Magnetic Trim Clips - Wonderful or Waste of Time?

[blockrocker]

So it has been extremely cold this week in my neck of the woods, and I have been craving some car audio related project that I can do indoors. I had some extra magnets and trim clips laying around and thought I would give something a try. It seems no matter how careful you are, trim clips break. I'm also the kind of guy that gets behind his doors a few times a year, so it was inevitable to need a few replacements, and just thought I would give an easier access clip a try. So let me know what you think, is this brilliant or has boredom gotten the better of me?


Just some ferrite magnets and extra trim clips (extra stuff from past projects)

I folded down the concave part of the clip and removed the tips with a utility knife

I put some slits into the concave to ensure it would lay flat against the magnet and maximize contact between the two surfaces

My first clip was glued with wood glue, since it was all that was in the house. Of course it wouldn't bond well to the plastic and ended up peeling apart with minimal force. So I bought a $3 two part epoxy to glue to rest together.

My finished result! This idea only took 30 minutes to put together and they will be tried out in the door panels this weekend (today is the last of the -25).
I still have a few reservations, such as, the magnet strength. Neo would have been a nicer choice and if these are close but not quite, I may try them with the stronger magnets. I'm also unsure of the epoxy. It seems super strong, but the weather fluctuations in Cow-Town are challenging to most adhesives. I guess only time will tell.

Let me know what you think. Is this a crazy waste of time or a crazy good idea? I will update with some final thoughts after I get these beauties installed and give them a day or two to pass judgement.

[BigAl205]

That's an interesting idea. I would consider doing neo magnets instead, and a layer of felt against the metal.

[blockrocker]

The felt is a great idea. I didn't think about that, but some protection will be a must. Cheers.

[Theslaking]

I think it's genius. I'm going to do it.

[blockrocker]

Thanks. Just keep in mind the thickness of the clips. To thick of a magnet and the panel will stick out a bit too much, too shallow of a magnet and it won't stick to the metal. I'd also recommend a rare earth magnet instead of the ones I chose. Stronger the better, in my opinion.

[Theslaking]

Yep I was just eying some neo's. They work through CCF. It's a great idea when your fabin' up doors and they have to come on and off 20 times checking fit.

[BigAl205]

Stickied!

[geolemon]

That's an interesting idea. I would consider doing neo magnets instead, and a layer of felt against the metal.

Ditto - on both suggestions. Neo magnets come in 1" diameter with screw holes and even a countersink for cheap. You could both epoxy and screw (mainly for clamping while the epoxy - or JB Weld - cures) the magnet on.

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B091PZWP...ER2YRDKC2DZT56

Although (also with "strength" in mind) I don't think I'd use felt, just because of the thickness. It'll cut a bit on the pull strength.

Something like a layer or two of electrical tape on the door surface should be enough to take the "clink!" out of it, and protect against scratches and corrosion, and won't hold water.

Or if you want to get fancy - make it look good enough to not draw any questions:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07VBKNCV8

Sent from my LM-G820 using Tapatalk

[Boosted54]

This entire trim panel & aluminum door bars are held in with magnets. Super strong and can be pressed in requiring zero adhesive.
When contacting a painted surface I use clear vinyl wrap similar to the material used on the front of cars to prevent rock chips.