ᐅ How can I childproof BILLY doors?

Created on: 24 Jul 2023 18:37
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Drami
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Drami
24 Jul 2023 18:37
Hello everyone,

I am looking for a reliable way to childproof the doors of my IKEA Billy bookcase. It is especially important to me that the solution is easy to install without damaging the doors or the bookcase, as I do not want to drill or screw anything. Does anyone know of sturdy yet residue-free options that prevent small children from opening the doors? Are there any particular locks or latches that have proven effective for BILLY doors?

I would appreciate any advice or experiences!
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LEEJU
24 Jul 2023 18:45
Simple tip: Clamp or magnetic fasteners that don’t require drilling work well. You can attach them using strong double-sided tape. Just pay attention to the load capacity.
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klo61
24 Jul 2023 19:03
Hello Drami,

I completely understand your caution when it comes to your children’s safety. BILLY shelves, due to their thin doors, are not always ideal for heavy-duty locks. Often, latch locks or adhesive locks are a good solution because they do not damage the wood.

If you use magnetic cabinet locks, make sure the magnets are strong enough to deter small children but still easy for adults to open.

Another option is so-called bolt or sliding locks, which are installed on the inside so they are not visible from the outside but still effective. It is important that the installation is always reversible to avoid damaging the furniture.
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Paxton38
24 Jul 2023 20:05
Regarding the question of how to childproof BILLY doors, I recommend the following points:

1. Clamp-on or adhesive locks that require no drilling are generally the best option, as they do not cause any damage.
2. Magnetic locks work well with thin doors like those on the BILLY shelving unit, provided they have sufficient holding strength.
3. External safety locks fixed with adhesive tape are often too weak for very curious children.

Before purchasing, I advise checking the compatibility of the dimensions carefully, as the edge thickness of BILLY doors is usually only about 1.5 cm (0.6 inches).

As a rule, I recommend products specifically designed for narrow cabinet or shelf doors.
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JORGERON
24 Jul 2023 20:18
Magnetic child safety locks stick well. Alternatively, you can also attach Velcro fasteners, which are easy to open again and make the shelf childproof.
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Josefane
25 Jul 2023 07:22
Paxton38 schrieb:
basically the best choice since they don’t cause any damage.

That’s interesting, but I wonder how durable these adhesive solutions really are under daily use. Especially with active children, such fasteners might come undone quickly. Are there any reliable long-term observations?

Furthermore, it should be considered whether these magnetic systems might lose their effectiveness over time due to frequent pressing by parents, allowing children to gain access after all. Are there perhaps mechanical alternatives that are reversible but offer higher security?