Small Screws into Fridge Side?

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AnneKM

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I have a Frigidaire, freezer on top (it’s not very big) in my apartment. It has a stainless steel front, but the sides are like a black vinyl. I’d like to attach a magnetic knife holder onto the side of the fridge, but I’d have to screw it in. Is that doable?

The magnet is so strong that trying to use double stick tape or something wouldn’t work because it would just pull right off as soon as you tried to pull a knife off. I haven’t got any other wall space to put the knife holder and very little counter space, so I’m trying to maximize the use of what I do have.

I’ve read some other threads that are talking about drilling through the side and I don’t want to do that. I just want to mount the strip, and the screws are about maybe a quarter inch. Thanks in advance your expert opinion.
 
Welcome.
What I've found, when addressing a similar concern, is, sliding the knife up or down the holder so that you're removing it entirely or to the place that little of the blade is impacted by the magnet.

If the appliance is not yours, IE, as part of the furnishings, I wouldn't attach anything.
 
Hello AnnKM,
A tape type that will work very well is called VHB tape. One company that makes it is 3M. It's used to hold glass on skyscrapers and moldings on cars. The tape is heat and cold resistant in all kinds of weather. Sunlight, too.

Hardware stores usually sell it. Big box stores & some auto parts stores do also. Caution, however- It's kind of hard to remove if you change your mind later.

Or-
There might be refrigeration lines in the wall of the refrigerator. One of ours has that, plus the usual coils on the bottom.
Feel the wall when it's running to see if it's warmer or cooler than the roof. That's a hint.

If you do screw in, put sealant on the screws to keep moisture from entering the insulation.

Paul
 

Attachments

  • Which 3M VHB Should You Use? 3M VHB Tape Selection Guide.pdf
    8 MB
Hello AnnKM,
A tape type that will work very well is called VHB tape. One company that makes it is 3M. It's used to hold glass on skyscrapers and moldings on cars. The tape is heat and cold resistant in all kinds of weather. Sunlight, too.

Hardware stores usually sell it. Big box stores & some auto parts stores do also. Caution, however- It's kind of hard to remove if you change your mind later.

Or-
There might be refrigeration lines in the wall of the refrigerator. One of ours has that, plus the usual coils on the bottom.
Feel the wall when it's running to see if it's warmer or cooler than the roof. That's a hint.

If you do screw in, put sealant on the screws to keep moisture from entering the insulation.

Paul
Thank you!
 
Welcome.
What I've found, when addressing a similar concern, is, sliding the knife up or down the holder so that you're removing it entirely or to the place that little of the blade is impacted by the magnet.

If the appliance is not yours, IE, as part of the furnishings, I wouldn't attach anything.
Thank you
 
AnneKM. I forgot to put a link to one inexpensive VHB tape that you may wish to try:
https://www.amazon.com/Super-Streng...hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584001431707239&psc=1

Auto parts stores sell this, too. I used it for body molding and a rocker panel about 12 years ago & it's still holding despite hot sun and freezing weather.

I used some of the left over just today to pull a dent from my truck! Pressed it in and yanked on it. Out popped the dent.

There are many other brands & types besides this one, some stronger, some wider, some cushioned.

Paul
PS: What magnetic knife holder did you buy? I'm looking for one for my kitchen knives, but haven't found a good one yet. I will steal your idea and put it on the refrigerator. That's genius! Perfect spot!
 
AnneKM. I forgot to put a link to one inexpensive VHB tape that you may wish to try:
https://www.amazon.com/Super-Streng...hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584001431707239&psc=1

Auto parts stores sell this, too. I used it for body molding and a rocker panel about 12 years ago & it's still holding despite hot sun and freezing weather.

I used some of the left over just today to pull a dent from my truck! Pressed it in and yanked on it. Out popped the dent.

There are many other brands & types besides this one, some stronger, some wider, some cushioned.

Paul
PS: What magnetic knife holder did you buy? I'm looking for one for my kitchen knives, but haven't found a good one yet. I will steal your idea and put it on the refrigerator. That's genius! Perfect spot!
Hi Paul,

I found VHB at Home Depot (they'd have to order it) and it was about $120.00. I opted out. Instead, I talked to the paint guy, cuz the adhesives were in paint, and decided on a Gorilla tape for $7.96. The knife holder is from Ikea, like 8 bucks, and the tape worked great. When I get home I'll take a pick and upload it so you can see.

Anne
 
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