Hello everyone, I wanted to ask if anyone knows of a childproof yet durable lock for the IKEA BESTÅ drawers?
I’m looking for a lock that is not only difficult for children to open but is also easy to install without significantly affecting the appearance or function of the drawer. It’s also important to me that the lock is reliable and doesn’t lose effectiveness after a few days or weeks.
Does anyone have experience with specific systems, DIY solutions, or recommendations on what works best for the BESTÅ drawers?
Looking forward to your replies!
I’m looking for a lock that is not only difficult for children to open but is also easy to install without significantly affecting the appearance or function of the drawer. It’s also important to me that the lock is reliable and doesn’t lose effectiveness after a few days or weeks.
Does anyone have experience with specific systems, DIY solutions, or recommendations on what works best for the BESTÅ drawers?
Looking forward to your replies!
P
praWarre6910 Sep 2020 09:17Good morning! 😄
I completely understand the concern. We also made our BESTÅ drawers childproof. We used flexible clip locks that are barely visible from the outside and can even be installed without tools with a little practice. However, I have to admit that these locks aren’t completely escape-proof if the kids are very persistent—but for now, they work perfectly for us.
They look quite discreet, which I find nice because the drawers keep their clean IKEA design. For us, it was important that no major drilling was needed, as that usually goes wrong when you have to do a lot of DIY. Hope this helps for now! 😉
I completely understand the concern. We also made our BESTÅ drawers childproof. We used flexible clip locks that are barely visible from the outside and can even be installed without tools with a little practice. However, I have to admit that these locks aren’t completely escape-proof if the kids are very persistent—but for now, they work perfectly for us.
They look quite discreet, which I find nice because the drawers keep their clean IKEA design. For us, it was important that no major drilling was needed, as that usually goes wrong when you have to do a lot of DIY. Hope this helps for now! 😉
Hello sami5,
To answer your question in detail, it makes sense to take a closer look at the exact drawer type of the BESTÅ series, as this plays a significant role in choosing the appropriate safety lock. For example, there are drawers with a push-to-open mechanism and others with handle strips, which influences the choice of lock.
For effective child safety, magnetic and mechanical locks are especially recommended. Magnetic locks are installed inside and can only be opened with a special magnetic key, which children usually cannot reach. In contrast, mechanical locks are attached on the outside, usually as plug-in or screw-in solutions.
One important point to consider: since BESTÅ drawers are often made of thin wood or MDF, the installation of locks should be drill-free to avoid compromising stability. Some manufacturers now offer adhesive solutions that can hold at least in the medium term.
Could you describe how your drawers are constructed exactly and what your installation requirements are? Are you looking for a permanent solution or one that can be removed without leaving residue?
To answer your question in detail, it makes sense to take a closer look at the exact drawer type of the BESTÅ series, as this plays a significant role in choosing the appropriate safety lock. For example, there are drawers with a push-to-open mechanism and others with handle strips, which influences the choice of lock.
For effective child safety, magnetic and mechanical locks are especially recommended. Magnetic locks are installed inside and can only be opened with a special magnetic key, which children usually cannot reach. In contrast, mechanical locks are attached on the outside, usually as plug-in or screw-in solutions.
One important point to consider: since BESTÅ drawers are often made of thin wood or MDF, the installation of locks should be drill-free to avoid compromising stability. Some manufacturers now offer adhesive solutions that can hold at least in the medium term.
Could you describe how your drawers are constructed exactly and what your installation requirements are? Are you looking for a permanent solution or one that can be removed without leaving residue?
TYRELL schrieb:
Since the BESTÅ drawers are often made of thin wood or MDF, mounting child safety locks without drilling is recommended to avoid compromising stability.This is an important point.
In practice, clamp-on or adhesive lock models have proven effective for BESTÅ drawers, as they do not require drilling and prevent the drawer from being opened. The challenge, however, is that some adhesive locks do not hold up well over time or can be opened by a child using enough force.
Therefore:
- Use strong adhesives (for example, 3M products)
- Consider mechanical child safety locks specifically designed for IKEA furniture
- Possibly combine multiple locks to increase effectiveness
A less appealing option is drawer locks with keys, which, in my opinion, detract from the IKEA aesthetic.
If you specify a particular drawer type, I can provide more detailed recommendations.
D
Demetrius11 Sep 2020 07:22Hello everyone,
I just wanted to point out that it really depends on how skillful the child is and how persistent they are when it comes to overcoming such safety devices.
We first tried simple adhesive locks, which our young daughter often managed to bypass after a short time. Only a mechanical version with an internal magnetic lock truly worked. Of course, this requires a bit more effort during installation, but in return, we finally got some peace of mind.
I fully agree with Demetrius, who mentioned that children vary greatly in how they deal with these kinds of locks. Maybe it helps to gradually get the child used to the rules instead of relying solely on the lock?
How do you handle this? Are you mainly looking for a technical safety device, or do you want it to complement educational measures?
I just wanted to point out that it really depends on how skillful the child is and how persistent they are when it comes to overcoming such safety devices.
We first tried simple adhesive locks, which our young daughter often managed to bypass after a short time. Only a mechanical version with an internal magnetic lock truly worked. Of course, this requires a bit more effort during installation, but in return, we finally got some peace of mind.
I fully agree with Demetrius, who mentioned that children vary greatly in how they deal with these kinds of locks. Maybe it helps to gradually get the child used to the rules instead of relying solely on the lock?
How do you handle this? Are you mainly looking for a technical safety device, or do you want it to complement educational measures?
TYRELL schrieb:
Could you describe exactly how your drawers are constructed and what requirements you have for the installation? Are you looking for a permanent solution or one that can be removed without leaving any residue?Great question, thanks!
The drawers are quite traditional with recessed handles, so no push-to-open mechanisms. I prefer a solution that can be removed without leaving any residue since we live in a rental apartment and want to avoid causing any damage. Also, a no-drill solution is very important to me. In terms of durability, the lock should last at least one year, ideally longer.
Of course, we also use educational measures alongside this, but I want to be absolutely sure, especially with drawers that might contain potentially dangerous items (e.g., small objects, tools).
I’d appreciate any additional tips, including experiences with specific products!
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