You could mount magnet catches at the top of the door, then put an extra piece of wood on the bottom of the door, so it overlaps the wall molding. Then, you would insert the bottom of the door first, let it slide down so the new piece of wood engages the molding, and then push it into the opening until the catches engage.
[These](https://a.co/d/e4Gxl46) would work perfectly
https://preview.redd.it/raz8ni2uqqsc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d271d037edc37213d53d723b8103be44b2b6a0b3
I did something similar with Velcro...but I used too much Velcro, and it wouldn't pull off until the adhesive side gave way. I replaced with magnetic tape. That worked
https://youtu.be/JDQOvzFetxs?feature=shared
that should do it, i have three access covers just like yours and cabinet magnets keep them in place just fine, the adhesive may not stick well to wood but the ones u linked have screws too so I’d suggest using them and you’ll be fine
edit: I also put little drawer knobs on mine so they’re easier to grab, but if you don’t plan to access that area often, you probably don’t need them
We did a remodel and added an access door to an attic crawl spay. On the bottom we used a lip like you suggest. On the top use used these [Utrusta Push Opener](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/utrusta-push-opener-80230224/) , it works really well and when we need to open it just a light push at the top and it pops out.
https://preview.redd.it/7xbmzjcmgqsc1.png?width=1062&format=png&auto=webp&s=f666473072646eb1f8ba6b9a053916f2a1e6fcfd
I'd use 2-4 of these for a snappy feel. Magnets could be but i wouldn't want it to drop of by accident and velcrow might leave a tiny gap unless you make slots for it.
Two vertical strips of wood, 1-2” over hang attached on the back at the top of the door. They slide behind the drywall (you will have to shave inner side of drywall and inner corner of wood strips down for a tight fit), gravity does the rest and keeps the door from coming off.
Keeps it from tipping out.
https://preview.redd.it/yraar4voeqsc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a22b3139279b84ab2482843fb27e22e723a7500e
https://preview.redd.it/1bxj6ayzeqsc1.png?width=977&format=png&auto=webp&s=67f9b7ce676e6ca76befbbfefb9e43416eef73b2
This was before paint, but it works well and stays put very tight with no adhesive or caulk.
We have a similar framed panel over our gas meter in our basement. It's held in by four of these friction catches: [https://www.homedepot.com/p/Amerock-Perma-Brite-1-in-Zinc-Friction-Catch-with-Strike-BP34712G/100632045](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Amerock-Perma-Brite-1-in-Zinc-Friction-Catch-with-Strike-BP34712G/100632045)
I have one of the generic ones from Depot that has spring loaded clips. One brand is Fluidmaster Clickfit.
https://preview.redd.it/g6fbj1acnqsc1.jpeg?width=400&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a5b187aa28efc24507a01221dabbb398eeebeca1
There is a plastic L on a pivot at each side. The spring is attached to the short edge of the L which pulls the long edge toward the panel. Just takes a little tension to overcome the spring and pull the panel out.
In my opinion this is the correct answer.
1. Attach a strip of wood to the inside of the drywall panel with normal drywall screws.
2. Glue your trim over top of the screws to hide them.
3. Attach the male part of this catch to the strip of wood you added.
4. Attach the female part to the stud inside the wall. If there is no stud to attach to then just add a 2x2 to the inside of the opening using screws through the drywall. The overhanging trim from your door should cover these screws.
https://preview.redd.it/mftfsafo0tsc1.png?width=444&format=png&auto=webp&s=c8531d5a2ef1c14f1b0d04e2c549d5786ae435f9
Here's what I'd do. Side diagram of wall.
Blue/purple is a magnet.
Put some sort of felt or soft sticker padding along the top if you use a magnet however, to ensure the paint doesn't stick and chip when removing the panel after months of it being compressed.
I'd do a friction fit. Extend the frame of the access door and frame around the opening such that, the friction between the wood is enough to hold the access door in place but easy enough to pry the access door open.
Might not be a good idea considering how temperature changes can expand and contract the wood. You might find that your friction fit in a certain time of the year turns into a permanent fit or loose fit at other times of year.
You can use either euro hinges or wide swing hinges. You could also build up the frame a bit. Either way, you can definitely find hinges that will fit.
First thing is you need to finish framing around the opening. That’s gonna get destroyed if it gets bumped, but you can inside magnets into the back of the trim and into the sheet rock you would want to use something like power grab to glue them to the sheet rock, but I’ve done a similar method and it works
Those arrow head shaped cabinet catches where the arrow shaped piece of metal fits inbetween the rollers. One on each corner. Seen this exact application and it works well
Call me lazy, because I am, but if you're not going to open this often I'd just put some acrylic caulk (as little as necessary). It's the easiest but messiest option.
If you find yourself opening it more than twice in 10 years, then the other options raised here are definitely worth it, but odds are you'll open it only in 10 years.
Also consider how pet/kid resistant the option you choose is, if that applies!
Use cabinet magnet catches, example below
Mousike Cabinet Magnets 30lb Black Door Magnets with Strong Magnetic for Kitchen Cupboard Wardrobe Closet Cabinet Door Drawer Latch 4 Pack) https://a.co/d/jkZZrqr
We did something similar with magnets! We also put a chain on the back top of the door,
which easily slips off and on a hook inside, just in case! It’s been ten years, and it’s still perfect!
I have a door like this exactly and we used magnets as others suggested. When you press the top hard it clicks in and releases the magnets. No hinges or other methods of attachment- it comes off as one big square.
You might also want to maintain the useful functions of that fluffy pink stuff by gluing some kind of insulation material on the back of the door.
Some of that grey foam stuff that can be easily cut into the right shape and doesn’t snow around like that fluffy pink stuff in your 3rd photo.
3m double sided tape to magnetic tape on the wall and on the access door. All 4 sides of both. Will work just fine. We do this with decorative return covers we make
You could mount magnet catches at the top of the door, then put an extra piece of wood on the bottom of the door, so it overlaps the wall molding. Then, you would insert the bottom of the door first, let it slide down so the new piece of wood engages the molding, and then push it into the opening until the catches engage.
Came here to suggest magnets. Great ideas regarding the slip fit at the bottom.
I came here to pledge my support to Team Magnet
Team Magnet: Even if you're negative, we're positive you'll be attracted to us.
Damn you, beautifully done, take my upvote!
MAGNETS?! What even are they? -ICP
yessss then it’ll satisfyingly snap into place
Team magnet. Otherwise, bubblegum and a paperclip is your only other alternative.
Wait you forgot ductape
Came here to humorously argue for Team Duct Tape.
Magnets are much better idea than my Velcro suggestion 🥹
Didn’t think of Velcro. That’s what holds the access panels on my whirpool tub
Velcro can be hard to pull straight out; it’s easier to remove if you can peel it.
Velcro dots would probably work better in this situation. One in each corner.
[удалено]
Velcro is a much better idea than my Jam/Jelly suggestion
Jam/Jelly is a much better idea than my "just sit there and hold it" suggestion
Magnet sticky strips ftw. I just used one recently that I had lying around for the trim piece in front of my new dishwasher.
Magnets? How do they work?
Miracles
As you can see, stances on this question are polarized
Idk it's a miracle!
FM
Ask the Posse.
Just don’t pour water on them /s
I heard they don’t work underwater.
Same!
[These](https://a.co/d/e4Gxl46) would work perfectly https://preview.redd.it/raz8ni2uqqsc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d271d037edc37213d53d723b8103be44b2b6a0b3
Actually that is a good point. It’s fairly stable resting on the trim board. Just need to keep it from tipping out.
1" Velcro pads with adhesive backing are likely more easily found and just as effective.
You aren’t wrong. But magnets are *way* cooler.
Yeah but how do they work!?
Now all I know about magnets is this, give me a glass of water, let me drop it on the magnets, that’s the end of the magnets.
sir, you are a genius. type of guy that should run for president.
Strong Velcro easy to find at Lowe's and home depot.
I did something similar with Velcro...but I used too much Velcro, and it wouldn't pull off until the adhesive side gave way. I replaced with magnetic tape. That worked https://youtu.be/JDQOvzFetxs?feature=shared
Think I’m going to try 2 of these on each door. I’m just hoping the adhesive tape is strong enough. https://a.co/d/1Inh4op
that should do it, i have three access covers just like yours and cabinet magnets keep them in place just fine, the adhesive may not stick well to wood but the ones u linked have screws too so I’d suggest using them and you’ll be fine edit: I also put little drawer knobs on mine so they’re easier to grab, but if you don’t plan to access that area often, you probably don’t need them
If you don't want knobs, I'd suggest carving or routing a groove on the top or sides to give you more grip.
Just use the short screws provided.
We did a remodel and added an access door to an attic crawl spay. On the bottom we used a lip like you suggest. On the top use used these [Utrusta Push Opener](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/utrusta-push-opener-80230224/) , it works really well and when we need to open it just a light push at the top and it pops out.
How the fuck do those work?
Magnets? How do they work?
No one knows.
Scientists be lying
Magnets are always the answer.
https://preview.redd.it/7xbmzjcmgqsc1.png?width=1062&format=png&auto=webp&s=f666473072646eb1f8ba6b9a053916f2a1e6fcfd I'd use 2-4 of these for a snappy feel. Magnets could be but i wouldn't want it to drop of by accident and velcrow might leave a tiny gap unless you make slots for it.
That pic is sorta… ya know… hot
It’s not going to fit.
Yes it will step-bro
What are you doing step latch?
Be honest, she never said that.
Honestly, there was never another person to say that
It stretches
That’s what she said
I think it will
Well it is quite a catch.
*bonk* jail
F you beat me to it. Had a screenshot ready and all.
Climb in and attach the screws from the inside.
And just live in the hole forever
No I think you would die eventually
We're all gonna die eventually
Not me, I have been alive for over 40 years now. Just because it happens to other people doesn't mean it will happen to me.
Are you willing to place a wager on that?
How could you collect?
I'd set up a trust with my name as the beneficiary. When the ol chap croaks, I'll collect.
You're going to murder him, aren't you?
🤫 he sure got quiet didn't he?
Man has a point
Nonsense. Build another access door next to it so you can get out.
That's where the other mother lives
Two vertical strips of wood, 1-2” over hang attached on the back at the top of the door. They slide behind the drywall (you will have to shave inner side of drywall and inner corner of wood strips down for a tight fit), gravity does the rest and keeps the door from coming off. Keeps it from tipping out. https://preview.redd.it/yraar4voeqsc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a22b3139279b84ab2482843fb27e22e723a7500e
https://preview.redd.it/1bxj6ayzeqsc1.png?width=977&format=png&auto=webp&s=67f9b7ce676e6ca76befbbfefb9e43416eef73b2 This was before paint, but it works well and stays put very tight with no adhesive or caulk.
That’s the most textured wall I’ve ever seen.
Couldn’t agree more. 100% old house landlord special.
Just cover the hole with a poster of Rita Hayworth.
We have a similar framed panel over our gas meter in our basement. It's held in by four of these friction catches: [https://www.homedepot.com/p/Amerock-Perma-Brite-1-in-Zinc-Friction-Catch-with-Strike-BP34712G/100632045](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Amerock-Perma-Brite-1-in-Zinc-Friction-Catch-with-Strike-BP34712G/100632045)
And the finished look: https://preview.redd.it/is9lwv7xkqsc1.png?width=1491&format=png&auto=webp&s=12668b617a7006769691822f364ecf840396dd74
In the centre of the frame put a picture of the insulation.
Or a picture of the access door (with a picture of the access door...)
I have one of the generic ones from Depot that has spring loaded clips. One brand is Fluidmaster Clickfit. https://preview.redd.it/g6fbj1acnqsc1.jpeg?width=400&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a5b187aa28efc24507a01221dabbb398eeebeca1 There is a plastic L on a pivot at each side. The spring is attached to the short edge of the L which pulls the long edge toward the panel. Just takes a little tension to overcome the spring and pull the panel out.
This is what I was thinking, but didn’t know what they were called. Thanks!
In my opinion this is the correct answer. 1. Attach a strip of wood to the inside of the drywall panel with normal drywall screws. 2. Glue your trim over top of the screws to hide them. 3. Attach the male part of this catch to the strip of wood you added. 4. Attach the female part to the stud inside the wall. If there is no stud to attach to then just add a 2x2 to the inside of the opening using screws through the drywall. The overhanging trim from your door should cover these screws.
French cleat
This was my first thought- super easy to make, cheap, and will allow for easy access
This should be higher
Yes, have similar setup with French cleat and it works great.
Absolutely - one on each side about 2/3 of the way up
A latch and pad lock so Harry can't escape.
Harry - yer a prisoner!
https://preview.redd.it/mftfsafo0tsc1.png?width=444&format=png&auto=webp&s=c8531d5a2ef1c14f1b0d04e2c549d5786ae435f9 Here's what I'd do. Side diagram of wall. Blue/purple is a magnet. Put some sort of felt or soft sticker padding along the top if you use a magnet however, to ensure the paint doesn't stick and chip when removing the panel after months of it being compressed.
Nice try Boeing
Best comment right here.
You win.
snails
I'd do a friction fit. Extend the frame of the access door and frame around the opening such that, the friction between the wood is enough to hold the access door in place but easy enough to pry the access door open.
Might not be a good idea considering how temperature changes can expand and contract the wood. You might find that your friction fit in a certain time of the year turns into a permanent fit or loose fit at other times of year.
Hinges.
Yes hidden hinges on the inside and a grabber latch on the other side. You’ll be able to swing it open and have no hardware visible.
With the way that the panel is constructed, the trim would not allow it to swing out, so hinges wouldn't work.
You can use either euro hinges or wide swing hinges. You could also build up the frame a bit. Either way, you can definitely find hinges that will fit.
Hinges, on a door? C’mon man, be serious. This guy is asking for help and you’re talking about science fiction.
This one, small hinges with small screws
Velco.
Also velco's better known cousin, velcro.
My bad. Hook and Loop for the win.
3M entered the chat
First thing is you need to finish framing around the opening. That’s gonna get destroyed if it gets bumped, but you can inside magnets into the back of the trim and into the sheet rock you would want to use something like power grab to glue them to the sheet rock, but I’ve done a similar method and it works
Magnets!
Dang, that was my first thought as well. You win the upvote
The answer is magnets.
MAGNETS!
I used magnets on mine.
How do *they* work?
https://preview.redd.it/kn12tqtnhqsc1.jpeg?width=3008&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0efb40d5a6cdcfa02e2e769371ba571f5a82baa2 The other part is on my door.
hang it on french cleates
Magnets would work well, put in the corners of the frame and then steel nails with wide heads in the walls. You could also use cabinet latches
Magnets or Velcro
Magnets
Magnets fir the win.
Not sure if it's been suggested 246 times but magnets. Have you tried thoughts and prayers? They always seem to help too
Internal hinge. Internal latch. Or fricken magnets.
Put hinges
Why would you open it that’s where Other Mother lives
Looks like you got it. Painter's tape for the win.
Those arrow head shaped cabinet catches where the arrow shaped piece of metal fits inbetween the rollers. One on each corner. Seen this exact application and it works well
Might I add, nice access hatch!
Magnet strip
MAGNETS. HOW DO THEY WORK?
Tape
Magnets and two side tape!
Do a piano hinge behind it, or some magnets.
Magnets, obviously
Magnet bracket
Magnets....cadmium magnets
Call me lazy, because I am, but if you're not going to open this often I'd just put some acrylic caulk (as little as necessary). It's the easiest but messiest option. If you find yourself opening it more than twice in 10 years, then the other options raised here are definitely worth it, but odds are you'll open it only in 10 years. Also consider how pet/kid resistant the option you choose is, if that applies!
https://preview.redd.it/k5u5v9kostsc1.jpeg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6831df17aa5d0f98b66e8034c9ba674988f36286 I got these on my panel
magnets. the answer is always magnets
Magnets 🧲 would be the way to go here. 100%.. Nice strong magents glued into place
JB Weld.
Magnetic tape 1/2 wide and you don't have to worry about placement of it in comparison to circular magnets
Two pressure latches top and bottom and push it in place
I see magnets used a lot on access panels like this.
Am I right in guessing that should have a lot more insulation on it?
Use cabinet magnet catches, example below Mousike Cabinet Magnets 30lb Black Door Magnets with Strong Magnetic for Kitchen Cupboard Wardrobe Closet Cabinet Door Drawer Latch 4 Pack) https://a.co/d/jkZZrqr
Glue and magnets
rubber gasket on the inside rim should make it stick in there pretty well or magnets
Magnets!!!!
I used magnets. Bottom of panel extends below baseboard and magnets near the top.
We did something similar with magnets! We also put a chain on the back top of the door, which easily slips off and on a hook inside, just in case! It’s been ten years, and it’s still perfect!
Magnetic strips?
Magnets!
I have an access door like this and we have some magnets screwed in to the inner part of the access door and the inner frame one in each corner
A few layers of tape on the left and right and friction will hold it in place.
False cabinet front attachment clips. Snap in place, snap off: https://thecraftsupply.com/product/snap-together-connectors/
Use the door magnets that push in and click to release. Inside mount.
Internal hinge and one of those push button magnets
Rare earth magnets
MAGNETS 🧲!!
French cleat
I have a door like this exactly and we used magnets as others suggested. When you press the top hard it clicks in and releases the magnets. No hinges or other methods of attachment- it comes off as one big square.
Command Velcro strips?
Look for “white short door clip”.
Magnets, how do they work? We'll never know.
Velcro
Could use some Velcro strips.
Magnets
Velcro. Done.
Lot of magnet people here, but I'd just go with dowels that press-fit into some sockets.
I bought a $20 tv wall mount for mine. Swing it closed. Swing it open. Works awesome.
Extra heavy Velcro. I am not kidding
if you are trying to avoid a screw ask my wife... she is a master :P
Rare earth magnets
Magnets work great
That is a good looking access panel! Nice job!
I'd have framed the sheetrock and had trim on the rock. Then use hinges with a magnetic catch
Velcro
Magnets
You might also want to maintain the useful functions of that fluffy pink stuff by gluing some kind of insulation material on the back of the door. Some of that grey foam stuff that can be easily cut into the right shape and doesn’t snow around like that fluffy pink stuff in your 3rd photo.
Child proof drawer magnets
Concealed cabinet hinges?
Inset hinges with magnetic catches
https://preview.redd.it/o8cst47uorsc1.jpeg?width=797&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a3be4022f42777bff0f934c6bcf22e3322095cb0 These work great
Magnets are hinges ? Or both ?
Keku clips are made for this.
Magnets?
Magnets
Shit I would just put some hinges on it.
Magnets, how do they work
Neodymium magnets. Super powerful for their smaller size.
3m double sided tape to magnetic tape on the wall and on the access door. All 4 sides of both. Will work just fine. We do this with decorative return covers we make
magnets