View Full Version : Child-Proof Locks
Hi. I need some suggestions if possible. I live in a rental and can't use the cupboard locks that screw in. The white ones that go through the handles aren't possible to use either. I have the ones with the adhesive pads and the plastic bit between them but bub has found a way to open cupboards at certain angles and the locks come undone. Is there any other renter-friendly ones I can get?
Chickadee
30-06-2006, 13:40
You could have a look at some of these devices (http://www.safeaus.com.au/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?product=CaC). We also rented and tried these ones with no luck:
- cabinet glide lock: The round handles on the cabinets were too small or shallow and the lock never fit securely behind them.
- cabinet sliding lock: same problem as the glide lock above.
- secure-a-lock: same problem as the glide lock, plus it fell off easily as the handles on adjacent doors were too close together for it to work properly
We also have the multipurpose latch, which is great. It is so stiff to undo that I can almost guarantee that your daughter won't get it off. But it's hard even for me to undo so I wouldn't use it on any cabinets that I needed to go into daily.
YOu might try setting up one cupboard full of unbreakable stuff that she is allowed to get into. Maybe she'll leave the others alone.
FourAngelKisses
30-06-2006, 13:45
I found some of the multi-purpose latch's that were in the link Martha gave you. I got mine for $1 each though at IGA. I put it on the chest freezer because the little man kept getting in there. I thoroughly recommend them, they are great!!
HugsAndKisses
30-06-2006, 13:48
hello:wave:
we also live in a rental and our handles require ones that attach inside also....
we have simply just put them on as we feel safety is most important..and also if there are any major probs when we move out we'll just putty up the holes :laughing:
The multi purpose latches are the ones she is opening. With the cupboards built how they are I have had to put them across the double doors. She has learnt to pull one door while pushing the other one closed tightly and they soon pop off amazingly enough. she cant do it to cabinet ones as they touch only one door but she can open all the kitchen ones. Im at my wits end. Are any of the latch ones adhesive? i've only ever seen screw in ones!
hello:wave:
we also live in a rental and our handles require ones that attach inside also....
we have simply just put them on as we feel safety is most important..and also if there are any major probs when we move out we'll just putty up the holes :laughing:
I wish i could just create holes to putty up. My property manager is the type that picked on me about bubs handprints on the glass oven door when he did the last inspection
Chickadee
30-06-2006, 13:56
No, all the ones that go inside the cupboard are screw in ones. The holes are so tiny though and would only be noticable on the inside of the door. Your landlord wouldn't notice unless he actually opened it during an inspection and saw the latch.
FourAngelKisses
30-06-2006, 13:56
The multi purpose latches are the ones she is opening. With the cupboards built how they are I have had to put them across the double doors. She has learnt to pull one door while pushing the other one closed tightly and they soon pop off amazingly enough. she cant do it to cabinet ones as they touch only one door but she can open all the kitchen ones. Im at my wits end. Are any of the latch ones adhesive? i've only ever seen screw in ones!
Can you connect them from the cupboard door to the benchtop...one for each door?
Chickadee
30-06-2006, 14:00
I read this trick for securing a sliding glass door. You might be able to adapt it for your cupboards.
Use those 3M removable hooks. Place one on either side of the opening you want to secure, so that the hooks are facing opposite directions and away from each other. Then you need to tie them tightly together, or you could use an elastic band (and just cut it when you need into the cupboard). I'm not sure how well the 3M hooks come off of wooden doors though, if that's what you have.
Is there a way you can remove the handles and open the cupboards by using the top and/or bottom lip?
if you can afford to, and if your kitchen layout allows, it is way easier to have a kiddy gate up to keep them out of the kitchen all together.
Have you tried asking for permission to install the screw in ones?
Most property managers will approach the landlord with a request like this and it will generally be approved ... especially if the property is likely to be rented again by a family and the latches would make the property more attractive ... It can't hurt to try ...
Thank you all for your suggestions. Unfortunately my kitchen is open plan and so i cant use a safety gate. Pity! I did as suggested and rang the real estate agent. He called the owner and then got back to me with an answer: In no way am i to install any devices that requires me to screw, drill or alter the kitchen cupboards in any way. Meanie! I have to admit though that its not a family friendly place so.....he didnt see it as an investment for future tenants.
looks like im going to have to wait 3 weeks til next inspection and unscrew the handles afterwards (replacing them before each inspection. Not really a good way to go about it as it requires opening the cupboards from bottom of the door but, hey, anything to ensure DD is safe. So once again thanks to you all!
FourAngelKisses
30-06-2006, 21:26
Hopefully it will take DD a while before she watches and learns.
I saw in K-Mart a few weeks ago a similar product to the 'Mag lock'. The ones I saw are more a replacement for the door handle than a cupboard lock, when it's installed there's no handle on the cupboard, just a silver disc that sits flat on the door...then you use the handle, it has a magnet in the end of it, to open the cupboard. Does that even make sense? You wouldn't need to screw into the doors, just take the handles off and put these into the holes that are already there...If I remember the name of them I'll be back, if not, I'll check on sunday when I'm in K-Mart again.
bronny-jane
03-07-2006, 08:15
we rent and put them on ourselves, the screw in ones.
we rent and put them on ourselves, the screw in ones.
I've been told if i use screw in ones...dont expect my bond back
bronny-jane
06-07-2006, 08:19
I've been told if i use screw in ones...dont expect my bond back
our land lord is really nice, and knows we have little babys, his putting in a new kitchen this year anyway, and it has safety latches in place already:yelclap:
our land lord is really nice, and knows we have little babys, his putting in a new kitchen this year anyway, and it has safety latches in place already:yelclap:
my place is only just over 2 yrs old and they dont want any DAMAGE! Lol they should see the lounge room carpet then. Hehe! And its not getting professionally cleaned for a couple of months so..........haha to them. They knew I had a baby when i moved in last year so what did they expect. I do the best I can to keep the house in top shape but........can we say toddler?
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