How to Remove a Child-Proof Lock on a Kitchen Cabinet

Are you tired of the battle you are going through to open that stubborn child-proof lock on your kitchen cabinets? Well, you need not worry because here is a hands-on and comprehensive guide on how to remove a child-proof lock on a kitchen cabinet. 

Child-proof locks are the best option when you want to keep children away from harmful substances in the kitchen cabinets. But a moment comes when you no longer need them and want to get rid of them to get easy access to your kitchen cabinet items. 

Although removing a child-proof lock is a labor and might seem difficult to you, believe me, you can get your cabinets back to a normal state in no time without leaving any sign of damage behind. 

So, in this guide, I will cover all the methods and tips that will assist you in removing a child-proof lock on a kitchen cabinet. So, continue reading the guide till the end as by the end you will learn all about How to remove a child-proof lock on a kitchen cabinet.

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How to remove a child-proof lock on a kitchen cabinet:

Child-proof locks are crucial for children’s safety, but there comes a point when they are no longer needed and must be taken out. Removing a child-proof lock from a cabinet might seem like a simple task but it can be challenging for you if you are not familiar as the process may result in damaging the cabinet.

Different types of child-proof locks are available in the market. Removing each type requires different methods and strategies but before moving towards the strategies and guide on How to remove a child-proof lock on a kitchen cabinet, let’s first know about the importance of these locks 

Why are Child-Proof Locks Important

If you want to protect your young children from potential hazards in the house, you must install child-proof locks. Child-proof locks are crucial as they keep small children out of cabinets and drawers that might contain potentially harmful things like blades, household cleaners, or medicinal products.

Furthermore, installing child safety locks provides you with an extra cover of security and peace of mind. These locks are very effective at keeping kids and your items safe. Here are some important and common benefits that child-proof locks offer. 

1. Child safety locks are installed on cabinet doors and containers. To prevent children from reaching to potentially dangerous materials like laundry detergent and medications.
2. Car doors that have child-proof locks are integrated to prevent passengers from opening the doors while driving and also keep kids securely inside the automobile.
3. The majority of child-proof locks are made to be simple to use by adults but challenging for small kids to unlock, which makes them a practical yet efficient safety precaution.
4. Child-proof locks are essential for kitchen cabinets as they keep kids safe from sharp items such as knives, cutters, graters, scissors, etc.

Now that we are aware of the significance of child-proof locks, let’s take a closer look at the different types of these locks.

Different Types of Child-Proof Locks:

Child-proof locks are available in a variety of designs, each intended to safeguard specific areas of your house and keep kids away from possibly dangerous stuff. Here are the few common types of child-proof locks that you should know:

Magnetic locks. Adhesive locks. Spring locks. Sliding locks

Magnetic locks:

Magnetic locks are usually installed inside your cabinets that keep your cabinet doors locked. It keeps the lock closed till you grip a magnetic key up to it. They are simple to install and an effective choice if you do not want to drill holes or use adhesive. You only need to move the magnet in front of the desired door or drawer to unlock it; this will cause the internal lock to be released.

Adhesive locks:

Adhesive choices offer a temporary solution that may be ideal for those who are renting. These locks use powerful adhesive tape to attach to the exterior of cabinets or drawers. Adhesive locks need no tools for installation or removal, and furniture is not permanently harmed.

Spring locks:

Spring release lock is a time-tested strategy that keeps your cabinets locked and your essentials and personnel safe. Because of the spring mechanism used in these locks, the cabinet door or drawer can only open a small amount; an adult must apply pressure to the lock to fully open it.

Sliding locks:

Slide locks are not fixed to the cabinet, so sliding locks are the easiest and the quickest to remove. They are made to slide over handles or knobs and stop the doors from being pulled open. Their benefit is that they are easy to install and remove; no need for adhesives or screws.

Now after knowing about common different kinds of locks, let’s move forward to our hot topic of the day which is “How to remove a child-proof lock on a kitchen cabinet”. 

Also read: How to Replace the Bottom of a Kitchen Cabinet

Different Ways to Remove Child-Proof Locks:

Removing your child-proof locks from your cabinets is sometimes tricky or can lead your cabinets to wear and tear if you are not properly familiar with the required methods.

When it’s time to remove the child-proof locks from your cabinets, there are a few ways you can get rid of them without breaking or damaging your furniture or cabinets. Here are a few efficient methods that will assist you. We have discussed each method in detail but if you are in a hurry, quickly go through the table below: 

Methods

Using a Hair Drier and a Nail Filer. Use a Dental Floss and a Hair Dryer. Using a Hair Drier and a Butter Knife. Use a Plastic Scraper.  Use the Magnetic Key for Magnetic Child-Proof Locks. Use Screw-Driver for Screwing Child-Proof Locks. Removing Sliding Child-Proof Locks.

Let’s look at the step-by-step guide:

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Remove a Child-Proof Lock on a Kitchen Cabinet: 

You have read the quick overview of the methods given above. Now we will discuss each detail required while opting for any of the methods. 

Using a Hair Drier and a Nail Filer/ a Butter Knife:

Using a hair drier and a nail filer can be one of the safest methods that has the least danger of damaging your kitchen cabinets. The following detailed process which is simple and easy to follow will help you remove your child-proof cabinet lock. 

1. Plug in the hair dryer and adjust the heat as required.
2. Place the hair dryer 6 to 8 inches away from the lock and heat it for two to three minutes.
3. After the glue has gotten softer, carefully slide the nail file under the lock’s edge.
4. To gently remove the cabinet’s lock, use the nail file and move it forward and backward continuously until you have removed the lock.

Precaution: Be mindful of the sharpness of the nail filer. It should be blunt otherwise it may damage your kitchen cabinet door. 

Use a Dental Floss and a Hair Drier:

This is another successful way of removing a child-proof lock on a kitchen cabinet. Dental floss and hair dryers are easily available items in most families. This is also safe and causes no damage to your furniture or cabinets. Follow the step-by-step process below.

1. Warm the adhesive with the hair dryer by keeping it a few inches away from the child-proof lock for two to three minutes.
2. Take a 12-18 inch piece out of dental floss. This length of the piece will give you a strong grip making the movement convenient.  
3. Slip the dental floss behind the edge of the child lock starting at the corner. 
4. Position the floss underneath the adhesive and move it back and forth to loosen the adhesive gradually.
5. Reheat the adhesive in case you feel that the adhesive has gone cold or come across any resistance.  
6. When you feel that you have nailed it, remove the adhesive rolling it into a ball with the help of your fingertip.
7. To get rid of any last traces of leftovers, use an alcohol wipe to remove them.

Use Screw Driver for Screw-In Child-Proof Locks:

A screwdriver is an amazing tool most commonly used by many homeowners. Using a screwdriver to remove a child lock on a kitchen cabinet will be one of the simplest and easiest methods as almost everyone knows its use. Follow the method illustrated below to successfully remove a child-proof lock:

1. Before starting the actual process, determine which kind of screwdriver is required according to the size of screws used in the installation of the lock.
2. Loosen the screws by positioning the screwdriver into the screw head and moving it anti-clockwise.
3. Hold the lock firmly while you are loosening the screws to make the task smoother and prevent any fall or damage by the lock
4. Once you have loosened all the screws, pull the lock gently to get rid of it.
5. To refresh the appearance of the cabinet, you have the option to use wood filler to fill in the screw holes.

Removing Sliding Child-Proof Locks:

Removing sliding child-proof locks is not a big deal. You can do it easily by following the steps explained below. 

1. Look for the sliding lock’s release mechanism. You may have to press a button or squeeze the sides of the lock to release it. 
2. Remove the lock from the knobs or handles by sliding gently the lock off the cabinet handles or knobs of the cabinets.
3.  If you no longer require the lock, dispose of it or store it for later use.
4. Clean the area to remove any stains or marks left behind. 
5. Since there are no screws or adhesive required, this kind of lock is the simplest to remove.

All the above techniques and methods will provide a secure and efficient means of getting rid of your child-proof locks, guaranteeing that your cabinets stay in excellent condition.

Also read: https://howipedia.com/how-to-manage-corner-cabinets-in-the-kitchen/

Using a Butter Knife or a Plastic Scraper:

A butter knife or a plastic scraper are two easily available tools that you can use in the removal of child-proof locks on kitchen cabinets when you no longer need them. Opt for the following process.  

1. Gently place a butter knife/ plastic scraper beneath the lock’s edge.
2. Slowly remove the lock using a butter knife/ plastic scraper.
3. Slide the butter knife/ plastic scraper beneath the lock with light pressure.
4. To remove the lock from the cabinet, carefully move the butter knife/ plastic scraper around it.

Note: Before using the butter knife/ plastic scraper on adhesive soften it with a hair dryer.

Conclusions:

To wrap up our discussion on How to remove a child-proof lock on a kitchen cabinet, we can say that removing child-proof locks on your kitchen cabinets is not as difficult as it sounds if you are aware of proper techniques and tricks. 

Furthermore, it will take a little work to return your cabinets to their original state if you know what kind of lock you have and follow the instructions properly as discussed above in the article.

Finding a way to take off these locks without breaking your cabinets is crucial, whether you’re trying to restore easy access to your kitchen goods or are just updating your area and I am sure that now after reading this comprehensive guide you will surely and properly get rid of your child proof locks without damaging any cabinet. 

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