How to Install Child-Proof Locks to the Cabinets

Are you concerned about the safety of your little ones inside your home? Do you want to know how to install child-proof locks on the cabinets to stop those little hands from exploring specific corners because the stuff present there may hurt them? Does your parental anxiety and protectiveness urge you to apply an extra safety layer to your house to make it a safer and more secure place for your little champs? If your answer to all the above questions is “yes”, then relax, and sit back with a mug of coffee in your hand as this guide is going to reveal numerous secrets regarding the child-proof or child-safety locks and their step-by-step installation process. 

Kids are mostly curious by nature and want to explore each corner of your home. Though parents of young children are always after them, still it is difficult for you to save your kids from any harm if everything is open in your drawers or cabinets. Child-proof locks in this regard act as a barrier between your child and those harmful objects in the drawers and cabinets of your home. They are easy to access for adults but difficult for the little ones reducing the risk of accidents. These child-proof locks are easy to install and a source of mental peace for the parents of little kids providing a safe and secure environment to the children. 

Why are Child-Proof Locks Important:

Well, it is important to install child-proof locks (also known as child safety locks) in the cabinets to keep your little champs away from harmful stuff. Your ground-level cabinets may have different items that may be a source to attract your kids. Young ones are always keen to explore new things which can sometimes harm them. So for their utmost safety, it is suggested to lock your cabinets using child-proof locks. These locks not only provide you with an extra layer of protection but also give you mental peace and satisfaction. You may have different item 

• In your kitchen cabinets, you have spices, and sharp objects like knives, scissors, peelers, mandolins, graters, forks, pizza cutters, skewers, meat cleavers, and box cutters that can seriously harm your toddlers if they reach them unnotedly. 
• In your laundry cabinets cleaning supplies like laundry detergents, fabric softeners, stain removers, and bleach are Critically unsafe for toddlers. 
• Your bedroom cabinets may contain makeup products jewelry and perfumes which should be kept away not only for financial reasons but they are also important for the security of your young ones. 
• Acids, soaps, and detergents in bathroom cabinets should not be in reach of the kids because of their tremendously unsafe nature. 

Also read: How to Remove Lacquer from Kitchen Cabinets

Different Types of Child-Proof Locks and How to Install them:

Presently there are different types of child-proof locks present in the market. Each one of them has its unique specifications, usages, and benefits. In this guide, we have discussed a few kinds of child safety locks, their pros and cons, and the ways how to install them. 

1. Child-Proof Latches for Drawers: 

Child-proof latches are ideal for drawers, fridge doors, ovens, toilet seats, kitchen cupboards, and trash cans. They come with 3M adhesive and an adjustable strap, so neither need drilling or tools. Installing these locks is very easy through the DIY process. Below is a step-by-step process for installing this type of lock.  

How to Install a Child-Proof Latch on a Drawer:

1. Clean the cabinets from any dust, grime, or grease to ensure the accuracy and durability of the child-proof lock using a wet fabric and let them dry.
2. Take the measurements on the surface and mark the points where the lock is supposed to be installed.
3. Place the cut strap back on the bottom of the sliding side to join both lock parts. Keep pushing the sliding part in until you hear a clicking sound. 
4. Peel away 3M backings from both ends of the lock to bring the adhesive into use. 
5. Stick both ends of the lock on the cabinet surface applying pressure to ensure the tape sticks securely. 
6. You can easily open or close the latch with a single hand for adult access. 
7. For the best results, allow the foam to stay for 24 to ensure it is fully solidified. 

2. Child-Proof Magnetic Locks:

As discussed earlier, children are very keen to explore everything around them. If they find a lock, they may be able to unlock a drawer or cabinet. Child-proof magnetic locks remain invisible inside the cabinet, need no drilling, and as a result maintain the aesthetics of the cabinet in addition to security. It is hard for the little ones to open them easily as they are fastened securely but give easy access to the adults simultaneously. They have a universal fit mechanism and work on various cabinets and drawers. 

 How to Install a Child-Proof Magnetic Lock:

1. Insert the locking plate into the location tool. 
2. Now insert the magnetic lock into the location tool.
3. Remove backing paper from the locking plate.
4. Next position the locking plate level to the frame edge and press firmly. 
5. Remove the backing paper from the magnetic lock.
6. Close the cabinet completely to attach the magnetic lock. 
7. Now remove the location tool and store it in a safe place for future use. 
8. Use a screwdriver to install the screws in the magnetic lock and lock plate to fully secure them in place.
9. Locate the spot behind the magnetic lock and use a guide sticker to help locate the lock in the future. 
10. Push the locking hook on the locking position to lock the cabinet and use a magnetic key while unlocking it. 

Note: Using screws on a magnetic lock is necessary for its durability as the adhesive is only for installation.

3. Child-Proof Adhesive Cabinet Catch Lock:

A child-proof cabinet latch is a fastening device used for holding the cabinet doors. It keeps the cabinet doors fastened securely to the frame. Cabinet latches have different methods to operate them. As far as child-proofing is concerned, they prove ideal for the purpose as they are difficult to locate for the young ones but at the same time allow end users to easily access the stuff inside. Moreover, they offer tool-free installation and as a result, leave no scars or screw mark damage on the surface of cabinets or drawers.   

How to Install Child-proof Adhesive Catch Lock: 

1. Clean the cabinet with a wet cloth to remove any dust or residue and leave it to dry completely. 
2. If the latch and catch are separate, reassemble them before starting the installation process.
3. With the help of a measuring tape, mark about one inch from the corner. 
4. Remove the backing paper/sheet from the top and place the lock on the mark.
5. Press the lock holding it for 30 seconds allowing it to fully set and harden. 
6. Remove the backing from the front part of the lock and close the door pressing it for 30 seconds so that the e latch may be fixed on it tightly. 
7. To lock the cabinet, turn the latch to the locking position and close the drawer. 

Child-Proof Handle Flex-Lock: 

Child-proof flex locks have a streamlined and finished appearance designed with an adjustable flexible strip and a two-ended lock mechanism. They are designed to easily fit various cabinets and drawers and are durable enough to withstand pulling or tampering with children ensuring long-lasting security and peace of mind. In addition to this, you can easily remove these child-proof locks and reuse them in different locations and are ideal for families in search of temporary child-proofing solutions. It is indeed a new secret button, the latest advancement in history. They are easy to install, easy for parents, and tough for kids carrying to decoy button to redirect children’s attention. 

How to Install Child-Proof Handle Flex-Lock:

1. Press the release button of the flex lock to open the locking mechanism and separate the two ends of the flexible strap. It is ready to fit around the handles now. 
2. Position the flexible strap around the cabinet or drawer handles allowing it to fit securely around the handles creating a minimal gap between the doors.
3. Insert one end of the strap back into the locking mechanism until you hear a clicking sound.
4. Pull the strap tighter to the extent that children might not be able open the cabinets or drawers, but it should not be overly tight otherwise it may damage handles or knobs.
5. After installation, pull on the cabinet handles to ensure the security of the lock. Keep inspecting the lock off and on ensuring that it is securely fastened. 

Conclusion:

To sum up our discussion on how to install child-proof locks, we can say that these locks are essential tools that provide an extra layer of security to your house giving you mental peace and satisfaction. There is a variety of child-proof locks available in the market manufactured for different types of drawers and cabinets. You can choose any one of them which you think is most appropriate and meets your requirements. 

In the article. we have discussed child-proof latches for drawers, child-proof magnetic locks, child-proof adhesive cabinet catch locks, child-proof handle flex locks, and their installation process. All the above-discussed locks are easy to install and need a DIY process. You can easily install and maintain them for a reasonable period. Some of these locks like child-proof handle flex locks are portable and you can move them to any drawer or cabinet that requires it the most. 

Also read: How to Lock Kitchen Cabinets