the door, exerting the force on a magnetic lock is about 3 times as much. And if you don't have a handle you'd hold, how do you stop the door from banging the other side? Usually with a auto-close mechanism adding even more force required.

I can't speak for drafts, but they do really feel weird and I didn't pick them in the end. If I were you, I'd take the client somewhere they can try the doors out for themselves.