MAGNETIC CABINET LOCKS
VMAISI EASY TO INSTALL MAGNET LOCKS
#1: VMAISI MAGNETIC LOCKS
IN THIS GUIDE:
› SMART LOCK: YALE SMARTPHONE
› RFID LOCK: WOOCH CABINET LOCK
› STRAP LOCKS: SKYLA HOMES Baby Locks (8-Pack) Child Safety…
› KEYED LOCK: DEFENDER SECURITY
› FRIDGE LOCK: GUARDIANITE KEYED
With cabinet lock options that range from a key to Alexa-enabled intelligent locks, there are plenty of ways to secure what’s inside your cabinet.
But choosing which cabinet lock is best comes down to the following:
- How frequently will you use the door
- Your skills
- Type of cabinet
- Contents such as liquor, pharmacy, or other dangerous items
- Ability to drill or alter the cabinet
- And, of course, your budget.
While a Siri-enabled smart lock is the most technologically advanced solution, it is also the most costly. However, other locks require drilling holes in the face of the cabinet. In this guide, learn the best cabinet locks for your doors and drawers, where to buy them, and how tools you’ll need to install them.
Page Contents
Features to Consider
While typically easier to install than a cabinet hinge, handle or knob, a cabinet lock may require some basic installation steps:
- Make sure your lock will fit your cabinet style – frameless or face frame.
- Frameless cabinet locks are generally the easiest to install
- Meanwhile, face frame cabinet locks may require attaching the lock to a backing block
- For multiple doors, consider buying a number of the same brand and style so you can use one key
- And for RFID locks, most can be re-programmed to have one card open multiple locks
- Drawers can be locked, and most locks require installation on the top edge of the drawer versus the side
TYpes of Locks
With recent innovations, you’ll find both old standard keys and magnets as well as now RFID and even WIFI equipped locks:
- Keyed locks go back centuries and are inexpensive
- Magnetic cam locks use a simple magnetic force to release an internal pin
- RFID uses a coded radio frequency to release the lock mechanism
- Latch locks typically fit behind a drawer or door, and the user pushes the latch free of the catch
- Adhesive strap locks can be used on the exterior of a cabinet and do not require drilling into the wood
- Handle locks use two door handles as a way to prevent the door from being opened
Best Cabinet Locks
With smartphones and RFID tags, there are many options for locking a cabinet.
So how could you choose what’s best for your cabinets? Well, the first decision is typically do you want a surface-mounted or hidden lock. Then, based on your use, the decision will come down to the level of security. While an RFID is ultra-secure, a magnetic door lock is more of a deterrent as it is easy to find magnets.
1. Yale Smart Lock For Liquor or Medicine Cabinets
See on Amazon: Yale Smartphone Lock
Top Features
- Easy to install
- Works on frameless and face frame cabinets
- Auto re-lock function to lock after opening
- Open with Yale app on phone or a voice assistant
Overview
As a step up from the still high-tech RFID locks, a smart lock lets you do more than keep a cabinet locked. It enables you to control the safety from anywhere (accessories required) and track the usage.
Are you concerned about someone accessing the cabinet without your knowledge? With this model’s digital footprint, you will have a complete history of when the cabinet was accessed.
If not having your phone handy is a concern, these models connect to your Apple HomeKit-compatible system (e.g., Siri).
Pros
- Highly secure
- Ease of install
- Compact
- Can be shared access
- No key to lose
- Auto-locks
Cons
- Price for multiple cabinets
2. Top Pick for Multiple Doors: Magnetic Catch
See on Amazon: VMAISI Magnetic Lock
Top Features
- Simple installation
- Works on almost all style of doors and drawers
- No screws – leverages 3M adhesive
- Invisible to outside of door
- Easy to remove
Overview
An adhesive magnetic cabinet lock is arguably the easiest to lock a cabinet door without installing a screw.
By simply adhering to the door and inside the cabinet, a magnetic lock uses a magnet to free the catch and allow the door to open.
Need the locks on only some of the time? Flip a switch to disengage the lock and re-engage when security is required.
Pros
- No screws
- Economical for an entire kitchen
- Can be dis-engaged when locks aren’t needed
- One key can operate dozens of doors
- Hidden
Cons
- Magnetic key may need a thin pad to prevent scratching the cabinet face over repeated use
- Doesn’t prevent un-wanted access by adults
3. Hidden Security: RFID Lock
See on Amazon: ETEKJOY RFID Lock
Top Features
- Secure
- Easy to install
- One key can be made for multiple doors and drawers
- Invisible to outside of cabinet
Overview
An RFID lock is about the closest to a standard key and lock you can find.
By maintaining a high level of security with an RFID tag programmed to the base, you can prevent unwanted access. And with a technology that allows for programmable keys, you can have multiple cabinets work with one key.
Or, if you prefer, keys coded to separate cabinet openings.
This option from Yale is one of many in their line of smart locks for the home.
Pros
- Highly secure
- Auto-opens if batteries run out
- Programmable keys
- Hidden from outside
Cons
- More expensive than magnetic options
- Batteries require changing
4. Basic Security: Stick On External Strap
See on Amazon: SKYLA HOMES STRAP LOCK
Top Features
- Universal fit
- Easy to install with 3M adhesive
- Adjustable length
- Press and slide to dis-engage
- Fits hard-to-latch items like refrigerators and toilet seats
Overview
Not every cabinet can be locked using an invisible lock.
Which means using an exterior lock to secure the contents of the cabinet. And, while visible, these simple locks are adjustable and can flex to just about any cabinet with an accessible edge.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Simple to operate
- Can use on cabinets, toilet seats, refrigerators and more
- Adjustable length
Cons
- Lack security for adults
- Visible from outside of cabinet
5. Traditional Keyed Lock
See on Amazon: Defender Security
Top Features
- Secure
- Fits most cabinet doors and drawers
- Available in bulk with the same key
Overview
There’s not much to say about a keyed lock other than it works.
But, it requires a hole to be drilled in the face of the cabinet and can require some alignment back-and-forth inside the cabinet. However, once installed, this mechanism provides a secure lock that prevents access by everyone except the holder of the key.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Low-tech
- Easy to use
Cons
- Visible from outside the cabinet
- Requires drilling a hole in the cabinet drawer or door
6. Lock for Glass Cabinet Doors
See on Amazon: WOOCH Sliding Glass Lock
Top Features
- Secure
- Easy to install
- Fits glass up to 0.47″
- No need to drill a hole in the glass
Overview
It’s challenging to drill a hole in the glass for sliding glass doors or use a traditional cabinet lock.
The solution? Use a simple lock that grabs the edge of one piece of glass and then uses the other to firm up a keyed lock barrel. And while visible, there are only so many options on a glass cabinet.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Doesn’t require drilling glass
- Can be bought in bulk for a single-key solution
- Easy to use
Cons
- Requires re-assembly of barrel to lock mechanism
- Traditional key solution
Frequently Asked Questions
Do magnetic cabinet locks work on drawers?
Yes – you can install a magnetic cabinet lock on a drawer. Most magnetic latches install directly to the face frame or edge of the frameless cabinet. The only requirement is enough height (usually on top of the drawer) to support the size of the inside magnetic catch.
How do I lock my kitchen cabinets?
Kitchen cabinets can be locked with a wide variety of locks. While many child locks use exterior doors or handles, magnetic locks, RFID, and now intelligent locks are viable cabinet options.
How do I lock a liquor or medicine cabinet securely?
Similar to exterior doors that use smart locks, there are now intelligent locks for cabinet doors that use Bluetooth, mobile applications, and even home assistants like Siri or Alexa.
- About the Author
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Eric has been a professional woodworker for over thirty years and has worked in small cabinet shops making everything from kitchen cabinets to hand-made furniture. Now working from a home woodworking shop Eric is sharing his passion for woodworking, tool advice and how-to knowledge from his Minnesota-based woodshop.
