How to Lock Kitchen Cabinets. It might seem like a small thing, but locked cabinets can make a kitchen feel more secure. It’s not just about your personal safety, either–locked cabinets can also keep curious children and pets out of the cupboards. When you’re looking for locks, you’ll want to consider the type of hardware that is already in place on your cabinets. Many are designed for locking with a lock and key (such as the “doorknob” style).
You’ll also want to think about how easy it is to access what’s inside the cabinet and whether it will be possible to reach what’s inside when the doors are locked. And don’t forget that children or pets may need some kind of lock on their cabinet doors as well! Check out these tips for locking your kitchen cabinets below.
Why You Should Lock Your Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets are a great place to store cooking utensils, dishes, and other kitchen necessities. But they can also be a tempting place for children or pets to explore and find items they probably shouldn’t have! Locking your cabinets is an easy way to keep them out of trouble.
Not only does it help protect your personal safety–it also helps prevent curious children or pets from getting into things they shouldn’t have access to. In addition, if you’re fortunate enough to have the cabinet hardware already in place (such as with “doorknob” style locks), locking up can be as simple as installing a lock on the inside of one door so the other door will still open and close freely.
There are many benefits to locking your cabinets:
- Protect yourself from danger–especially if you live in an area where wild animals are prevalent.
- Protect your children from accessing something that could harm them (i.e., knives).
- Pets will be safer if they don’t have access to hazardous materials.
- Cabinet doors won’t slam shut unexpectedly when you’re trying to reach for something on an upper shelf!
How to Install a Door Knob Lock
If you have a doorknob style of cabinet hardware, installing a lock is as easy as turning the knob to the left and inserting a screwdriver into the hole. If you do not have a screwdriver handy, there are two alternatives:
- Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the screw on the outside of the doorknob if it’s loose
- Use pliers or wire cutters to cut off part of a coat hanger and use that to turn the screw on the inside of the doorknob
Now all you need to do is install your new lock! You can find these locks in any hardware or home improvement store; just be sure to bring your cabinet knobs with you so that you get the right size.
How to Install a Deadbolt lock
If your cabinet door is equipped with a doorknob, you’ll want to install a deadbolt lock.
A deadbolt lock should be installed on the inside of the cabinet door. Locate the doorknob and drill two holes through it. Make sure that the holes are centered on each side of the knob and about two inches apart. Screw-in two screws from the outside of the door, one near each hole you drilled, but don’t tighten them yet.
Place a small decorative wood piece or metal plate over each hole, then screw in both screws at once while you hold it down on top of it. You will be left with two small indentations or holes where the screws were drilled through, but these marks should not be visible when you’re done.
What Is The Best Type of Lock?
The best type of lock is one that suits your cabinet doors and what you will be keeping in them. If you have “doorknob” style hardware, for example, a keyed lock may be the best option. If you’re using a push-open style cabinet door, then perhaps a spring-latched handle lock would work best.
How To Pick The Right Lock
If you want to install a lock on your cabinet doors, there are a few things you’ll need to consider before you buy. You’ll need to know what type of hardware is already in place on your cabinets and how easy it will be to access the contents inside. Children or pets may also need locks on their doors, so keep that in mind as well.
Here are some considerations for picking the right lock:
- What type of lock do you want? Door knob-style locks, which require a key, are easier to install than other types of locks because they don’t require drilling holes into the door.
- Are you installing a new lock on an existing doorknob? If so, this is an easy installation because all you have to do is remove the old bolt and replace it with the new one that comes with the kit. Otherwise, if you’re installing a new lock on an existing doorknob, then make sure to purchase one that can fit over the top of the old bolt (since this is not something that would come with your kit).
- Do you want a lock that’s easy for everyone to use? If so, then choose a push-button or lever-style lock. These are designed for children and pets who can’t always use keys.
- Is it hard for people at home or at work to stop by and close your cabinet doors when needed? If so, then choose a magnetic style locking system to avoid having your cabinet doors swing open when
Pick the Best lock for your Cabinets
If your cabinets have a lock and key, you’ll want to find a lock that suits the style. You can also install a child safety lock or dog leash hook on cabinet doors if they are frequently opened by small people or pets.
You may also want to provide a key for those who live with you and don’t usually use the kitchen. This will make it much easier for them to access what’s inside without having to ask for your help.
Many people keep their cupboards locked because of personal safety, as well as the safety of children and pets. It’s important not to overlook this detail, no matter how simple it seems!
Put locks on other Cabinets
Locking your kitchen cabinets is a great start, but you’ll also want to put locks on any other cupboards in the house. A lot of people think that only their kitchen needs locking, but it’s actually much more likely that someone will go into another room and try to access a cabinet there (or they may have children or pets who would be tempted by an open cabinet). Think about installing locks on all of your cabinets! You should also consider putting locks on high cabinets (such as those in a laundry room) since they make it easier for anyone to gain entry.
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Locks Depending on Hardware
You’ll want to find a lock that suits your cabinet hardware. Some cabinets, such as the doorknob style, come with pre-installed locks that can be locked and unlocked by turning the doorknob. If you have cabinet hardware that doesn’t come with a pre-installed lock, you may need to purchase a “doorknob” lock separately.
It’s also important to think about how easy it is to get inside your cabinet when the doors are locked. You may not want people who are locked inside to be able to reach items within the cabinet. This could include children or pets that may need their own locks on their cabinets.
Determine the Type of lock you’ll need
The type of lock you use is going to depend on the type of cabinet door you have. For example, if your cabinets are the “doorknob” style with a keyhole in the middle, then you’ll need a lock that has a key. On the other hand, if your cabinets already have handles on them (such as knobs), then you may be able to purchase locks that come with screws and attach them to them.
Conclusion
If you want to protect your valuables and make it difficult for a thief to break into your cabinets, you’ll need to install locks on all of the doors in your home. The best way to do this is to install a deadbolt lock at the top of the door, and a doorknob lock at the bottom.
The locks that you use in your cabinets will depend on the type of cabinet hardware that you have. You also need to think about whether you’re protecting one cabinet or an entire kitchen. If you’re installing locks on a single cabinet, you may only need a doorknob lock.
The most important thing to keep in mind when purchasing a lock is that it will depend on the type of hardware that you have on your cabinets. Some locks work with a certain type of hardware, and some don’t work with any type at all. You’ll need to make sure that your locks are compatible with your cabinet hardware before purchasing them