A concealed or flush-to-wall door is meant to disappear into the plaster. Traditional sprung latches fight that idea: the bolt sticks out when the door is open, the keep needs a large cut-out, and every close makes a click. Magnetic latches were designed to solve those problems on jib, flush and filomuro-style doors.
This hardware guide explains how magnetic latches work, the difference between privacy and passage versions, alignment tips, how they compare with touch catches, and what to check on install. For the wider ironmongery picture, pair it with our concealed door handles guide and the concealed doors accessories range.
What a magnetic latch does differently
On a conventional latch, a sprung angled bolt rides over the keep and snaps into place. On a magnetic latch, the bolt stays retracted and flush with the door edge while the door is open. A magnet in the strike (or an equivalent magnetic arrangement) draws the bolt out only when the door lines up with the frame.
That gives three practical benefits on a flush door:
- A clean door edge — nothing protrudes when the door is open
- A neater frame — the strike can be compact and sit flush in the jamb
- Quieter closing — no latch clicking over a keep on every use
Ranges such as AGB’s magnetic euro latches are widely used on UK flush doors. They are typically available for lever handles (commonly 8mm spindle), thumb turns (commonly 6mm spindle), euro cylinders, and touch versions, in finishes such as satin nickel, matt black and polished gold. Always check the exact spindle, backset and door thickness for the set you buy.
Passage vs privacy magnetic latches
Passage (everyday rooms)
A passage magnetic latch holds the door closed and works with levers or pulls. It does not lock. That suits cupboards, studies used without locking, utility rooms, and any room where you only need the door to stay shut neatly.
Privacy (bathrooms, bedrooms, WCs)
A privacy version adds a lock function — often a thumb turn on the inside and an emergency release on the outside. Use this wherever someone might need privacy: ensuites, guest WCs, bedrooms, dressing rooms. Match the thumb turn and release to the same latch family and spindle size so the set works as a tested combination.
Keyed options
Some magnetic latch ranges include euro-cylinder versions for keyed privacy or security. Specify these only where you truly need a key; for most domestic bathrooms a privacy thumb turn is enough and easier for guests.
If the door is fire-rated, any latch or lock must be covered by the door’s fire test evidence. Do not swap ironmongery on an FD30 concealed door without checking with the manufacturer. See our Ultra Flush FD30 product and fire guidance before changing hardware on a rated leaf.
Magnetic latch vs touch catch
People often confuse magnetic latches with push-to-open touch catches. They solve different problems.
| Feature | Magnetic latch (with handle or pull) | Push-to-open touch catch |
|---|---|---|
| How you open | Operate a lever, pull or thumb turn | Push the door face to release |
| Door face | Usually has a minimal lever or flush pull | Can be fully handleless on the push side |
| Hold | Magnetic bolt engages when aligned | Magnets or a catch hold the door shut |
| Best for | Rooms that need a normal open/close action and optional privacy lock | Cupboards, studies or feature walls where one face must stay blank |
| Watch-outs | Spindle, backset and alignment | Over-travel, fingerprints, which way the door swings |
AGB describes its Touch catch as a contactless magnetic catch: holding force can be adjusted (for example with a 2.5mm Allen key on their system), magnets retract flush when the door is open, and versions exist with bathroom lock or euro cylinder for privacy. Touch catches need the door to open away from the side you push, and visitors may not realise there is a door at all.
Rule of thumb: choose a magnetic latch when you want quiet, flush ironmongery with a proper handle and optional privacy lock; choose a touch catch when one face of the door must stay completely blank.
Alignment: why flush doors are fussy
Concealed doors show every millimetre of misalignment. Magnetic systems help because many strikes are adjustable, but they still need a square frame and correctly hung hinges.
Practical points:
- Hang and plane first. Set the door on its concealed hinges so the shadow gap is even all round before final latch adjustment.
- Use the strike adjustment. Adjustable magnetic strikes (AGB notes around 2mm of play on some sets) let you fine-tune engagement if the jamb is slightly out.
- Keep the gap consistent. If the door bows or the frame is twisted, magnets may not pull the bolt reliably. Fix the geometry rather than forcing the latch.
- Check door thickness and lock block. The latch case must fit the lock block; minimal levers need enough edge clearance so knuckles do not hit the wall when the flush door opens against a return.
For how flush doors are built and detailed, see flush to wall doors and jib doors explained.
Install tips for magnetic latches on concealed doors
- Confirm swing and hand. Inswing and outswing affect whether a touch catch is even possible, and which side gets the thumb turn.
- Match the whole set. Latch, spindle, levers or thumb turn, and strike should be from a compatible family. Unsprung minimal levers often rely on the latch spring to return the handle — Atlantic, for example, states some concealed-rose levers must be paired with AGB magnetic locks.
- Mortice accurately. Follow the template for backset and case size. A magnetic bolt that sits proud or short will either show or fail to catch.
- Position the strike for flush. The strike should sit tidy in the frame; on a plastered flush frame that means coordinating with the frame maker’s rebate.
- Test privacy function. Check thumb turn, emergency release and, if fitted, the cylinder before final decoration.
- Mind finishes. Matt black, satin and polished finishes catch the eye on a blank flush door — match other ironmongery or choose a finish that recedes.
Browse matching parts on our concealed doors accessories page rather than mixing unrelated brands unless the manufacturers confirm compatibility.
Where magnetic latches shine
Magnetic latches suit most hinged concealed doors: living-room jibs, flush bedroom doors, utility cupboards and ensuites with a privacy set. They are the usual partner for Ultra Flush and similar kits that include a magnetic latch as standard.
They are not the same as pocket-door locks. Sliding pocket doors need purpose-made sliding privacy sets and flush pulls — see our pocket hardware guides if your door slides rather than swings.
Frequently asked questions
How do magnetic latches work on concealed doors?
The latch bolt stays flush while the door is open. When the door meets the frame, a magnet in the strike draws the bolt across so the door holds shut. That keeps the open door edge clean and makes closing quieter than a sprung latch.
Do I need a privacy magnetic latch or a passage one?
Use passage for rooms that only need to stay shut. Use privacy (thumb turn and emergency release, or a cylinder version) for bathrooms, WCs, bedrooms and any room that needs locking from inside.
Are magnetic latches better than touch catches?
Neither is universally better. Magnetic latches suit doors with a lever or pull and optional privacy lock. Touch catches suit handleless faces. Many projects use a magnetic latch on day-to-day doors and a touch catch only where the wall must look unbroken.
Can magnetic latches be adjusted if the door drops slightly?
Many magnetic strikes have a small adjustment range for alignment. Use that for fine-tuning. If the door has dropped on its hinges or the frame has moved, adjust the hinges or frame first, then the strike.
Will a magnetic latch work on a fire-rated concealed door?
Only if that latch is covered by the door’s fire test evidence. Never swap to an untested latch on an FD30 leaf. Check with the door manufacturer before changing ironmongery.
Choose latches and accessories for your concealed door
Ready to specify quiet, flush ironmongery? Explore concealed doors accessories, including kits such as the frameless hidden door kit and concealed omega primed door set, or contact us to match a magnetic latch to your door thickness and privacy needs.
