Cabinet and Refrigerator Locks

Safety inside your home

Cabinet and refrigerator locks are most commonly used when you’re childproofing your home. They can also be valuable tools when you have a family member with a disability that restricts their memory or their ability to monitor their own food intake.

The first consideration you’ll want to make when choosing a cabinet or refrigerator lock is how long you plan on using it. You don’t want to do any permanent damage to your cabinets or appliances if you’re only using it as a temporary measure to protect small children. At the same time, if the locks are going to be permanent, you don’t want them to look too obvious or take away from your home décor.

Cabinet Locks

There are two types of common cabinet locks: internal and external. Both are reliable ways to keep your cabinets secured.

Internal models are screwed into the cabinet and usually work with a key. They’re more permanent then an external lock, but they also require that you make holes in your cabinets. However, the holes won’t be visible from the outside so it’s not something that defaces or devalues your cabinets.

Internal versions are quite simple in their operation. There’s a latch attached to the door that secures itself to the inside of the cabinet frame when the key is turned. While they don’t offer much security because an adult could easily force the cabinet open, they’re great to address safety concerns.

External locks are used when the cabinet features double doors. They loop a secure cable around the two door knobs and secure it with a lock in the middle. The fastener typically requires a key. The doors won’t be able to be separated far enough for the cabinet to be opened.

External lock devices are a great temporary measure, but you have to remember to put them back on after you’ve opened the cabinet.

Refrigerator Locks

The type of fridge lock you’ll use will depend on the appliance that you have. Locking a double-door refrigerator is easy because all you have to do is slide a cable or combination lock through the two door handles.

You might also affix a padlock to a single door fridge. While this isn’t the most attractive option it’s easy and durable. If you’re installing a padlock check first to make sure that the Freon or cooling lines don’t run close to the surface. You can completely ruin the appliance if you puncture one of these lines.

Another type of fridge fastener is the external-mount lock. These safety latches are usually attached with an adhesive that won’t ruin the fridge surface. As well, these locks are completely removable. You install the device out of reach of little hands and simply loop the latch over the hook. This keeps the door secured, but also allows easy access for adults.

Taking Care of Your Family

Sometimes it’s necessary to install security devices in your home to protect your kids or the disabled. There’s a lot of choice for consumers who are looking for cabinet and refrigerator locks, whether they’re meant as temporary or permanent measures.