Looking for Recommendations on Cabinet and Drawer Locks

Updated on October 24, 2008
M.S. asks from Naperville, IL
5 answers

Hi Moms,

I need to purchase cabinet and drawer locks so my 15 month old cannot get in and empty everything out while I cook. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
M.

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J.K.

answers from Chicago on

I use the tot lock for the dangerous cabinets like under the sink and where we keep the medications. For cabinets and drawers with pots and pans and tupperware, I just use the regular latches that you have to press down on to get the drawer open all the way.

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T.W.

answers from Chicago on

Hi there! We also installed Tot Locs in our kitchen and there is no way that child can open the cabinets. I know someone mentioned that they were a pain to install, but my husband didn't have a problem, he is very handy though. You just need to put them all in the same place so you know where to put the magnet to get them open. We actually bought extra magnets; we keep one of the fridge, one on the hood above the stove, and one on the side of the under the counter radio. That way there is always one close, it takes a while to get used to having to use them.

We do have the latches in the bathroom and his dresser, and those work fine too and are much cheaper for a lot more.

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J.W.

answers from Chicago on

I was just at my grandmother's house and she put rubberbands around the cabinets while we were there. My mom said, yep that is what we did before these fancy things came out. It may be an easy and inexpensive solution until you can make the right decision for you. I have one cabinet that I let me 15m old play in and she loves it. Otherwise, they'll bug you b/c there is now nothing for them to do in the kitchen. :)

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C.W.

answers from Chicago on

I think the previous poster is thinking of Tot Locs. They are expensive and a major, major pain to install BUT they totally disable the child from opening the cabinet at all as its magnetic (need the corresponding magnet "key" to open). so We did Tot Locs on the low cabinets and more of the hitch/latch things on the drawers....

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M.K.

answers from Chicago on

Hi M.,

There is a specific brand of cabinet/drawer locks that has a second safety feature -- once the child pull the drawer open about 1 1/2 inches, he cannot close it (and accidentally slam it on his fingers). We didn't find out about these until we had installed the regular kind all over the kitchen, otherwise I would have used them everywhere.

I'm hoping another Mom can give you the specific brand name, because I no longer remember it!

EDIT: the one we bought was not magnetic. It installs exactly like the regular kind. And I didn't notice any significant price difference. But, sorry, I still can't remember the brand. We either purchased them at Babies R Us or at Lowe's/Menards.

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