Rare earth magnets for skinning stands

[Sethjamto]

My new (to me) build is an 8ft 300g tanks with metal stand that sits 40" tall. The previous owner had the system so automated that he did not need to hing the front panels for access. He literally had them screwed on, so any time you wanted to access the sump area you have to bust out the cordless drill. I want to either hinge them or just mount them with rare earth magnets. How strong are these things? I can buy packs of ten online for under $10, but was curious how many I'd need per panel? The panels are 40" tall and about 36" wide. I was thinking I could countersink the magnets into the panels so they line up with the steel stand.

Would this work? Or are they not strong enough to hold an entire panel in place safely with no other supports (ie: hinges, etc).

 

[TruReef]

It will work if they are big enough. I'm doing something similar with the side door panels on my stand. I glued a support to the back of the door to hold all the weight of the door(sits on door jam) and counter sunk two magnets in the door. The magnets I used are very small and very strong, I got 10 for under $3 at Harbor Freight. You might need a bigger size to hold a panel that big.

 

[Sethjamto]

I was thinking the same thing on supporting the actual weight with a lip on bottom and then the magnets just hold it from falling outward. I did see the same harbor freight magnets for $3 too. At that price, I could do 10 per panel for under $10 total if it works. Heck, I could even do 20 per panel dirt cheap too.

It's either this, or I drill the metal stand to mount hinges and I want to limit the holes in the metal stand if possible to help prevent rust in the future. The previous owner didn't drill it at all and has it coated with bedliner for a pickup truck, so its tough as nails right now and can't really rust.

 

[TruReef]

You will only need a few to hold the door if the weight is supported. I plan on mounting the magnet in the door and have it attach to a screw on the stand. Don't let the pic on HF fool you, they are small, watch battery small, but very strong....

 

[mcgyvr]

neodymium magnets are plenty strong to hold on some panels..
Just a few 1" diameter or so..

 

[billdogg]

they are available in several different sizes and strengths. If it is a metal stand just countersink a few into the doors at the top. I agree that using a lip on the bottom to support the weight of the doors is a great (and easy) idea.

 

[Redman88]

http://www.lowes.com/pd_424846-4539...tURL=?Ntt=magnetic+cabinet+latches&facetInfo=


i have four of these holding on the door for my 55

 

[Sethjamto]

Shall I assume the the weight of the door sits on the floor and the magnets just hold it from falling outward? Thats kind of the thought I was going to go with on my panels.

 

[Redman88]

I did an frame that sits in side the opening of the stand the panel doesn't touch the floor

 

[mfinn]

I would look at ceramic magnets.
Neodymium magnets are usually coated with a metal that will rust/corroid.
Even the epoxy coated ones will rust eventually.