Map hazards before buying latches
Open every child-accessible cabinet, drawer, bag, and trash container. Move medicines, cleaners, detergent packets, batteries, matches, knives, and other serious hazards high, out of sight, and in appropriately locked storage. A cabinet latch adds delay; it does not make dangerous contents safe. Firearms, medicines, and poisons may require dedicated secure storage beyond a consumer child-safety latch.
Fit the moving door and fixed frame
Identify inset or overlay doors, frameless cabinets, paired doors, drawer slides, handle position, and internal obstructions. Hold the exact latch in the intended location and confirm full engagement across normal closing tolerances. A device that catches only when the door is pushed sideways or slammed is not reliably installed. Do not modify the latch outside its instructions to force a fit.
Treat adhesive preparation and cure as structural steps
Use the cleaning method, temperature, surface restrictions, pressure, and cure time specified by the maker. Paint, grease, textured laminate, humidity, damaged veneer, and repeated pulling can weaken adhesive. Screw-mounted products avoid some adhesive limits but can damage furniture and still require precise alignment. Keep the cabinet unavailable to children until installation is complete and tested.
Prefer automatic re-locking and inaccessible keys
The safest routine is one the adult can complete every time: close the door and verify the latch engaged. Magnetic keys should be stored where children cannot see, reach, or imitate their use, but adults and caregivers can access them. Never leave a magnetic key attached outside the cabinet. If frequent use leads adults to disable a latch, change the storage plan or product.
Pull-test and recall-check regularly
CPSC warns that no device is completely childproof. On a schedule, inspect alignment, adhesive edges, screws, plastic wear, detachable small parts, and automatic engagement, then apply a firm adult pull without damaging the furniture. Stop using failed or recalled hardware immediately and follow the remedy. Supervision and keeping hazards out of reach remain necessary after every lock is installed.