ᐅ How can I make Ikea Besta drawers childproof?

Hello everyone,

I have several Ikea Besta drawers in our living room shelving unit that I would like to make childproof. My goal is to prevent small children from easily accessing the drawers, especially since we store electronic devices and small items in them.

I am looking for practical, secure solutions that are also easy to install and convenient for everyday use. Are there specific child locks that work well with the Besta system? Or do generic drawer locks function effectively? I have also considered installing magnetic locks or other locking mechanisms. What experiences have you had with these options?

I would appreciate recommendations and tips, ideally including information on installation, durability, and safety aspects. Thank you!

I recommend simple plastic or clip-on locks that are mounted directly on the edges of the drawers. They are affordable, easy to install, and prevent children from opening the drawers.

Basically, there are different types of child safety locks for drawers available on the market. For Ikea Besta units, the most suitable options are:
- Magnetic locks, which are installed inside and opened using a magnet. Advantage: they are invisible from the outside.
- Plastic latches, which are attached on the outside, are often inexpensive but can be visually unappealing.

Installing magnetic locks usually requires drilling inside the drawers. This is generally feasible with Besta drawers due to their material and construction, but it should be done carefully.

When purchasing, it is important to consider load capacity and ease of use for parents, to avoid any inconvenience in daily life.

CARLA schrieb:
For installing magnetic locks, it is usually necessary to drill holes inside, which is quite feasible with Besta drawers due to their material and construction, but should be done carefully.

I completely agree. To be more specific: Besta drawers are typically made of particleboard with a foil coating. Drilling is possible, but the following points should be considered:

- Use a thin drill bit (3-4 mm / 0.12-0.16 inches) to avoid cracks or chipping of the material.
- Drill only in less visible areas, typically on the bottom or sides inside the drawer.
- For magnetic locks, thin metal plates or plastic brackets are required, which can be mounted either by screwing or gluing.
- Ensure that the magnetic holder fits precisely so that the drawer is securely locked.

Alternatively, clamp mechanisms that can be installed without drilling are an option. However, these must fit perfectly, as improper fitting can damage the drawer.

How many drawers are you planning to secure, and how often will they need to be opened in daily use?

Nakar33 schrieb:
How many drawers need to be secured, and how often are they opened in daily use?

Good question! There are a total of 4 drawers that should at least be temporarily secured. They are opened once or twice daily, so the system should be as user-friendly as possible. I don’t want complicated unlocking mechanisms because I need quick access to the contents.

Non-drilling clamps would be very interesting if they are truly durable and secure. However, I’m concerned that such pressure-mounted solutions might slip or cause damage over time.

Does anyone know of a specific brand or product that has proven especially reliable? And how do they hold up under heavy use by active children? Thanks!

I also made our Besta cabinets childproof and can only say: magnetic locks are brilliant! 👍

You do need a small drill bit for installation, but in everyday use, opening them is super easy – you can quickly open them yourself with the magnetic key, while the kids don’t stand a chance.

Tip: Make sure to buy high-quality magnets that work at over 1 cm (0.4 inches) distance. The installation is doable with some basic DIY skills; I used the instructions from Ikea and it has been working perfectly for months.

I secured 4 drawers and haven’t had any trouble since. Highly recommended – don’t worry about it!