Everything You Need to Know About Child Safety Locks
May 24, 2021
Child-proofing a space typically involves putting away breakable objects, covering sharp corners, and generally making any dangerous products out of sight and out of reach. When trying to make sure your kiddo doesn’t get into cleaning agents and chemicals or experiment with gravity by dropping your nice dishware, adding child safety locks to the cabinets seems like a promising solution. Much like how the rear doors on a car can be locked so a curious child doesn’t try to open the door of the vehicle, child safety locks prevent children from being able to open certain doors, cabinets, or drawers so they cannot access potentially dangerous or harmful items.
There are a couple of key differences between child locks in a car and child locks used within a home, though. In a car, the driver seat typically has a button that will turn the child/rear door locks on, and, when enacted, permits anyone from opening the rear car doors from the inside. Even though they are most commonly used to deter children from opening the door when they’re not supposed to, the function paints with a broad brush and simply makes it so everyone is unable to open the door.
Child locks for drawers and cabinets, however, still allow access to the inside, but only if the person knows how to get around the mechanism. These types of locks rely on the age and dexterity of a child to be relatively low, so they do not understand nor can they perform the required functions to open the drawer or cabinet. For adults, opening the doors should be relatively easy.
Deciding when to implement child safety locks typically depends on when your child develops the motor skills that would allow them to open doors, pull-on handles, etc combined with when the child is able to move around independently (even for short periods of time!) But, frankly, there isn’t a time that is too early to install them.
The more challenging decision is figuring out when to
stop
using child safety locks. There is no hard and fast rule about when to turn off the rear door locks in the car or when to uninstall the locks on the cabinets, but the best indication is going to be based on the individual child.
A great starting point would be to identify your child’s overall level of responsibility, trustworthiness, and maturity. With a little focus and time looking at it, would the child be able to figure out how to bypass the lock? Has the child reached a level of maturity and understanding that they explicitly know not to play with cleaning chemicals? If you can answer yes to one or both of these questions, you can probably start taking the locks off.
For things that would still be restricted, like alcohol in a liquor cabinet, consider getting a new lock with a key or code that only you have access to, so your child can’t simply figure out the system and open the door
Now that we’re on the same page about
what
child safety locks are,
why
they’re a great option, and
when
you should start and stop using them, let’s talk about
where
to place these locks. We’ve mentioned the kitchen a fair bit, so c on cabinet doors and drawers is a must, but barring the refrigerator and dishwasher are smart moves too. If locking everything that opens in your kitchen seems like too much, the places you should definitely lock are where chemicals are stored (think cleaning agents under the sink), objects are breakable (like a dishware cabinet), and where sharp or other dangerous objects are stored (like a drawer with knives or other silverware). Another option is to rearrange your kitchen so these items are stored higher up, so they are out of reach for your children but still easily accessible to you.
Other places to install child safety locks would be doors that lead to rooms you don’t want them entering, medicine cabinets or other places where pills are stored, and perhaps a drawer or part of a desk where sensitive documents and information are stored.
Magnetic
Once installed onto the drawers and cabinets, the doors will remain closed unless you use the magnet “key” to open them. These locks come with an external magnet “key” that is easy to store above a child’s reach on the fridge door or somewhere similar. Simply hover the magnet over the door or drawer you want to open, and the magnet will release the lock inside allowing you to open it.
Electromagnetic
A little pricier than simple magnetic locks, electromagnetic locks can be controlled from your phone, so you don’t need to keep track of the extra magnet “key,” and you don’t need to be physically in the room to unlock them. Electromagnetic locks are also convenient because you can easily turn all the locks on or off with one simple click, so for example, a housesitter could easily access the contents of cabinets without having to bypass the child safety locks each time.
Spring-style
This type of lock attaches to the inside of the door or drawer and allows you to open it about an inch before stopping. The abrupt stopping will deter the child from being able to access what is inside. In order for an adult to open the drawer or door fully, they simply need to press down on the spring-loaded latch to release its hold on the door. These locks are quite common and super easy to install.
External
External cabinet locks are by far the cheapest option with the easiest installation process — no tools or screws needed. Simply slip the locks over the handles/ knobs on the exterior of the doors and it prevents them from being opened. In order to unlock these, a parent just needs to squeeze particular parts of the lock, and it will release.
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By Youmna Rehman
•
February 19, 2025
Few things are more frustrating than inserting your key into a lock, turning it as usual, and suddenly feeling it snap. A broken key in a lock can instantly turn a routine task into a stressful situation. Whether it's your home, car, or office, the inability to access your property can disrupt your day and leave you scrambling for a solution. But before you start panicking or consider replacing the lock entirely, take a deep breath. There are several effective ways to remove a broken key from a lock without causing damage. This guide will walk you through the process, helping you understand why keys break, how to remove them safely, and what steps you can take to prevent this from happening in the future. How to Fix a Stiff or Hard-to-Turn Lock Why Do Keys Break in Locks? A key breaking inside a lock is usually the result of a combination of wear and tear, force, or an issue with the lock itself. Here are some common reasons why keys snap: 1. Metal Fatigue and Weakness Keys undergo stress over time. Daily use, exposure to moisture, and bending can weaken the metal, making it prone to breaking when inserted or turned in a lock. 2. Misalignment of the Lock and Key If a lock is old, rusty, or poorly maintained, the internal components may become misaligned. This forces the key to work harder than it should, increasing the likelihood of snapping. 3. Using Excessive Force Sometimes, in frustration, people turn the key too hard when it isn’t turning smoothly. Applying extra force can cause a weak or old key to break instantly. 4. Cold Weather Conditions In freezing temperatures, metal contracts, making both keys and locks more fragile. If your key was already worn down, cold weather might push it to its breaking point. 5. Debris or Dirt in the Lock Over time, locks accumulate dust, dirt, and small debris. If these particles build up inside the lock, they can create resistance, making it harder for the key to turn properly and increasing the risk of breakage. Step-by-Step Solutions to Remove a Broken Key Safely Now that we understand why keys break, let's focus on how to remove a broken key without damaging the lock. 1. Assess the Situation First Before attempting any removal, check how much of the key is visible outside the lock. If a significant portion is sticking out, your job will be much easier. If the key is deep inside, you’ll need to use more precise techniques. 2. Try Tweezers or Needle-Nose Pliers If part of the broken key is visible, use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers or needle-nose pliers to grip and gently pull it out. However, be cautious—if your tweezers are too thick, they may push the key further into the lock, making extraction more difficult. 3. Use a Broken Key Extractor Tool Professional locksmiths use a broken key extractor, a thin tool designed to slide into the lock and hook onto the broken key's teeth. If you have one, carefully insert it along the groove of the key and pull it out slowly. 4. Apply Lubrication If the key is stuck, applying a lubricant like WD-40 or graphite powder can help loosen it. Spray a small amount into the lock and wait a minute before attempting to remove the key again. 5. The Tapping Method If gravity can work in your favor, hold the lock opening downward and gently tap it against a hard surface. Sometimes, the vibration is enough to loosen the broken key and allow it to fall out. 6. Using a Jigsaw Blade or Thin Wire If you don’t have an extractor tool, a fine jigsaw blade or thin piece of stiff wire can work in a pinch. Insert it along the broken key, try to hook onto the ridges, and gently pull it out. 7. Seek Professional Help If none of these methods work or the key is deeply lodged inside the lock, calling a professional locksmith is the best option. A locksmith has specialized tools and experience to remove the key without damaging the lock. Risks Involved in DIY Key Removal While removing a broken key yourself can save time and money, there are some risks to be aware of: Pushing the Key Further In : If you’re not careful, attempts to extract the key can accidentally push it deeper into the lock, making removal more difficult. Damaging the Lock Mechanism: Using improper tools or excessive force can bend or break internal lock components, leading to more costly repairs. Leaving Key Fragments Inside: If only part of the key is removed and small fragments remain, they can cause future problems with inserting and turning a new key. Preventive Measures: Avoiding Broken Keys in the Future To ensure you never have to deal with a broken key again, follow these simple preventive measures: 1. Regularly Inspect Your Keys If your key looks worn down, has visible cracks, or feels weaker when used, consider getting a new one before it breaks. 2. Keep Locks Clean and Lubricated Dirt and debris buildup inside a lock can make it difficult to turn the key. Clean your locks occasionally and use graphite powder or WD-40 to keep them functioning smoothly. 3. Don’t Force a Stuck Key If your key isn’t turning easily, stop and check for obstructions or try lubricating the lock before applying pressure. 4. Get a Spare Key Made Having a spare key on hand ensures that if one key gets weak, you can switch to the backup instead of pushing your luck with an old, worn-out key. 5. Upgrade to a More Durable Key or Lock Consider upgrading to a sturdier key material or even a smart lock system, which eliminates the need for physical keys altogether. Conclusion: Patience and the Right Tools Make All the Difference A broken key in a lock is undoubtedly an inconvenience, but it doesn’t have to be a disaster. By using the right techniques and tools, you can safely remove a broken key without damaging the lock. The key to success? Patience and precision. And remember—prevention is always better than cure. Taking simple steps to maintain your keys and locks can save you from this frustrating situation in the future. If you ever find yourself in doubt or dealing with a deeply lodged key, don’t hesitate to call a professional locksmith for assistance. With the right knowledge and approach, you can tackle a broken key issue with confidence and get back to your day hassle-free!
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