Fit child-safety locks to kitchen cupboards to keep chemicals, knives and glass out of small children's reach.
CL-01Decide which cupboards need locksWalk round the kitchen and list every cupboard a toddler could reach: bins, cleaning chemicals under the sink, knife drawers, glass or crockery, and anywhere with a gas hob control. Low-level cupboards and drawers are the priority. Count them so you buy enough locks in one go.
CL-02Choose the right lock type for each doorAdhesive strap locks need no drilling and suit smooth painted or laminate doors, but they can peel off oily or textured surfaces over time. Screw-fixed sliding locks and magnetic locks hold much better on real wood or MDF cupboard doors and frames, and are the safer choice for anything storing chemicals or knives. Magnetic locks are the neatest option because the catch is hidden, but you'll need a magnetic 'key' to release them.
CL-03Clean and dry the doorsWipe each door and frame with mild detergent and water to remove grease, then dry fully with a clean cloth. If you're using adhesive locks, go over the surface with an alcohol wipe too — glue won't grip a greasy kitchen door.
CL-04Mark and line up the lockOpen the cupboard and hold the lock in position to check it doesn't foul a shelf or hinge as the door swings. Mark the fixing points with a pencil, using a tape measure to keep both sides of a double cupboard level with each other.
CL-05Drill pilot holes for screw-fixed locksFor sliding or magnetic locks that come with screws, drill a small pilot hole about 2mm wide at each mark — this stops the door or frame splitting as the screw goes in. Cupboard doors are thin, so wedge a scrap of wood behind the panel and stop drilling the moment you feel the bit break through, to avoid splintering the far face.
CL-06Fix the lock in placeScrew the lock body and catch into the pilot holes using the screws supplied — don't overtighten, as this can strip the soft chipboard inside most cupboard doors. For adhesive locks, press each part firmly for the time stated on the packaging, usually 30-60 seconds, and leave undisturbed for a few hours before use.
CL-07Test every lockOpen and close each cupboard several times to check the lock holds and the door still shuts properly. Confirm you can operate it one-handed the way you'll use it daily, and try to open it the way a curious toddler would — by pulling and tugging.
CL-08Tidy upVacuum any drill dust from the cupboard and floor, and wipe down the doors once more. Keep spare screws and any magnetic keys somewhere the kids can't reach — on top of a wall unit is ideal.