Magnetic frustrations-

[Jon Cole]

So I want to make opening panels shut and stay closed until pulled open. But that’s not happening. My 1/16 x 1/32 button magnets seem to try to repel each other. So how do I make a door panel grab the magnet?
 

[JollySipper]

Flip one of them over, or switch one from each side to the other......... 

[Muncie]

one magnet will be strong enough - only needs a piece of steel for the other side and polarity won't matter.

 

[Tom Geiger]

one magnet will be strong enough - only needs a piece of steel for the other side and polarity won't matter.

 

Bingo!  That'll work.  Jon, I was thinking of using one of those magnetic business cards. I'll bet you could cut it with scissors or an exacto knife. Just need a very small piece, and a very small piece of steel on the other side. 

[935k3]

You could also use watch pins in the door  with a receiving hole in the door jam(ala Bill Geary)

[Muncie]

Bingo!  That'll work.  Jon, I was thinking of using one of those magnetic business cards. I'll bet you could cut it with scissors or an exacto knife. Just need a very small piece, and a very small piece of steel on the other side. 

Actually, I like that idea better - it doesn't take a very strong magnet to hold the door closed.  The miniature super magnets seem strong enough to pull loose from the adhesive holding them in the door  - or worse, strong enough to pull the panel out of shape or create a sink mark over time with a constant pull.