ᐅ Ikea Besta – how can I install child safety locks on the doors and drawers?
Created on: 30 Dec 2021 08:37
A
AdemirHello everyone,
I recently bought an Ikea Besta shelving unit and now want to install effective child safety locks on the doors and drawers. My goal is to prevent small children from opening them, while still allowing adults reasonably easy access. It is important to me that the locks are as discreet as possible and do not leave significant marks or damage on the furniture. Does anyone have experience with suitable products or solutions that specifically work with the Ikea Besta system?
I am interested in both mechanical and magnetic options. Tips on installation and what to consider when choosing a lock to ensure it holds well and is durable would also be appreciated. Thanks in advance for your support!
I recently bought an Ikea Besta shelving unit and now want to install effective child safety locks on the doors and drawers. My goal is to prevent small children from opening them, while still allowing adults reasonably easy access. It is important to me that the locks are as discreet as possible and do not leave significant marks or damage on the furniture. Does anyone have experience with suitable products or solutions that specifically work with the Ikea Besta system?
I am interested in both mechanical and magnetic options. Tips on installation and what to consider when choosing a lock to ensure it holds well and is durable would also be appreciated. Thanks in advance for your support!
K
Keatondra30 Dec 2021 09:02Hello Ademir,
Child safety locks for Ikea Besta units are indeed a common request because the doors can often be opened very easily without a latch. I recommend first checking if you want to use magnetic child locks. These work with a magnetic key and have the advantage that the lock can be installed invisibly on the inside, with no external levers visible.
If you prefer mechanical locks, there are plastic latches that can be attached inside the door or drawer to prevent children from opening them. Make sure they are compatible with the Besta materials and easy to install – for example, using removable screws or adhesive strips.
It is also important to measure carefully during installation, as door thickness and drawer spacing can vary. If you like, I can provide you with a detailed installation guide.
Child safety locks for Ikea Besta units are indeed a common request because the doors can often be opened very easily without a latch. I recommend first checking if you want to use magnetic child locks. These work with a magnetic key and have the advantage that the lock can be installed invisibly on the inside, with no external levers visible.
If you prefer mechanical locks, there are plastic latches that can be attached inside the door or drawer to prevent children from opening them. Make sure they are compatible with the Besta materials and easy to install – for example, using removable screws or adhesive strips.
It is also important to measure carefully during installation, as door thickness and drawer spacing can vary. If you like, I can provide you with a detailed installation guide.
S
SauDietmar30 Dec 2021 11:25Hello Ademir,
I would like to give you a more detailed description of how to install a reliable child safety lock for Ikea Besta units.
1. Preparation:
- Measure the thickness of the doors and drawers accurately.
- Keep in mind that some Besta models have different door types (soft-close, standard doors).
2. Choosing the lock:
- Magnetic child safety locks are a good choice because they are discreet and can be easily opened when you have the magnet.
- Mechanical plastic locks are inexpensive but often less durable and more noticeable.
3. Installation:
- For magnetic locks, you need to attach the strike plate on the inside using screws or strong adhesive.
- Make sure the door still closes properly.
- For mechanical locks, it is helpful to mark the exact position before drilling or gluing.
4. Tips:
- Test the lock several times before fixing it permanently.
- Avoid cheap versions with weak adhesive.
Summary:
Magnetic systems are usually the best option for Besta units, as they combine functionality and design well. For mechanical types, pay attention to quality and proper fit to avoid frustration.
I hope this helps!
I would like to give you a more detailed description of how to install a reliable child safety lock for Ikea Besta units.
1. Preparation:
- Measure the thickness of the doors and drawers accurately.
- Keep in mind that some Besta models have different door types (soft-close, standard doors).
2. Choosing the lock:
- Magnetic child safety locks are a good choice because they are discreet and can be easily opened when you have the magnet.
- Mechanical plastic locks are inexpensive but often less durable and more noticeable.
3. Installation:
- For magnetic locks, you need to attach the strike plate on the inside using screws or strong adhesive.
- Make sure the door still closes properly.
- For mechanical locks, it is helpful to mark the exact position before drilling or gluing.
4. Tips:
- Test the lock several times before fixing it permanently.
- Avoid cheap versions with weak adhesive.
Summary:
Magnetic systems are usually the best option for Besta units, as they combine functionality and design well. For mechanical types, pay attention to quality and proper fit to avoid frustration.
I hope this helps!
Keatondra schrieb:
If you prefer mechanical locks, there are plastic childproof locks that can be attached inside the door or drawer to prevent children from opening them.Thanks for the advice. Would you be willing to recommend any products that are particularly suitable or well-known for Besta? I’m a bit hesitant about using adhesive tape for attachment; I think screws would be more reliable – but I also don’t want too much effort when it comes to removal later.
SauDietmar schrieb:
Make sure the door still closes properly.I’m actually worried that the lock might affect the door’s operation. Are there any tips, for example, how much clearance should possibly be planned? Thanks!
Hello Ademir,
I’d like to go a bit deeper into the topic, as I recently had to childproof a Besta system myself.
First, regarding mechanical fastening and potential interference with the doors:
- The Besta doors are about 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) thick. If you attach a mechanical lock, you should pay close attention to the exact position of the hinges and any soft-close elements. These can be blocked if the locks are installed too close.
- I recommend mounting the lock on the back of the door. This way, it’s not visible from the outside and the risk of interfering with the hinges is minimal.
- For screws, it’s advisable to drill pilot holes with a thin drill bit first and cover the spots with a small piece of tape to prevent the wood from splitting.
- Adhesive can hold well on smooth surfaces but is not as durable as screws.
Magnetic locks are technically easier to handle since they respond to contact with the corresponding magnet and do not obstruct movement. The challenge is that you always need to have the correct key handy.
One more question: Do you want to secure the doors AND the drawers or only certain parts? That may affect the choice of product.
If you like, I can also prepare a step-by-step guide for you.
I’d like to go a bit deeper into the topic, as I recently had to childproof a Besta system myself.
First, regarding mechanical fastening and potential interference with the doors:
- The Besta doors are about 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) thick. If you attach a mechanical lock, you should pay close attention to the exact position of the hinges and any soft-close elements. These can be blocked if the locks are installed too close.
- I recommend mounting the lock on the back of the door. This way, it’s not visible from the outside and the risk of interfering with the hinges is minimal.
- For screws, it’s advisable to drill pilot holes with a thin drill bit first and cover the spots with a small piece of tape to prevent the wood from splitting.
- Adhesive can hold well on smooth surfaces but is not as durable as screws.
Magnetic locks are technically easier to handle since they respond to contact with the corresponding magnet and do not obstruct movement. The challenge is that you always need to have the correct key handy.
One more question: Do you want to secure the doors AND the drawers or only certain parts? That may affect the choice of product.
If you like, I can also prepare a step-by-step guide for you.
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