When you have children, it’s important to childproof your home as much as possible. One way to do this is to lock cabinet doors with knobs. This article will teach you how to lock cabinet doors with knobs. Remember that not all cabinets can be locked this way – only those with knobs on the door, not on the drawers. Also, ensure you have a key or something else to unlock the door if you need to get into the cabinet in a hurry. Let’s get started!
What Causes Cabinet Doors to Come Off Their Tracks?
A few things can cause cabinet doors to come off their tracks. The most common reason is that the door has been forced open too far. This can happen if you’re trying to get something out of the cabinet and you pull on the door too hard. It can also happen if a child is climbing on the cabinets and causes the door to come off its hinges.
Sometimes, the doors just come off the tracks on their own because of age or wear and tear. Another common reason is that the tracks are not level. This can cause the doors to bind and eventually come off the tracks.
Additionally, if the tracks are not clean, the doors may not slide as smoothly and could come off. The other reason why cabinet doors come off their tracks is that the cabinets are not properly secured to the wall. This can happen if the cabinets are not installed correctly or if the wall has shifted. Lastly, if the hinges are loose, this can also cause the doors to come off their tracks.
Why Is It Important to Lock Cabinet Doors?
It’s important to lock cabinet doors because it keeps children safe. For example, if you have poisonous chemicals or cleaners in your cabinets, you don’t want your child to get into them. Additionally, if you have sharp objects in your cabinets, you don’t want your child to get hurt. Locking the doors will also prevent your child from making a mess in your cabinets.
Another reason to lock cabinet doors is to keep your valuables safe. If you have expensive dishes or glassware in your cabinets, you don’t want anyone to break them. Finally, if you have confidential documents in your cabinets, you don’t want anyone to see them.
Step by Step How to Lock Cabinet Doors With Knobs
1. Choose the Type of Knob
The first step is to choose the type of knob you want to use. There are many different types of knobs, so you’ll need to decide which one is right for you. The most common type of knob is the standard round knob. These are the most affordable and easy to install. However, they don’t offer much in the way of security. If you’re looking for a more secure option, you can choose a keyed knob. These are more expensive and require a bit more work to install, but they’re much more difficult to pick.
2. Measure the Door
Once you’ve chosen the type of knob you want to use, you’ll need to measure the door. First, you’ll need to know the width and height of the door so that you can choose the right size knob. Use a tape measure to get the exact measurements. First, measure the width of the door. Then, measure the height of the door. If the door is not a standard size, you may need to special order a knob.
3. Choose the Location for the Knob
The next step is to choose the location for the knob. You’ll need to decide how high up on the door you want the knob to be. Ideally, you want the knob to be at least 4 inches from the bottom of the door. This will make it more difficult for a child to reach. If you’re installing a keyed knob, you’ll also need to choose a location for the keyhole. The keyhole should be located near the knob, so it’s easy to reach.
4. Drill a Hole
Once you’ve chosen the location for the knob, you’ll need to drill a hole for it. Use a drill bit that is the same size as the base of the knob. Drill a hole that is slightly smaller than the base of the knob. This will ensure a tight fit. First, drill a pilot hole. Then, use a larger drill bit to enlarge the hole. If you’re installing a keyed knob, you’ll also need to drill a hole for the keyhole.
5. Insert the Latch
The next step is to insert the latch. The latch is what will keep the door closed. It’s a small piece of metal that fits into the hole you drilled in the previous step. If you’re using a keyed knob, the latch will have a small hole in it for the key. Insert the latch into the hole and ensure it’s flush with the door’s surface. To do this, you may need to use a hammer.
First, insert the latch into the door until it’s snug. Use a small piece of wood to tap the latch into place if necessary. If you’re using a keyed knob, be sure to insert the knob into the latch before you hammer it into place. This will ensure that the keyhole is aligned correctly.
6. Attach the Base Plate
The next step is to attach the base plate. The base plate is what covers the hole in the door. It’s usually round or oval-shaped and made of metal. First, align the base plate with the hole in the door. Then, screw it into place with the screws that come with it. If the base plate is not flush with the door, you may need to use a hammer to tap it into place.
7. Attach the Knob
The next step is to attach the knob. This is a two-person job. One person will need to hold the knob in place while the other person screws it into place. First, align the knob with the hole you drilled in the previous step. Then, screw the knob into place. If you’re using a keyed knob, be sure to insert the key before you screw the knob into place. If the knob is not keyed, you can skip this step.
8. Test the Door
Once you’ve attached the knob, it’s time to test the door. Try opening and closing it a few times. If the door is difficult to close or open, you may need to adjust the latch. To do this, simply loosen the screws and move the latch until it’s in the correct position. Once the door is opening and closing smoothly, you’re done!
Tips and Warnings on How to Lock Cabinet Doors With Knobs
Tips:
1. Be sure to measure the placement of the knob before drilling any holes. The last thing you want is an off-center knob!
2. To avoid stripping the screws, use a power drill with a screwdriver bit attachment.
3. If your locks are going to be visible, choose ones that complement the style of your cabinets and match the other hardware in your kitchen.
Warnings:
1. Do not use cabinet locks as a substitute for childproofing your home. They are not designed to withstand the strength of a curious toddler and can easily be defeated by an older child.
2. Be sure to keep the keys to the locks out of reach of children. If they are old enough to understand the locks, they are old enough to figure out how to use the keys!
3. If you have young children in the home, it is best to remove any cabinet locks once they are no longer needed. Toddlers grow quickly, and those chubby little fingers will be opening cabinets before you know it!
4. Always use caution when working with power tools. Drill bits can slip and cause injury if you’re not careful.
5. Do not use cabinet locks on cabinets that contain hazardous materials. If there is any chance that a child could get into the cabinet, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
How Much Does It Cost to Lock Cabinet Doors With Knobs?
The cost of locking cabinet doors with knobs will vary depending on the type of knob you choose. Keyed knobs will be more expensive than non-keyed knobs, but they offer an extra layer of security. The cost of the knob itself will range from $5 to $15. The base plate and screws will cost an additional $5 to $10. If you need to hire a professional to install the locks, you can expect to pay $50 to $100.
Conclusion
So there you have it! A complete guide on how to lock cabinet doors with knobs. Be sure to follow the tips and warnings listed above to avoid any accidents. With a little bit of time and effort, you can easily add an extra layer of security to your cabinet doors. Thanks for reading!
You Can Check It Out to Set Combination on Brinks Door Knob Lock