jh

"john hamilton"

06/06/2010 3:44 PM

It wont stay shut by itself

When working on my car, I bring it right up close to the house and lay my
tools out on the floor behind the front door. Since you never know when it
will rain, it works out very handy since then all I have to do is close the
door; and don't have to be picking up all the tools.

Now if its not warm the family doesn't like the cold air coming into the
house and they want the front door shut, which is fair enough. Since the
door just swings open I have to keep getting the keys out of my pocket to
open the door.

I would like the door to stay shut on its own accord, yet just open with a
push without having to use the keys. There is no room on the door jamb to
screw one of those helical spring self closers. And anyway in general use we
dont want the door to close by itself. Which also rules out one of those
hydraulic self closers which could fit on at the top of the door.

Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north London
u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it will just not hold. Also
tried cutting a thin wedge of cork glued to an upright jamb which makes the
door a tight fit when closed. However the door shrinks in the summer and
expands in the winter so that only works for about half the year.

Grateful for any suggestions, especially something similar to the cork
arrangement which works just fine prividing the weather suits it. Thanks.


This topic has 54 replies

RS

"Roger Shoaf"

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 1:04 PM

Pop on over to the locksmith and have him make you a spare key you can leave
in the door while you are working on the car.

Another option would be to purchase a latch that you can install that does
not require a key to operate, or has a function where it can be locked or
unlocked as you see fit. These are very common in the US and Canada, and
while custom doesn't have them in use in the UK, I would bet that something
of this sort is available from your local locksmith.


--

Roger Shoaf

About the time I had mastered getting the toothpaste back in the tube, then
they come up with this striped stuff.




"john hamilton" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> When working on my car, I bring it right up close to the house and lay my
> tools out on the floor behind the front door. Since you never know when
it
> will rain, it works out very handy since then all I have to do is close
the
> door; and don't have to be picking up all the tools.
>
> Now if its not warm the family doesn't like the cold air coming into the
> house and they want the front door shut, which is fair enough. Since the
> door just swings open I have to keep getting the keys out of my pocket to
> open the door.
>
> I would like the door to stay shut on its own accord, yet just open with a
> push without having to use the keys. There is no room on the door jamb to
> screw one of those helical spring self closers. And anyway in general use
we
> dont want the door to close by itself. Which also rules out one of those
> hydraulic self closers which could fit on at the top of the door.
>
> Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north London
> u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it will just not hold. Also
> tried cutting a thin wedge of cork glued to an upright jamb which makes
the
> door a tight fit when closed. However the door shrinks in the summer and
> expands in the winter so that only works for about half the year.
>
> Grateful for any suggestions, especially something similar to the cork
> arrangement which works just fine prividing the weather suits it.
Thanks.
>
>

RS

"Roger Shoaf"

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 4:51 PM


"Stuart" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> In article <[email protected]>,
> Roger Shoaf <[email protected]> wrote:
> > Another option would be to purchase a latch that you can install that
> > does not require a key to operate, or has a function where it can be
> > locked or unlocked as you see fit. These are very common in the US and
> > Canada, and while custom doesn't have them in use in the UK, I would bet
> > that something of this sort is available from your local locksmith.
>
> If the OP has one of the modern double-glazed doors, especially the ones
> than shoot dead-bolts up, down, left, right and every-which-way when
> locked, it's probably not an option - at least not without paying the
> locksmith a fair wad for him to come and fit a replacement.
>

But those types of doors already have a latch where the door remains shut
and is only locked when you lift up on the lever. At least the ones that I
have seen that have made it to California.

Still the local locksmith should have a solution at hand, even if it is only
the spare key.

--

Roger Shoaf

About the time I had mastered getting the toothpaste back in the tube, then
they come up with this striped stuff.

RS

"Roger Shoaf"

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

07/06/2010 12:12 PM


"Stuart" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> In article <[email protected]>,
> Roger Shoaf <[email protected]> wrote:
> > But those types of doors already have a latch where the door remains
> > shut and is only locked when you lift up on the lever. At least the
> > ones that I have seen that have made it to California.
>
> True with ours but my daughter's has no lever on the outside. Let the door
> shut when you're outside and you need the key to operate the latch.
>

OK so there are some models that have no lever on the outside, but Still the
local locksmith is probably knowledgeable about the hardware in use in his
area and might be able to come up with a solution that is cheap, easy and
aesthetically pleasing.


--

Roger Shoaf

About the time I had mastered getting the toothpaste back in the tube, then
they come up with this striped stuff.

Rc

Robatoy

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 8:36 AM

On Jun 6, 11:13=A0am, dpb <[email protected]> wrote:
> EXT wrote:
> > "Bob F" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> >news:[email protected]...
> >> john hamilton wrote:
> >>> When working on my car, I bring it right up close to the house and
> >>> lay my tools out on the floor behind the front door. =A0...
>
> >> Just about any door latch in the world will fix that.
>
> > Why not use a tool box next to the car, they close up quick too.
>
> How about a car that doesn't need fixing so much?
>
> --

Audi? Hobbyist tuner? Preventative maintenance?

En

"EXT"

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 10:47 AM


"Bob F" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> john hamilton wrote:
>> When working on my car, I bring it right up close to the house and
>> lay my tools out on the floor behind the front door. Since you never
>> know when it will rain, it works out very handy since then all I have
>> to do is close the door; and don't have to be picking up all the
>> tools.
>> Now if its not warm the family doesn't like the cold air coming into
>> the house and they want the front door shut, which is fair enough.
>> Since the door just swings open I have to keep getting the keys out
>> of my pocket to open the door.
>>
>> I would like the door to stay shut on its own accord, yet just open
>> with a push without having to use the keys. There is no room on the
>> door jamb to screw one of those helical spring self closers. And
>> anyway in general use we dont want the door to close by itself. Which
>> also rules out one of those hydraulic self closers which could fit on
>> at the top of the door.
>> Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north
>> London u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it will just not
>> hold. Also tried cutting a thin wedge of cork glued to an upright
>> jamb which makes the door a tight fit when closed. However the door
>> shrinks in the summer and expands in the winter so that only works
>> for about half the year.
>> Grateful for any suggestions, especially something similar to the cork
>> arrangement which works just fine prividing the weather suits it.
>> Thanks.
>
> Just about any door latch in the world will fix that.
>
>

Why not use a tool box next to the car, they close up quick too.

En

"EXT"

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 2:26 PM


"Tony Hwang" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> dpb wrote:
>> EXT wrote:
>>> "Bob F" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>> news:[email protected]...
>>>> john hamilton wrote:
>>>>> When working on my car, I bring it right up close to the house and
>>>>> lay my tools out on the floor behind the front door. ...
>>>>
>>>> Just about any door latch in the world will fix that.
>>>
>>> Why not use a tool box next to the car, they close up quick too.
>>
>> How about a car that doesn't need fixing so much?
>>
>> --
>
> Hi,
> That car has Lucas parts.

Yeah, I used to work in the auto business in the '50s. I can remember Lucas
electrical systems and parts. Took forever to trace out the wiring, and it
never went where you thought it should go. Electrical parts were twice the
price of North American auto parts.

SS

Stuart

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 11:13 PM

In article <[email protected]>,
john hamilton <[email protected]> wrote:
> Grateful for any suggestions, especially something similar to the cork
> arrangement which works just fine prividing the weather suits it.
> Thanks.

Eclipse have a range of very strong magnets available through some tool
sellers.

Take a look at:
http://www.buckandhickman.com./find/keyword-is-magnet

Some of these have a pull of up to 180kg but I suppose you do want to be
able to open the door :-)

SS

Stuart

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 11:38 PM

In article <[email protected]>,
Roger Shoaf <[email protected]> wrote:
> Another option would be to purchase a latch that you can install that
> does not require a key to operate, or has a function where it can be
> locked or unlocked as you see fit. These are very common in the US and
> Canada, and while custom doesn't have them in use in the UK, I would bet
> that something of this sort is available from your local locksmith.

If the OP has one of the modern double-glazed doors, especially the ones
than shoot dead-bolts up, down, left, right and every-which-way when
locked, it's probably not an option - at least not without paying the
locksmith a fair wad for him to come and fit a replacement.

SS

Stuart

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

07/06/2010 10:01 AM

In article <[email protected]>,
Roger Shoaf <[email protected]> wrote:
> But those types of doors already have a latch where the door remains
> shut and is only locked when you lift up on the lever. At least the
> ones that I have seen that have made it to California.

True with ours but my daughter's has no lever on the outside. Let the door
shut when you're outside and you need the key to operate the latch.

TH

Tony Hwang

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 9:44 AM

dpb wrote:
> EXT wrote:
>> "Bob F" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>> john hamilton wrote:
>>>> When working on my car, I bring it right up close to the house and
>>>> lay my tools out on the floor behind the front door. ...
>>>
>>> Just about any door latch in the world will fix that.
>>
>> Why not use a tool box next to the car, they close up quick too.
>
> How about a car that doesn't need fixing so much?
>
> --

Hi,
That car has Lucas parts.

PP

Peter Parry

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 5:45 PM

On Sun, 6 Jun 2010 15:12:37 +0000 (UTC), Jeff The Drunk <[email protected]>
wrote:

>
>Really? What kind of hard drive has a big flat magnet inside?

Most modern ones that use voice coil positioning for the heads.

>That defies
>all logic on the principals of how a hard drive works.

Cunning design (the N and S poles share the same face) and a bit of
shielding keep the magnetic field contained and the platters safe.

Oo

"OG"

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 6:37 PM


"john hamilton" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> When working on my car, I bring it right up close to the house and lay my
> tools out on the floor behind the front door. Since you never know when
> it will rain, it works out very handy since then all I have to do is close
> the door; and don't have to be picking up all the tools.
>
> Now if its not warm the family doesn't like the cold air coming into the
> house and they want the front door shut, which is fair enough. Since the
> door just swings open I have to keep getting the keys out of my pocket to
> open the door.
>
> I would like the door to stay shut on its own accord, yet just open with a
> push without having to use the keys. There is no room on the door jamb to
> screw one of those helical spring self closers. And anyway in general use
> we dont want the door to close by itself. Which also rules out one of
> those hydraulic self closers which could fit on at the top of the door.
>
> Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north London
> u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it will just not hold. Also
> tried cutting a thin wedge of cork glued to an upright jamb which makes
> the door a tight fit when closed. However the door shrinks in the summer
> and expands in the winter so that only works for about half the year.
>
> Grateful for any suggestions, especially something similar to the cork
> arrangement which works just fine prividing the weather suits it.
> Thanks.

Screw a hook in the frame above the door about 1/3 way out from the hinge.
Get a beanbag (or equivalent) that weighs about a pound and tie it to a
piece of string about 1.5 metres long and put a loop in the other end.

When you're working outside, loop the string over the hook. The weight of
the beanbag should keep the door closed, and it can be removed when you're
not working on the car.

RS

"Rod Speed"

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

07/06/2010 4:31 AM

john hamilton wrote:
> When working on my car, I bring it right up close to the house and
> lay my tools out on the floor behind the front door. Since you never
> know when it will rain, it works out very handy since then all I have
> to do is close the door; and don't have to be picking up all the
> tools.
> Now if its not warm the family doesn't like the cold air coming into
> the house and they want the front door shut, which is fair enough.
> Since the door just swings open I have to keep getting the keys out
> of my pocket to open the door.
>
> I would like the door to stay shut on its own accord, yet just open
> with a push without having to use the keys. There is no room on the
> door jamb to screw one of those helical spring self closers. And
> anyway in general use we dont want the door to close by itself. Which
> also rules out one of those hydraulic self closers which could fit on
> at the top of the door.
> Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north
> London u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it will just not
> hold. Also tried cutting a thin wedge of cork glued to an upright
> jamb which makes the door a tight fit when closed. However the door
> shrinks in the summer and expands in the winter so that only works
> for about half the year.
> Grateful for any suggestions, especially something similar to the cork
> arrangement which works just fine prividing the weather suits it.

Presumably some form of spring loaded device should work better than
the cork, allowing the door expansion and contraction to be handled auto.

RS

"Rod Speed"

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

07/06/2010 4:51 AM

Peter Parry wrote
> Jeff The Drunk [email protected] wrote

>> Really? What kind of hard drive has a big flat magnet inside?

> Most modern ones that use voice coil positioning for the heads.

All do in fact, stepper motor head positioning is long gone now.

>> That defies all logic on the principals of how a hard drive works.

> Cunning design (the N and S poles share the same face) and a bit
> of shielding keep the magnetic field contained and the platters safe.

BE

Bob Eager

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 7:23 PM

On Sun, 06 Jun 2010 14:26:37 -0400, EXT wrote:

> "Tony Hwang" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> dpb wrote:
>>> EXT wrote:
>>>> "Bob F" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>>> news:[email protected]...
>>>>> john hamilton wrote:
>>>>>> When working on my car, I bring it right up close to the house and
>>>>>> lay my tools out on the floor behind the front door. ...
>>>>>
>>>>> Just about any door latch in the world will fix that.
>>>>
>>>> Why not use a tool box next to the car, they close up quick too.
>>>
>>> How about a car that doesn't need fixing so much?
>>>
>>> --
>>
>> Hi,
>> That car has Lucas parts.
>
> Yeah, I used to work in the auto business in the '50s. I can remember
> Lucas electrical systems and parts. Took forever to trace out the
> wiring, and it never went where you thought it should go. Electrical
> parts were twice the price of North American auto parts.

I seem to remember expensive Wipac parts (Wico-Pacy Corporation of the
USA) my my British bike. They weren't much better!

--
Use the BIG mirror service in the UK:
http://www.mirrorservice.org

*lightning protection* - a w_tom conductor

Tt

Tony

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 7:48 PM

john hamilton wrote:
> When working on my car, I bring it right up close to the house and lay my
> tools out on the floor behind the front door. Since you never know when it
> will rain, it works out very handy since then all I have to do is close the
> door; and don't have to be picking up all the tools.
>
> Now if its not warm the family doesn't like the cold air coming into the
> house and they want the front door shut, which is fair enough. Since the
> door just swings open I have to keep getting the keys out of my pocket to
> open the door.
>
> I would like the door to stay shut on its own accord, yet just open with a
> push without having to use the keys. There is no room on the door jamb to
> screw one of those helical spring self closers. And anyway in general use we
> dont want the door to close by itself. Which also rules out one of those
> hydraulic self closers which could fit on at the top of the door.
>
> Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north London
> u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it will just not hold. Also
> tried cutting a thin wedge of cork glued to an upright jamb which makes the
> door a tight fit when closed. However the door shrinks in the summer and
> expands in the winter so that only works for about half the year.
>
> Grateful for any suggestions, especially something similar to the cork
> arrangement which works just fine prividing the weather suits it. Thanks.
>

Would leaving the key in the door be too much trouble?

nn

"newshound"

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

07/06/2010 10:21 PM


> Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north London
> u.k.),

eBay for Rare Earth Magnets, they come in all shapes and sizes including
disks with holes which can be screwed in place. I have them on an awkward
cupboard door which won't hold on normal latches.

TS

"Toby Sleigh"

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 4:28 PM


"Jeff The Drunk" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Sun, 06 Jun 2010 11:06:09 -0400, Ralph Mowery wrote:
>
>> "john hamilton" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>> Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north
>>> London u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it will just not
>>> hold. Also
>>
>> The magnet out of a hard drive is flat and very strong.
>
> Really? What kind of hard drive has a big flat magnet inside? That defies
> all logic on the principals of how a hard drive works.

All hard drives, the head arm solenoid uses them. My shed's full of magnets
from HDDs. For example I use them to store sash clamps out of the way on the
ceiling. I've used one from a larger mainframe disk drive to fish 37lb sash
weights from a skip, you've just got to make sure it doesn't touch the side
of the skip.



mN

mm

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

07/06/2010 12:59 AM

On Sun, 06 Jun 2010 14:22:03 -0400, aemeijers <[email protected]>
wrote:

>
>Methinks that if OP can't figure a painless way to rig the front door to
>not lock him out every time it closes (like a snippet of duct tape over
>the the bolt),

Better than duct tape over the bolt (the triangular, wedge-like bolt,
I think you mean) is a paper wad stuck in the hole. It leaves no
residue and isn't visible if a burglar walks by when you take the car
for a test drive and leave the house unlocked.

The Watergate burglars used duct tape to keep one of the doors to the
hall open. The first time the guard walked by, he thought someone did
it during work hours, and removed it. The burglars replaced the
tape!!! **

The second time the guard walked by, he saw the tape and called the
police.

If I had been running the burglary, they wouldn't have been caught.

**I don't know why since I thought they were done coming and going by
then, and I thought all were inside. (Coming and going should be kept
at a minimum during a burglary.)

> he'd best not be doing any work on the brakes on his
>motorcar. Dunno about UK and Chubb or whoever, but door latch makers
>here in the states always put a little tab or button to disable the
>auto-lock feature when needed.

aa

aemeijers

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 2:22 PM

willshak wrote:
> john hamilton wrote the following:
>> When working on my car, I bring it right up close to the house and lay
>> my tools out on the floor behind the front door. Since you never know
>> when it will rain, it works out very handy since then all I have to do
>> is close the door; and don't have to be picking up all the tools.
>>
>> Now if its not warm the family doesn't like the cold air coming into
>> the house and they want the front door shut, which is fair enough.
>> Since the door just swings open I have to keep getting the keys out of
>> my pocket to open the door.
>>
>> I would like the door to stay shut on its own accord, yet just open
>> with a push without having to use the keys. There is no room on the
>> door jamb to screw one of those helical spring self closers. And
>> anyway in general use we dont want the door to close by itself. Which
>> also rules out one of those hydraulic self closers which could fit on
>> at the top of the door.
>>
>> Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north
>> London u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it will just not
>> hold. Also tried cutting a thin wedge of cork glued to an upright
>> jamb which makes the door a tight fit when closed. However the door
>> shrinks in the summer and expands in the winter so that only works for
>> about half the year.
>>
>> Grateful for any suggestions, especially something similar to the cork
>> arrangement which works just fine prividing the weather suits it.
>> Thanks.
>
> Here in the US, we have pretty accurate weather forecasting, so we know
> when not to plan to work outside.
> Now, setting that GB weather joke aside, a question. Why do you need
> keys to open the front door at any time? Can you leave the door unlocked?
> Thirdly, a suggestion. Leave the tools in the vehicle when you are
> working with them, either on the floor of the car, or in the trunk
> (boot). Then, if it rains, just shut the car door or boot and go inside
> til the rain stops..
>

I was gonna suggest one of those plastic storage boxes that gardeners
use, or even a child's plastic sandbox with a lid that could be closed
if a sudden shower comes up. OP's wife must be super-tolerant to not
freak at greasy tools all over her front-hall rug. And unless these are
row-houses with no front yards to speak of, the neighbors must love him
parking on the lawn.

Methinks that if OP can't figure a painless way to rig the front door to
not lock him out every time it closes (like a snippet of duct tape over
the the bolt), he'd best not be doing any work on the brakes on his
motorcar. Dunno about UK and Chubb or whoever, but door latch makers
here in the states always put a little tab or button to disable the
auto-lock feature when needed.

Assuming this isn't just a troll, of course.

--
aem sends...

ww

willshak

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 11:18 AM

john hamilton wrote the following:
> When working on my car, I bring it right up close to the house and lay my
> tools out on the floor behind the front door. Since you never know when it
> will rain, it works out very handy since then all I have to do is close the
> door; and don't have to be picking up all the tools.
>
> Now if its not warm the family doesn't like the cold air coming into the
> house and they want the front door shut, which is fair enough. Since the
> door just swings open I have to keep getting the keys out of my pocket to
> open the door.
>
> I would like the door to stay shut on its own accord, yet just open with a
> push without having to use the keys. There is no room on the door jamb to
> screw one of those helical spring self closers. And anyway in general use we
> dont want the door to close by itself. Which also rules out one of those
> hydraulic self closers which could fit on at the top of the door.
>
> Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north London
> u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it will just not hold. Also
> tried cutting a thin wedge of cork glued to an upright jamb which makes the
> door a tight fit when closed. However the door shrinks in the summer and
> expands in the winter so that only works for about half the year.
>
> Grateful for any suggestions, especially something similar to the cork
> arrangement which works just fine prividing the weather suits it. Thanks.

Here in the US, we have pretty accurate weather forecasting, so we know
when not to plan to work outside.
Now, setting that GB weather joke aside, a question. Why do you need
keys to open the front door at any time? Can you leave the door unlocked?
Thirdly, a suggestion. Leave the tools in the vehicle when you are
working with them, either on the floor of the car, or in the trunk
(boot). Then, if it rains, just shut the car door or boot and go inside
til the rain stops..

--

Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
In the original Orange County. Est. 1683
To email, remove the double zeroes after @

RM

"Ralph Mowery"

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 11:06 AM


"john hamilton" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north London
> u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it will just not hold. Also

The magnet out of a hard drive is flat and very strong.

GR

Gerald Ross

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 10:56 AM

john hamilton wrote:
> When working on my car, I bring it right up close to the house and lay my
> tools out on the floor behind the front door. Since you never know when it
> will rain, it works out very handy since then all I have to do is close the
> door; and don't have to be picking up all the tools.
>
> Now if its not warm the family doesn't like the cold air coming into the
> house and they want the front door shut, which is fair enough. Since the
> door just swings open I have to keep getting the keys out of my pocket to
> open the door.
>
> I would like the door to stay shut on its own accord, yet just open with a
> push without having to use the keys. There is no room on the door jamb to
> screw one of those helical spring self closers. And anyway in general use we
> dont want the door to close by itself. Which also rules out one of those
> hydraulic self closers which could fit on at the top of the door.
>
> Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north London
> u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it will just not hold. Also
> tried cutting a thin wedge of cork glued to an upright jamb which makes the
> door a tight fit when closed. However the door shrinks in the summer and
> expands in the winter so that only works for about half the year.
>
> Grateful for any suggestions, especially something similar to the cork
> arrangement which works just fine prividing the weather suits it. Thanks.
>
>
Do you have an adjustable threshold? They are common here. Just turn
the screws a tad and it raises enough to scrub the bottom of the door.
Keeps out drafts too.

--
Gerald Ross
Cochran, GA

Laugh, and the world ignores you.
Crying doesn't help either.




MB

Michael Black

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 1:42 PM

On Sun, 6 Jun 2010, Jeff The Drunk wrote:

> On Sun, 06 Jun 2010 11:06:09 -0400, Ralph Mowery wrote:
>
>> "john hamilton" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>> Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north
>>> London u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it will just not
>>> hold. Also
>>
>> The magnet out of a hard drive is flat and very strong.
>
> Really? What kind of hard drive has a big flat magnet inside? That defies
> all logic on the principals of how a hard drive works.
>
No it doesn't.

There is a pair of very strong magnets in every hard drive I've taken
apart. I'm not sure exactly what they are doing, but the actual arm
with the read/write head is between the magnets. Since there is a pair
of them, they incidentally contain the magnetism. They are right next
to the platter(s).

These are strong, you don't want to get your finger between them.
I suppose a big speaker magnet might be stronger, but they are also
a lot bigger.

Michael

LJ

Larry Jaques

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 1:03 PM

On Sun, 6 Jun 2010 10:47:50 -0400, "EXT" <[email protected]>
wrote the following:

>
>"Bob F" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> john hamilton wrote:
>>> When working on my car, I bring it right up close to the house and
>>> lay my tools out on the floor behind the front door. Since you never
>>> know when it will rain, it works out very handy since then all I have
>>> to do is close the door; and don't have to be picking up all the
>>> tools.
>>> Now if its not warm the family doesn't like the cold air coming into
>>> the house and they want the front door shut, which is fair enough.
>>> Since the door just swings open I have to keep getting the keys out
>>> of my pocket to open the door.
>>>
>>> I would like the door to stay shut on its own accord, yet just open
>>> with a push without having to use the keys. There is no room on the
>>> door jamb to screw one of those helical spring self closers. And
>>> anyway in general use we dont want the door to close by itself. Which
>>> also rules out one of those hydraulic self closers which could fit on
>>> at the top of the door.
>>> Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north
>>> London u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it will just not
>>> hold. Also tried cutting a thin wedge of cork glued to an upright
>>> jamb which makes the door a tight fit when closed. However the door
>>> shrinks in the summer and expands in the winter so that only works
>>> for about half the year.
>>> Grateful for any suggestions, especially something similar to the cork
>>> arrangement which works just fine prividing the weather suits it.
>>> Thanks.
>>
>> Just about any door latch in the world will fix that.
>
>Why not use a tool box next to the car, they close up quick too.

Nah, he should move to Phoenix, AZ where it's dry all year and the
cork would work. 'Course, the weather is a mite different than that of
froggy old England.

The sure fix is to put one of the mechanical door stops on the door.
Even a cabinet or RV door stop might work,
http://www.toplinemfg.com/html/rv-doorretainer.html , but the one I'm
thinking of is a large wrought iron bracket and bell which I last saw
in a hardware store (on the door) in HelL.A. about 30 years ago. They
should be all over England shops, even to this day. (You guys like
quaint thingies Over There and you're more practical. It if still
works, leave it up.) ;)

Spring steel, works like a mailbox door spring (which just might work
itself.) Go for it, John!

--
It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor
the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.
-- Charles Darwin

tt

terry

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 10:48 AM

Agree: We have kept two such very powerful magnets from old hard
drives.
So strong that the two attracted each and clung through a 3 inch
sapling!
Wood not otherwise being magnetic AFIK! {:-)

My neighbour recently borrowed one to get a piece of metal
(successfully) out of his eye!
We keep one magnet on the fridge. It's hard to dislodge!

Got another couple of hard drives downstairs to be scrapped for small
parts, especially the magnets.

Development of stronger magnets has certainly progressed during the
last 50 to 60 years! The magnets used for WWII magnetrons were huge.
Nowadays each microwave oven normally contains two such annular
(doughnut shape) magnets, which together will fit into a mail
envelope!

Suggestion about windy door, use a piece of
string ........................... !

ar

a real cheapskate

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 7:46 AM

On Jun 6, 10:44=EF=BF=BDam, "john hamilton" <[email protected]> wrote:
> When working on my car, I bring it right up close to the house and lay my
> tools out on the floor behind the front door. =EF=BF=BDSince you never kn=
ow when it
> will rain, it works out very handy since then all I have to do is close t=
he
> door; and don't have to be picking up all the tools.
>
> Now if its not warm the family doesn't like the cold air coming into the
> house and they want the front door shut, which is fair enough. Since the
> door just swings open I have to keep getting the keys out of my pocket to
> open the door.
>
> I would like the door to stay shut on its own accord, yet just open with =
a
> push without having to use the keys. There is no room on the door jamb to
> screw one of those helical spring self closers. And anyway in general use=
we
> dont want the door to close by itself. Which also rules out one of those
> hydraulic self closers which could fit on at the top of the door.
>
> Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north London
> u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it will just not hold. =EF=
=BF=BD Also
> tried cutting a thin wedge of cork glued to an upright jamb which makes t=
he
> door a tight fit when closed. However the door shrinks in the summer and
> expands in the winter so that only works for about half the year.
>
> Grateful for any suggestions, especially something similar to the cork
> arrangement which works just fine prividing the weather suits it. =EF=BF=
=BD =EF=BF=BDThanks.

think storm door

LJ

Larry Jaques

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 6:41 PM

On Sun, 6 Jun 2010 16:22:21 -0700, "Lobby Dosser" <[email protected]>
wrote the following:

>"Larry Jaques" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> On Sun, 06 Jun 2010 10:56:52 -0400, Gerald Ross <[email protected]>
>> wrote the following:
>>
>>>john hamilton wrote:
>>>> When working on my car, I bring it right up close to the house and lay
>>>> my
>>>> tools out on the floor behind the front door. Since you never know when
>>>> it
>>>> will rain, it works out very handy since then all I have to do is close
>>>> the
>>>> door; and don't have to be picking up all the tools.
>>>>
>>>> Now if its not warm the family doesn't like the cold air coming into the
>>>> house and they want the front door shut, which is fair enough. Since the
>>>> door just swings open I have to keep getting the keys out of my pocket
>>>> to
>>>> open the door.
>>>>
>>>> I would like the door to stay shut on its own accord, yet just open with
>>>> a
>>>> push without having to use the keys. There is no room on the door jamb
>>>> to
>>>> screw one of those helical spring self closers. And anyway in general
>>>> use we
>>>> dont want the door to close by itself. Which also rules out one of those
>>>> hydraulic self closers which could fit on at the top of the door.
>>>>
>>>> Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north
>>>> London
>>>> u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it will just not hold.
>>>> Also
>>>> tried cutting a thin wedge of cork glued to an upright jamb which makes
>>>> the
>>>> door a tight fit when closed. However the door shrinks in the summer and
>>>> expands in the winter so that only works for about half the year.
>>>>
>>>> Grateful for any suggestions, especially something similar to the cork
>>>> arrangement which works just fine prividing the weather suits it.
>>>> Thanks.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>Do you have an adjustable threshold? They are common here. Just turn
>>>the screws a tad and it raises enough to scrub the bottom of the door.
>>>Keeps out drafts too.
>>
>> I've looked for those here in Oregon and they're like dinosaur teeth.
>> Blowes, Homey's Despot, Diamond Home Improvement, Fields Home Center,
>> Farmer's Supply, the Grange Co-Op. Nobody stocks or can order those
>> things. Plus, they're pricy and expensive to ship.
>
>http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xhi/R-100189307/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
>
>Note the store.

Those bastids! I asked both in the hardware section and at Contractor
Sales and they both told me that they (local store: Phoenix, OR) do
not carry them and they don't show them in Oregon. Maybe they've had
enough requests to finally carry them. I asked about 1 & 3 years ago.
DAMN, I was just there this morning, too, a 54-mile R/T. Grrrr!

Well, I got my goodies, did a Harbor Fright run, and all that as well,
so it was a worthwhile trip. That'll go on my next Medford Run list,
though.

Thanks for the info, Lobby. Wow, -cheap- there, too!

--
It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor
the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.
-- Charles Darwin

BF

"Bob F"

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 7:51 AM

john hamilton wrote:
> When working on my car, I bring it right up close to the house and
> lay my tools out on the floor behind the front door. Since you never
> know when it will rain, it works out very handy since then all I have
> to do is close the door; and don't have to be picking up all the
> tools.
> Now if its not warm the family doesn't like the cold air coming into
> the house and they want the front door shut, which is fair enough.
> Since the door just swings open I have to keep getting the keys out
> of my pocket to open the door.
>
> I would like the door to stay shut on its own accord, yet just open
> with a push without having to use the keys. There is no room on the
> door jamb to screw one of those helical spring self closers. And
> anyway in general use we dont want the door to close by itself. Which
> also rules out one of those hydraulic self closers which could fit on
> at the top of the door.
> Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north
> London u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it will just not
> hold. Also tried cutting a thin wedge of cork glued to an upright
> jamb which makes the door a tight fit when closed. However the door
> shrinks in the summer and expands in the winter so that only works
> for about half the year.
> Grateful for any suggestions, especially something similar to the cork
> arrangement which works just fine prividing the weather suits it. Thanks.

Just about any door latch in the world will fix that.

TN

The Natural Philosopher

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 4:13 PM

Jeff The Drunk wrote:
> On Sun, 06 Jun 2010 11:06:09 -0400, Ralph Mowery wrote:
>
>> "john hamilton" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>> Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north
>>> London u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it will just not
>>> hold. Also
>> The magnet out of a hard drive is flat and very strong.
>
> Really? What kind of hard drive has a big flat magnet inside? That defies
> all logic on the principals of how a hard drive works.
themotor

dn

dpb

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 10:13 AM

EXT wrote:
> "Bob F" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> john hamilton wrote:
>>> When working on my car, I bring it right up close to the house and
>>> lay my tools out on the floor behind the front door. ...
>>
>> Just about any door latch in the world will fix that.
>
> Why not use a tool box next to the car, they close up quick too.

How about a car that doesn't need fixing so much?

--

Gm

"Graham."

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 7:07 PM



>>> Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north
>>> London u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it will just not
>>> hold. Also
>>
>> The magnet out of a hard drive is flat and very strong.
>
> Really? What kind of hard drive has a big flat magnet inside? That defies
> all logic on the principals of how a hard drive works.

Contra-intuitive, but true nonetheless.

A hard-drive has a pair of the most vicious magnets you are likely to
encounter outside of a hospital's MRI dept.

They form a simple head position actuator.

--
Graham.

%Profound_observation%

LD

"Lobby Dosser"

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 4:13 PM

"john hamilton" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> When working on my car, I bring it right up close to the house and lay my
> tools out on the floor behind the front door. Since you never know when
> it will rain, it works out very handy since then all I have to do is close
> the door; and don't have to be picking up all the tools.

Get a portable carport.

LD

"Lobby Dosser"

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 4:14 PM

"Robatoy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
On Jun 6, 11:13 am, dpb <[email protected]> wrote:
> EXT wrote:
> > "Bob F" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> >news:[email protected]...
> >> john hamilton wrote:
> >>> When working on my car, I bring it right up close to the house and
> >>> lay my tools out on the floor behind the front door. ...
>
> >> Just about any door latch in the world will fix that.
>
> > Why not use a tool box next to the car, they close up quick too.
>
> How about a car that doesn't need fixing so much?
>
> --

Audi? Hobbyist tuner? Preventative maintenance?

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Check the weather forecast?

LD

"Lobby Dosser"

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 4:22 PM

"Larry Jaques" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Sun, 06 Jun 2010 10:56:52 -0400, Gerald Ross <[email protected]>
> wrote the following:
>
>>john hamilton wrote:
>>> When working on my car, I bring it right up close to the house and lay
>>> my
>>> tools out on the floor behind the front door. Since you never know when
>>> it
>>> will rain, it works out very handy since then all I have to do is close
>>> the
>>> door; and don't have to be picking up all the tools.
>>>
>>> Now if its not warm the family doesn't like the cold air coming into the
>>> house and they want the front door shut, which is fair enough. Since the
>>> door just swings open I have to keep getting the keys out of my pocket
>>> to
>>> open the door.
>>>
>>> I would like the door to stay shut on its own accord, yet just open with
>>> a
>>> push without having to use the keys. There is no room on the door jamb
>>> to
>>> screw one of those helical spring self closers. And anyway in general
>>> use we
>>> dont want the door to close by itself. Which also rules out one of those
>>> hydraulic self closers which could fit on at the top of the door.
>>>
>>> Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north
>>> London
>>> u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it will just not hold.
>>> Also
>>> tried cutting a thin wedge of cork glued to an upright jamb which makes
>>> the
>>> door a tight fit when closed. However the door shrinks in the summer and
>>> expands in the winter so that only works for about half the year.
>>>
>>> Grateful for any suggestions, especially something similar to the cork
>>> arrangement which works just fine prividing the weather suits it.
>>> Thanks.
>>>
>>>
>>Do you have an adjustable threshold? They are common here. Just turn
>>the screws a tad and it raises enough to scrub the bottom of the door.
>>Keeps out drafts too.
>
> I've looked for those here in Oregon and they're like dinosaur teeth.
> Blowes, Homey's Despot, Diamond Home Improvement, Fields Home Center,
> Farmer's Supply, the Grange Co-Op. Nobody stocks or can order those
> things. Plus, they're pricy and expensive to ship.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xhi/R-100189307/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Note the store.

LD

"Lobby Dosser"

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 4:24 PM

"Toby Sleigh" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Jeff The Drunk" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> On Sun, 06 Jun 2010 11:06:09 -0400, Ralph Mowery wrote:
>>
>>> "john hamilton" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>> news:[email protected]...
>>>> Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north
>>>> London u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it will just not
>>>> hold. Also
>>>
>>> The magnet out of a hard drive is flat and very strong.
>>
>> Really? What kind of hard drive has a big flat magnet inside? That defies
>> all logic on the principals of how a hard drive works.
>
> All hard drives, the head arm solenoid uses them. My shed's full of
> magnets from HDDs. For example I use them to store sash clamps out of the
> way on the ceiling. I've used one from a larger mainframe disk drive to
> fish 37lb sash weights from a skip, you've just got to make sure it
> doesn't touch the side of the skip.

Sounds like trying to get a prize out of one of those crane machines! :()

LD

"Lobby Dosser"

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 4:26 PM

"terry" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Agree: We have kept two such very powerful magnets from old hard
> drives.
> So strong that the two attracted each and clung through a 3 inch
> sapling!
> Wood not otherwise being magnetic AFIK! {:-)
>
> My neighbour recently borrowed one to get a piece of metal
> (successfully) out of his eye!
> We keep one magnet on the fridge. It's hard to dislodge!
>
> Got another couple of hard drives downstairs to be scrapped for small
> parts, especially the magnets.
>
> Development of stronger magnets has certainly progressed during the
> last 50 to 60 years! The magnets used for WWII magnetrons were huge.
> Nowadays each microwave oven normally contains two such annular
> (doughnut shape) magnets, which together will fit into a mail
> envelope!
>
> Suggestion about windy door, use a piece of
> string ........................... !


He's keeping his trousers up with that! :)

LD

"Lobby Dosser"

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 8:12 PM

"Larry Jaques" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Sun, 6 Jun 2010 16:22:21 -0700, "Lobby Dosser" <[email protected]>
> wrote the following:
>
>>"Larry Jaques" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>news:[email protected]...
>>> On Sun, 06 Jun 2010 10:56:52 -0400, Gerald Ross <[email protected]>
>>> wrote the following:
>>>
>>>>john hamilton wrote:
>>>>> When working on my car, I bring it right up close to the house and lay
>>>>> my
>>>>> tools out on the floor behind the front door. Since you never know
>>>>> when
>>>>> it
>>>>> will rain, it works out very handy since then all I have to do is
>>>>> close
>>>>> the
>>>>> door; and don't have to be picking up all the tools.
>>>>>
>>>>> Now if its not warm the family doesn't like the cold air coming into
>>>>> the
>>>>> house and they want the front door shut, which is fair enough. Since
>>>>> the
>>>>> door just swings open I have to keep getting the keys out of my pocket
>>>>> to
>>>>> open the door.
>>>>>
>>>>> I would like the door to stay shut on its own accord, yet just open
>>>>> with
>>>>> a
>>>>> push without having to use the keys. There is no room on the door jamb
>>>>> to
>>>>> screw one of those helical spring self closers. And anyway in general
>>>>> use we
>>>>> dont want the door to close by itself. Which also rules out one of
>>>>> those
>>>>> hydraulic self closers which could fit on at the top of the door.
>>>>>
>>>>> Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north
>>>>> London
>>>>> u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it will just not hold.
>>>>> Also
>>>>> tried cutting a thin wedge of cork glued to an upright jamb which
>>>>> makes
>>>>> the
>>>>> door a tight fit when closed. However the door shrinks in the summer
>>>>> and
>>>>> expands in the winter so that only works for about half the year.
>>>>>
>>>>> Grateful for any suggestions, especially something similar to the cork
>>>>> arrangement which works just fine prividing the weather suits it.
>>>>> Thanks.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>Do you have an adjustable threshold? They are common here. Just turn
>>>>the screws a tad and it raises enough to scrub the bottom of the door.
>>>>Keeps out drafts too.
>>>
>>> I've looked for those here in Oregon and they're like dinosaur teeth.
>>> Blowes, Homey's Despot, Diamond Home Improvement, Fields Home Center,
>>> Farmer's Supply, the Grange Co-Op. Nobody stocks or can order those
>>> things. Plus, they're pricy and expensive to ship.
>>
>>http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xhi/R-100189307/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
>>
>>Note the store.
>
> Those bastids! I asked both in the hardware section and at Contractor
> Sales and they both told me that they (local store: Phoenix, OR) do
> not carry them and they don't show them in Oregon. Maybe they've had
> enough requests to finally carry them. I asked about 1 & 3 years ago.
> DAMN, I was just there this morning, too, a 54-mile R/T. Grrrr!
>
> Well, I got my goodies, did a Harbor Fright run, and all that as well,
> so it was a worthwhile trip. That'll go on my next Medford Run list,
> though.
>
> Thanks for the info, Lobby. Wow, -cheap- there, too!

Yep. Thought it was weird, as I've seen them at HD up here.

LD

"Lobby Dosser"

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 8:15 PM

"Oren" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Sun, 6 Jun 2010 16:26:30 -0700, "Lobby Dosser" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
>>"terry" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>news:[email protected]...
>>> Agree: We have kept two such very powerful magnets from old hard
>>> drives.
>>> So strong that the two attracted each and clung through a 3 inch
>>> sapling!
>>> Wood not otherwise being magnetic AFIK! {:-)
>>>
>>> My neighbour recently borrowed one to get a piece of metal
>>> (successfully) out of his eye!
>>> We keep one magnet on the fridge. It's hard to dislodge!
>>>
>>> Got another couple of hard drives downstairs to be scrapped for small
>>> parts, especially the magnets.
>>>
>>> Development of stronger magnets has certainly progressed during the
>>> last 50 to 60 years! The magnets used for WWII magnetrons were huge.
>>> Nowadays each microwave oven normally contains two such annular
>>> (doughnut shape) magnets, which together will fit into a mail
>>> envelope!
>>>
>>> Suggestion about windy door, use a piece of
>>> string ........................... !
>>
>>
>>He's keeping his trousers up with that! :)
>
> Trousers? Are those the same as Breeches?
>

I was translating to Brit.

Just got in from the Isle of Skye
I'm not very big and I'm awfully shy
The ladies shout as I go by
Donald where's your troosers?

Chorus:

Let the winds blow high,
Let the winds blow low,
Down the street in my kilt I go
And all the ladies say hello
Donald where's your troosers?

FM

F Murtz

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

07/06/2010 3:56 PM

john hamilton wrote:
> When working on my car, I bring it right up close to the house and lay my
> tools out on the floor behind the front door. Since you never know when it
> will rain, it works out very handy since then all I have to do is close the
> door; and don't have to be picking up all the tools.
>
> Now if its not warm the family doesn't like the cold air coming into the
> house and they want the front door shut, which is fair enough. Since the
> door just swings open I have to keep getting the keys out of my pocket to
> open the door.
>
> I would like the door to stay shut on its own accord, yet just open with a
> push without having to use the keys. There is no room on the door jamb to
> screw one of those helical spring self closers. And anyway in general use we
> dont want the door to close by itself. Which also rules out one of those
> hydraulic self closers which could fit on at the top of the door.
>
> Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north London
> u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it will just not hold. Also
> tried cutting a thin wedge of cork glued to an upright jamb which makes the
> door a tight fit when closed. However the door shrinks in the summer and
> expands in the winter so that only works for about half the year.
>
> Grateful for any suggestions, especially something similar to the cork
> arrangement which works just fine prividing the weather suits it. Thanks.
>
>
It is possible to get electrically operated magnetic catches. You could
go the whole hog and make it remote control and keep remote in pocket.

JJ

"Josepi"

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

07/06/2010 7:26 AM

I use that method for my master bedroom. Once she complies I let her out for
breakfast.


LOL
"F Murtz" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
It is possible to get electrically operated magnetic catches. You could
go the whole hog and make it remote control and keep remote in pocket.



--- news://freenews.netfront.net/ - complaints: [email protected] ---

BF

"Bob F"

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

07/06/2010 7:35 AM

Duncan Wood wrote:
> On Sun, 06 Jun 2010 16:24:38 +0100, Meat Plow <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>> On Sun, 06 Jun 2010 16:13:54 +0100, The Natural Philosopher ??o??:
>>
>>> Jeff The Drunk wrote:
>>>> On Sun, 06 Jun 2010 11:06:09 -0400, Ralph Mowery wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> "john hamilton" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>>>> news:[email protected]...
>>>>>> Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In
>>>>>> north London u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it
>>>>>> will just not hold. Also
>>>>> The magnet out of a hard drive is flat and very strong.
>>>>
>>>> Really? What kind of hard drive has a big flat magnet inside? That
>>>> defies all logic on the principals of how a hard drive works.
>>>> themotor
>>
>> So hard drives have a motor that has a big flat strong magnet?
>> Wouldn't that mess up the data being written to the platers?
>>
>
> No.

It is the head moving mechanism that uses the magnets, not the motor.

BF

"Bob F"

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

07/06/2010 7:38 AM

terry wrote:
> Got another couple of hard drives downstairs to be scrapped for small
> parts, especially the magnets.
>
> Development of stronger magnets has certainly progressed during the
> last 50 to 60 years! The magnets used for WWII magnetrons were huge.
> Nowadays each microwave oven normally contains two such annular
> (doughnut shape) magnets, which together will fit into a mail
> envelope!

I use hard drive magnets to locate the studs in wall. The magnets will easily
stick to the nails in the wallboard. Just find the nail and stick the magnet
there to mark the spot.

LJ

Larry Jaques

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 1:06 PM

On Sun, 06 Jun 2010 10:56:52 -0400, Gerald Ross <[email protected]>
wrote the following:

>john hamilton wrote:
>> When working on my car, I bring it right up close to the house and lay my
>> tools out on the floor behind the front door. Since you never know when it
>> will rain, it works out very handy since then all I have to do is close the
>> door; and don't have to be picking up all the tools.
>>
>> Now if its not warm the family doesn't like the cold air coming into the
>> house and they want the front door shut, which is fair enough. Since the
>> door just swings open I have to keep getting the keys out of my pocket to
>> open the door.
>>
>> I would like the door to stay shut on its own accord, yet just open with a
>> push without having to use the keys. There is no room on the door jamb to
>> screw one of those helical spring self closers. And anyway in general use we
>> dont want the door to close by itself. Which also rules out one of those
>> hydraulic self closers which could fit on at the top of the door.
>>
>> Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north London
>> u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it will just not hold. Also
>> tried cutting a thin wedge of cork glued to an upright jamb which makes the
>> door a tight fit when closed. However the door shrinks in the summer and
>> expands in the winter so that only works for about half the year.
>>
>> Grateful for any suggestions, especially something similar to the cork
>> arrangement which works just fine prividing the weather suits it. Thanks.
>>
>>
>Do you have an adjustable threshold? They are common here. Just turn
>the screws a tad and it raises enough to scrub the bottom of the door.
>Keeps out drafts too.

I've looked for those here in Oregon and they're like dinosaur teeth.
Blowes, Homey's Despot, Diamond Home Improvement, Fields Home Center,
Farmer's Supply, the Grange Co-Op. Nobody stocks or can order those
things. Plus, they're pricy and expensive to ship.

But I like the newer car idea for John. ;)

--
It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor
the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.
-- Charles Darwin

mN

mm

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

07/06/2010 12:44 AM

On Sun, 6 Jun 2010 16:24:59 -0700, "Lobby Dosser" <[email protected]>
wrote:

>"Toby Sleigh" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>>
>> "Jeff The Drunk" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>> On Sun, 06 Jun 2010 11:06:09 -0400, Ralph Mowery wrote:
>>>
>>>> "john hamilton" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>>> news:[email protected]...
>>>>> Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north
>>>>> London u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it will just not
>>>>> hold. Also
>>>>
>>>> The magnet out of a hard drive is flat and very strong.
>>>
>>> Really? What kind of hard drive has a big flat magnet inside? That defies
>>> all logic on the principals of how a hard drive works.
>>
>> All hard drives, the head arm solenoid uses them. My shed's full of
>> magnets from HDDs. For example I use them to store sash clamps out of the
>> way on the ceiling. I've used one from a larger mainframe disk drive to
>> fish 37lb sash weights from a skip, you've just got to make sure it
>> doesn't touch the side of the skip.
>
>Sounds like trying to get a prize out of one of those crane machines! :()

It was from a speaker, not a harddrive, but I used a big magnet to try
to fish my keys that were ten feet down a drain pipe in front of the
Union railroad station in Baltimore. I ended up with a 2 foot piece
of rebar, but no keys. (I carried two sets of keys in those days
so getting home was easy.) It was a ceramic pipe I think.

DL

"Dave Liquorice"

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 6:01 PM

On Sun, 6 Jun 2010 15:44:16 +0100, john hamilton wrote:

> Since the door just swings open I have to keep getting the keys out of
> my pocket to open the door.
>
> I would like the door to stay shut on its own accord, yet just open with
> a push without having to use the keys.

Rehang it so that it's natural rest state is closed not open. I
*think* with a normal opening inwards door that means the top hinge
slightly further into the jamb than the bottom hinge.

--
Cheers
Dave.


DW

"Duncan Wood"

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 11:36 PM

On Sun, 06 Jun 2010 16:24:38 +0100, Meat Plow <[email protected]> wrote:

> On Sun, 06 Jun 2010 16:13:54 +0100, The Natural Philosopher ǝʇoɹʍ:
>
>> Jeff The Drunk wrote:
>>> On Sun, 06 Jun 2010 11:06:09 -0400, Ralph Mowery wrote:
>>>
>>>> "john hamilton" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>>> news:[email protected]...
>>>>> Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north
>>>>> London u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it will just not
>>>>> hold. Also
>>>> The magnet out of a hard drive is flat and very strong.
>>>
>>> Really? What kind of hard drive has a big flat magnet inside? That
>>> defies all logic on the principals of how a hard drive works.
>> themotor
>
> So hard drives have a motor that has a big flat strong magnet? Wouldn't
> that mess up the data being written to the platers?
>

No.

JT

Jeff The Drunk

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 3:12 PM

On Sun, 06 Jun 2010 11:06:09 -0400, Ralph Mowery wrote:

> "john hamilton" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north
>> London u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it will just not
>> hold. Also
>
> The magnet out of a hard drive is flat and very strong.

Really? What kind of hard drive has a big flat magnet inside? That defies
all logic on the principals of how a hard drive works.

MP

Meat Plow

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 3:24 PM

On Sun, 06 Jun 2010 16:13:54 +0100, The Natural Philosopher ǝʇoɹʍ:

> Jeff The Drunk wrote:
>> On Sun, 06 Jun 2010 11:06:09 -0400, Ralph Mowery wrote:
>>
>>> "john hamilton" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>> news:[email protected]...
>>>> Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north
>>>> London u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it will just not
>>>> hold. Also
>>> The magnet out of a hard drive is flat and very strong.
>>
>> Really? What kind of hard drive has a big flat magnet inside? That
>> defies all logic on the principals of how a hard drive works.
> themotor

So hard drives have a motor that has a big flat strong magnet? Wouldn't
that mess up the data being written to the platers?

VS

Vic Smith

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 12:53 PM

On Sun, 6 Jun 2010 15:44:16 +0100, "john hamilton"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>When working on my car, I bring it right up close to the house and lay my
>tools out on the floor behind the front door. Since you never know when it
>will rain, it works out very handy since then all I have to do is close the
>door; and don't have to be picking up all the tools.
>
>Now if its not warm the family doesn't like the cold air coming into the
>house and they want the front door shut, which is fair enough. Since the
>door just swings open I have to keep getting the keys out of my pocket to
>open the door.
>
>I would like the door to stay shut on its own accord, yet just open with a
>push without having to use the keys. There is no room on the door jamb to
>screw one of those helical spring self closers. And anyway in general use we
>dont want the door to close by itself. Which also rules out one of those
>hydraulic self closers which could fit on at the top of the door.
>
>Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north London
>u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it will just not hold. Also
>tried cutting a thin wedge of cork glued to an upright jamb which makes the
>door a tight fit when closed. However the door shrinks in the summer and
>expands in the winter so that only works for about half the year.
>
>Grateful for any suggestions, especially something similar to the cork
>arrangement which works just fine prividing the weather suits it. Thanks.
>

This very complex situation requires thinking outside the already
normally complex "how do I close a door" thought processes.
Since you choose to keep your tools where you must take a walk to get
the one you need - btw, are they on the floor where the family can
trip over them as they come and go? - it should be no problem to use
chain or rope to secure the door. That's only logical.
Tie one end a rope or chain around the car and the attach the other
end to the door.
Properly done this will prevent the wind from blowing open the door.
When you take a stroll to get a tool, untie the rope/chain from the
car so there is enough slack to open the door and reach the tools.
An added benefit to chain/rope is if the rain becomes heavy enough to
obscure vision, you can hand-over-hand on the chain/rope to find your
way to the house.
Make sure to warn the family to use another door or the windows to
come in and out of the house while you are working on the car, or set
up a system to notify you when you should untie the door from the car.
Perhaps a klaxon system next to the tools on the floor can be
activated when you are doing repairs.
That way no one is inconvenienced.
Another important note: A foolproof system of reminders is needed so
that the chain/rope is removed and stored before you drive away in the
car.
Or you might try something like this
http://www.stedall.co.uk/acatalog/Door_Retainers.html

--Vic

Wc

Whiskers

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

07/06/2010 6:52 PM

["Followup-To:" header set to 24hoursupport.helpdesk.]
On 2010-06-06, Meat Plow <[email protected]> wrote:
> On Sun, 06 Jun 2010 16:13:54 +0100, The Natural Philosopher ǝʇoɹʍ:
>> Jeff The Drunk wrote:
>>> On Sun, 06 Jun 2010 11:06:09 -0400, Ralph Mowery wrote:
>>>> "john hamilton" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>>> news:[email protected]...
>>>>> Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north
>>>>> London u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it will just not
>>>>> hold. [...]

To the OP: why not install a simple latch on the door? (The sort meant
for house doors, of course!).

--
-- ^^^^^^^^^^
-- Whiskers
-- ~~~~~~~~~~

bR

[email protected] (Robert Bonomi)

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 5:30 PM

In article <[email protected]>,
john hamilton <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>I would like the door to stay shut on its own accord, yet just open with a
>push without having to use the keys. There is no room on the door jamb to
>screw one of those helical spring self closers. And anyway in general use we
>dont want the door to close by itself. Which also rules out one of those
>hydraulic self closers which could fit on at the top of the door.
>
>Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north London
>u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it will just not hold.

The 'big projects' answer is to tilt the house, so the door swings closed
of it's own weight. <GRIN>



What _I'd_ do is close the door, then on the -outside-, at the top corner
away from the hinges, mount a hook-eye, or similar. Do the same thing on
the jamb, at the same position. See the ascii art, below.

Now, get some heavy-duty nylon fishline. run a piece from about ground
level, up to the top of the door, through the eye on the jamb, through
the eye on the door, _back_ through_ the eye on the jamb, and back down
to floor level. Take those two loose ends, tie them together, and tie
both of em to a 'weight' of some sort -- a bag of fishing sinkers, coins,
'lead shot' for shotgun rounds -- *anything*.

The 'eye' in the jamb acts as a pulley. when the door opens the 'weight'
is raised. when you let the door go, the weight falls, pulling the door
closed.

When you don't want the self-closing action, you simpley remove the line
and weight.






ASCII ART, use fixed-with font:

[top view]


| JAMB |
| |
++------------------------+
\___| +---------+
| | |
O O-| |
| DOOR |
| |
| |


RM

"Ralph Mowery"

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 12:10 PM


"Jeff The Drunk" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Sun, 06 Jun 2010 11:06:09 -0400, Ralph Mowery wrote:
>
>> "john hamilton" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>> Have tried using the strongest cuboard magnet I can find (In north
>>> London u.k.), but if the wind picks up surprisingly it will just not
>>> hold. Also
>>
>> The magnet out of a hard drive is flat and very strong.
>
> Really? What kind of hard drive has a big flat magnet inside? That defies
> all logic on the principals of how a hard drive works.

Do you even know how a hard drive works ?

Have you ever opened an IDE drive and looked inside it ?

Most if not all of the IDE hard drives have a magnet in it that is about 1/2
inch wide and an inch or so long and maybe 1/8 of an inch thick. It is very
strong. Without that magent the read/write head would not move.

Look here especially near the end to see the magnet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEfA3FB-m6U&feature=related


OO

Oren

in reply to "john hamilton" on 06/06/2010 3:44 PM

06/06/2010 5:01 PM

On Sun, 6 Jun 2010 16:26:30 -0700, "Lobby Dosser" <[email protected]>
wrote:

>"terry" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> Agree: We have kept two such very powerful magnets from old hard
>> drives.
>> So strong that the two attracted each and clung through a 3 inch
>> sapling!
>> Wood not otherwise being magnetic AFIK! {:-)
>>
>> My neighbour recently borrowed one to get a piece of metal
>> (successfully) out of his eye!
>> We keep one magnet on the fridge. It's hard to dislodge!
>>
>> Got another couple of hard drives downstairs to be scrapped for small
>> parts, especially the magnets.
>>
>> Development of stronger magnets has certainly progressed during the
>> last 50 to 60 years! The magnets used for WWII magnetrons were huge.
>> Nowadays each microwave oven normally contains two such annular
>> (doughnut shape) magnets, which together will fit into a mail
>> envelope!
>>
>> Suggestion about windy door, use a piece of
>> string ........................... !
>
>
>He's keeping his trousers up with that! :)

Trousers? Are those the same as Breeches?


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