🔒 Drawer Locking via Magnets – Because Silverware Has Places to Be

When Ann and I get on the road, you never really know what you’ll encounter. Rough roads, sharp turns, and sudden stops in traffic are all part of the adventure—and they never fail to make us gasp or grab the “oh crap” handle. So, like any well-seasoned travelers, we plan ahead.

We clear countertops and desktops, strap down desk chairs, store all the little nicknacks, and yes—always lock the fridge. We even tuck pillows above the closet rods to keep hangers from going airborne. Everything has its place when this rig is rolling.

Everything, that is… except one rogue drawer.

Our main kitchen drawer, the one that holds silverware, coffee grounds, and various “essential” items, has a mind of its own. From the outside, it looks perfectly innocent—just a standard drawer. But this thing is a daredevil. Give it the right left-hand turn or an uneven speed bump and bam! it launches open like it’s trying to escape. It doesn’t happen every time, but when it does… the crash of cutlery is enough to make us wonder if the whole cabinet just gave up.

We tried a few fixes, but nothing really stuck—until now. And let me tell you, we think we’ve finally cracked the code.

Enter: The Magnet

Okay, not just any magnet. We’re talking about an electromagnet. And full credit goes to the very clever folks over at SmartyVan, because this idea is basically stolen straight from them. We just made it our own.

Here’s how it works:

• We mounted a 12V electromagnet to the back wall, behind the drawer.

• A small metal plate is attached to the back of the drawer itself.

• When the drawer is closed, the plate and the magnet line up and practically touch.

• A tiny button (barely noticeable) is mounted right next to the drawer face.

• When you press the button, it activates a Shelly 1 that sends 12V to the magnet.

• Click! The drawer is locked in place with around 33 pounds of holding force.

• Push the button again, the power is cut, and the drawer is free to open like normal.

That’s it. A one-second tap to lock, another tap to unlock. Simple. Clean. And very effective.

But because I can’t leave well enough alone…

Let’s Talk Automation

I’ve taken this up a notch using Home Assistant. Think Apple HomeKit or Alexa, but made for nerds like me. My HA setup includes a GPS feed, so it knows when the rig is moving. It also talks to the Shelly 1 controlling the electromagnet.

You see where this is going, right?

I set up an automation so that when the RV is moving, the system automatically locks the drawer. No need to remember it. Just roll out, and boom—locked. The drawer has stayed shut and secure for two trips so far, even over rough roads and the occasional NASCAR-style lane change.

And the best part? The install is so stealthy, you’d never know it’s there. No visible wires, no weird latches, no eyesore gadgets. Just a drawer that now knows its place.

Until next time, stay safe, stay rolling, and may your silverware never scatter.