How To Child Proof Dresser Drawers?

Children have some usual favorite spots to play in the house. Dresser drawers are one of them. But, it is often reported that children get hurt by the dresser drawers. This happens when no one is to look around. Hence, it becomes necessary to make the drawers childproof. So, here we have given right steps to childproof dresser drawers.

Methods To Child Proof Dresser Drawers

1.   Using Adhesive Magnetic Locks

Step 1: In the first step, you have to test the new lock. Test its functionality. You can check it by locking and unlocking once with the magnetic keys.
Step 2: Place the lock inside the drawer you want to lock. Insert the key in the lock and test for its proper working.
Step 3: After that, the adhesive tape should be removed. Then, the template should be installed on the upper part of the drawer. If given in the guide, you may need to drill a hole for the lock.
Step 4: You also get a model in the lockset. You have to use it as a guide for installing the lock precisely.
Step 5: Now, take the magnetic lock and remove the template from the magnetic lock. It may require around 24 hours to stick properly for the adhesive.
Step 6: Now you have to activate the lock. In some locks, it is shown by a green light, while you need to push the lever in some cases.  
Step 7: Now, close your drawer and unlock it with the magnetic key.   

2. With Hook And Loop Fasteners

This security type for drawer lock is also very easy to opt system. In common terms, it is popular as ‘Velcro’. There will be no change in the drawer lock. It can also be updated very easily.

Step 1: Firstly, you have to choose a good quality fastener. Industrial grade fasteners are considered the best and more durable. You can go for them.
Step 2: You need to place the hook and the fastener separately. Stick the fastener on the drawer frame using glue or double-sided tape.
Step 3: Stick the hook on the drawer by glue or double-sided tape. 
Step 4: Now, close and open the fasteners to check for their functioning of the fasteners.

3. With Furniture Anchors

This system is to ensure that dressers are not tipped over. This also is necessary for child safety. This system is not that easy to install. You may need some professional help.

Step 1: First, you need to do a basic measurement. Get the height of the dresser/furniture. Match this height with the wall against which you want to fasten the furniture.
Step 2: Read the manual given with the anchor kit. Generally, it is mentioned to measure 8 inches below the dresser’s height. The height may vary with the model.
Step 3: Now, use the sketch pen, mark holes for drilling holes on the wall. Use furniture anchor brackets as the guide to drill holes.
Step 4: Screw the brackets into the wall using a drill bit.
Step 5: Now, you have to select a solid wooden part of the dresser. Choose t as you find it suitable. Generally, it is advised to use the substantial-top part.
Step 6: Now, marking is done on the dresser for hole drilling. This is to fit another set of fastener brackets. Screw the brackets by drilling a bit. The brackets can be a little out of the center. Some amount of tolerance is given in the furniture anchors.
Step 7: Now, put the straps in their place and tighten them. You have to ensure one thing. The longer end of the anchor should be on the dresser. The shorter end should be on the wall.
Step 8: Slide the dresser back to the wall. Your fastener system is ready to use.

4. Using Pull Cord Locks

This is a good protection system for cabinets with round knobs. It is very simple to install. It is a pocket friendly option.

Step 1: Close both the doors of the cabinet with round knobs.
Step 2: Pull the cord, making it longer on one side. It should be short on the other side but not equal to length.
Step 3: Put the cords on both knobs. Now, hold the other end of the cord from the grabbing point. Pull the other end till it gets tight on the knobs.
Step 4: Pull the knobs of the cabinet to check for doors not opening.
Step 5: The lock is working if the doors don’t open.

How To Install Child Proof Dresser Drawers?

Childproof dresser drawers can be installed in the ways explained above. Installing them properly is very important. Ineffectively installed locks will not serve the purpose. In that case, the conditions will still be unsafe. So, it becomes necessary to follow the adequate steps. After installing the locks, always check for their proper functioning. You should get yourself the best child-proof dresser doors always.

What Are The Benefits?

There are various benefits of childproof drawers:

1. Protection of children. It is almost not possible to keep an eye on your child every time.
2. It becomes necessary to ensure a safe surrounding for your child.
3. Mental peace about child safety
4. Safeguarded drawers can have a longer life.
5. There are very fewer chances of drawer/ cabinet getting damaged by falling.
6. These dresser drawers are easy to install and remove. Anyone can install it with proper steps.
7. Pocket friendly and can be bought again, if damaged or not working.

Are They Safe?

Most of the Childproof dresser drawers are safe. They may fail very rarely. The use of Childproof dresser drawers is increasing all over day by day. It is a very good practice to adopt with toddlers in the house.

How Our Dresser Drawers Become A Hazard To Children In Several Ways?

The furniture or dresser may tip over the child when the child tries to climb up. A major accident can happen because of this. The child can get access to medicines or sharp objects like scissors. The drawer can pull out and hit the child. It can hurt the child badly.

The child can get access to the circuit boards behind the drawers. The children may get their fingers stuck in the drawer when it is about to close. The children can put anything inedible in their mouths from  the dresser drawers

How To Remove?

You have sufficient knowledge now on how to childproof a dresser drawer. So, you can remove the dresser drawer safety feature very easily.

• Remove the adhesive to take out the pasted parts for the sticky parts.
• For the screwed parts, you can screw out the back.

A screwdriver can be used here:

• Tension Rods can be pulled out or simply taken out of the drawer.
• Pull cords can simply be taken out by loosening the cords from knobs.
• Latches can be opened and removed.

How Do You Lock A Drawer Without A Key?

Drawers can be locked without a key using some of the ways explained above like magnetic latches, anchor fasteners, pull-out cords. You can install these by the methods explained above step by step.

One more method of locking the drawer without the key is explained below:

Step 1: Find the distance between the top of the drawer and the drawer handle screw. Now add ½ inch to the distance you have measured.

Step 2: Cut a steel piece with a size 1-inch width and 14-gauge flat

Step 3: Drill a hole of approximate size ¼ inch from the steel piece end.

Step 4: Now, remove one screw from the drawer handle. Insert a screw on the door front and tighten using a nut.

Step 5: Now, you have to position the piece of steel. On turning upwards, it catches on the drawer frame.

Step 6: Tighten two nuts on either side of the steel. When the screw is turned on the handle head, the steel should rotate from horizontal to vertical.

Step 7: Now, close the drawer. Turn the screw clockwise to check for drawer locking. You can lock and unlock by screw using a screwdriver. The steel piece should not foul with the drawer frame.

Final Talk

In summary, dresser drawers or closets can be a big risk to child safety. Hence, it becomes necessary to opt for the systems to secure these from children’s access. It is impossible to keep an eye on the child all the time. So, for their safety, these features can be very helpful.