The best locks are the ones that work in your specific situation, meet your family’s needs, and keep your child safe. It’s challenging to compare cabinet locks in terms of quality. Check to make sure the adhesive other attachment devices won’t damage your appliance’s finish. Some locks include flexible straps that can easily keep doors from opening. When it comes to appliances like stoves, microwaves, and refrigerators, securing doors from the inside isn’t an option, but that doesn’t mean your toddler should have access. Some parents find they can open the locks in a pinch with other neodymium rare earth magnets. Some manufacturers will replace your keys for free others make you pay a pretty penny for a new one. This can backfire if you misplace the key, but many lock sets come with more than one key. They come with keys made of powerful, rare earth magnets and won’t open otherwise. Cabinet locks that seal using magnets can’t be yanked open by brute force. Magnetic locks may sound dubious at first, but we’re not just talking about refrigerator magnets. Subtle locks don’t detract from the look of your kitchen or bathroom, and they don’t attract the attention of children, increasing the chances that they won’t be tempted to try them. Many cabinet locks are designed so that they can’t be seen outside the cabinets, a win/win for toddlers and parents. This feature is mostly available on magnetic cabinet locks. Some advanced cabinet locks can be disabled when your tiny visitors leave and relocked when they return. If you only need to use your locks temporarily, such as when babysitting or when grandchildren stop by, consider installing locks that can be disengaged. They don’t require adhesives or drilling to install, but they can be inconvenient because you must remove the entire mechanism to open the cabinet. This style only works with pairs of cabinet doors that are close enough together that the cord can reach both pulls. They include a sliding mechanism to keep the loop or hook tightly fastened. Loops: These plastic or cord locks hold a pair of cabinet doors together. This style typically attaches with adhesive. A user must press buttons on both tabs simultaneously to open them. Push tab: These locks span cabinet, microwave, and other types of double doors to keep them shut. Magnetic locks must be opened with a magnetic key every time you want to open the door unless you disable the device. Plastic fixtures containing magnets are attached to the inside of the cabinet either with screws or adhesive. Magnet: Some locks use magnets to hold your cabinets shut. Most of these locks are attached with screws or adhesive. To open them, you press down on the latch so that its tip is free of the frame or catch. These locks are affixed to the inside of the door and catch either on the interior frame or on a strike plate you attach. Latch: Classic cabinet locks use a spring-loaded latch and catch to physically prevent the door from opening. Locking mechanismsĬabinet locks secure your items in a number of different ways, from latches to magnets to loops. Additionally, some loops may not span pulls that are spaced too far apart. This style doesn’t require drilling or adhesive, but it only works with certain types of side-by-side pulls. These locks are usually the least expensive, but they must be checked regularly because the adhesive can weaken over time.Ĭord: A number of cabinet locks consist of a cord that loops and tightens around the cabinet pulls so the doors won't open. You must measure carefully when using this style because most must be placed in a precise location to catch and lock, and you only get one shot to stick them in the correct place. You simply remove the liner, stick the pads in the right spot, and let them set. Manufacturers still sell this style of lock, with a number of different locking mechanisms, but they also offer locks that don’t leave lasting marks on your cabinets.Īdhesive: Some locks attach to cabinets with powerful adhesive pads. This method is extremely secure, but it leaves holes in your cabinet door long after your child’s baby stage has ended. Screws: Old-school cabinet locks could only be installed one way: by drilling into the inside of your cabinet door and holding the locks in place with screws. Some customers use cabinet locks to keep pets out of cabinets where trash or food is stored.
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