Panel access ideas

wbwood wrote:

SoundGuy wrote:

westend wrote:
Yeah, but the original design was wrong and an owner will probably suffer the similar wood degeneration problem again.

Wrong? We're talking about a simple piece of paneling that's removed perhaps once in the spring and again once in the fall ... a couple of screws works just fine, no need for anything more complicated or costly. As you say, just my take on it. :W

No...it's removed several times a winter season. We use it periodically in the winter. Not as much as spring, summer and fall. But every time I winterize/dewinterize, it's removed and placed back twice. So during a winter, it could be removed and placed back easily 10 times.

Based on your stated use, I'd recommend the magnet fix wholeheartedly.

Here's how I do it: I buy those inexpensive magnets. You can also get them online through a variety of vendors. I establish where I want the magnets to be located, mark that spot, and drill a hole deep enough to just accommodate the magnet and maybe a little space for the adhesive underneath. I then use a Dowel marking center pin in those holes. I press the door against the cabinet face and the other holes are located. You could also just mark the second set of holes accurately. Drill as before. Mix some epoxy or use a self-mixing syringe of epoxy and place the magnets in the holes so they are flush with the surfaces. Done deal. When removal is needed, slide the door or hatch just a bit and the magnets will release. When done, put the door back on.

I discovered these rare earth magnets from a cabinet maker buddy of mine that had used them with success. You can even press them just inside the holes, fill with veneer or wood filler so they can't be seen. They will still attract enough to meet the purpose.
\Good luck with your hatch. I know that must be a pain to reattach after the business of winterizing. I hope this helps.

SoundGuy wrote:

westend wrote:
Yeah, but the original design was wrong and an owner will probably suffer the similar wood degeneration problem again.

Wrong? We're talking about a simple piece of paneling that's removed perhaps once in the spring and again once in the fall ... a couple of screws works just fine, no need for anything more complicated or costly. As you say, just my take on it. :W

No...it's removed several times a winter season. We use it periodically in the winter. Not as much as spring, summer and fall. But every time I winterize/dewinterize, it's removed and placed back twice. So during a winter, it could be removed and placed back easily 10 times.

westend wrote:
Yeah, but the original design was wrong and an owner will probably suffer the similar wood degeneration problem again.

Wrong? We're talking about a simple piece of paneling that's removed perhaps once in the spring and again once in the fall ... a couple of screws works just fine, no need for anything more complicated or costly. As you say, just my take on it. :W

SoundGuy wrote:

wbwood wrote:
To remove the panel, I have to take out 2 screws. After doing this over the last few years, it's starting to mess up the wood behind it and not really having much to bite anymore.

Same solution I'd always use in this situation - just fill in the hole(s) with wood dowel or in this case a wooden matchstick and a bit of carpenter's glue ... once the glue has set it's no different that screwing into fresh wood. K.I.S.S. :B

Yeah, but the original design was wrong and an owner will probably suffer the similar wood degeneration problem again.

There's more than a few ways to change the original design, some a lot simpler and more effective than looking for the screw driver and not being able to fasten the cover securely again.

My take is that once you try magnets you'll never go back to another system of fastening. Probably, thoughts will wander to where else they can be used.

disc magnets

wbwood wrote:
To remove the panel, I have to take out 2 screws. After doing this over the last few years, it's starting to mess up the wood behind it and not really having much to bite anymore.

Same solution I'd always use in this situation - just fill in the hole(s) with wood dowel or in this case a wooden matchstick and a bit of carpenter's glue ... once the glue has set it's no different that screwing into fresh wood. K.I.S.S. :B

Mine was that way, and I added hinges and a latch.
That compartment is now also used to store items

Jack L

These are easy to use.Push pins

Neodymium magnets. I use circular ones that are small. A 3/8" diameter neodymium magnet, 1/8" thick connecting to an opposing magnet in the cabinet face, will hold all but the most heavy doors enduring a lot of jostling. I sometimes just use a magnet and a piece of steel or a steel screw to save on cost. With an application as described, I'd use four magnets, two in the door stiles and two in the cabinet face. I drill the correct diameter shallow hole with a Forstner bit and epoxy the magnets into place.

The magnets allow for a flush fitment and no worry about material getting into Velcro and stuff like that.

You could also install a t and valve with a section of hose so you don't have to remove the panel. It is what I will be doing next year when it comes out of storage.

There are various sorts of friction snaps to hold panels and such in position, as well. These look like a promising option.

Building supply stores also sell pre-made access panels (typically plastic) that are either hinged or have a panel that snaps into a frame.