We associate the lock with theft deterrence and security, and now, there are fridge locks. The question, however, is, can you put a lock on a refrigerator?
You can lock a refrigerator to deter thieves, young kids, dementia adults, roommates, and strangers from accessing the fridge. However, some may find it offensive, making it not always the best take.
So, deciding to put a lock on your fridge or not to do it depends on what you want to achieve. For example, if it’s theft deterrence, no one can fault you for doing so, but if it’s a family fridge or one you share in the workplace or college hostel, you’ll probably offend a few people.
On that note, I’ll talk about when you can lock your refrigerator and the possible backlash of such a move.
And if you opt to invest in a lock, I’ll share the various fridge lock types to help you settle on one. But if you prefer an alternative, I’ll share some ideas on the same.
Let’s get started:
When Can You Put a Lock On a Refrigerator?
The question is not whether you can lock your refrigerator but when or why you should do it. Generally, you should lock your fridge for any of these reasons:
1. To Baby-Proof Your Refrigerator
If your children are small and often like to raid the fridge, either for untamed snacking or to destroy your stock, you can lock it. The lock will stop them from doing that.
So, if they’ve been snacking excessively without proper dieting, you’ll be able to put a leash on that. It’s even more critical when your child suffers from a condition like phenylketonuria which requires them to observe strict dieting.
2. To Restrain a Dementia Person
This often relates to older adults. If you have a senior citizen at home who has any dementia-related mental condition such as Alzheimer’s or depression and often finds themselves raiding the fridge unintentionally, you can lock it.
That may help stop them from taking too many carbs, which could be detrimental to their health.
3. To Protect the Fridge Door Hinge
The fridge door hinges loosen up over time following regular opening and closing. For that reason, you can opt to lock to limit its frequent opening and closing.
4. To Restrain the People, You Share Space with from Accessing Your Fridge
The keywords here are ‘your fridge.’ If it’s a communal fridge, you contravene their right by locking it. I’m talking about your fridge in a room you share with people, perhaps in a college, dormitory or office space, where everyone has their mini-fridge.
In such a case, you can lock yours and expect them to do likewise with their unit.
5. To Stop Thieves from Raiding Your Fridge
You can lock your fridge on the go if it’s an RV mini-fridge to prevent thieves from stealing its content. Even though the lock doesn’t stop the thieves from stealing the fridge itself, it at least bars those after an easy meal.
Likewise, you can lock the fridge at home or at the workplace to deter thieves from stealing from it.
The Backlash of Refrigerator Locks with Key
Not everyone will take it well if you abruptly lock the fridge, even if it’s yours. There is a bound to be some adverse reactions from some of them, which include:
- Fridge Vandalism
Some people may try to vandalize your fridge when you are not there if you suddenly lock it. That might happen at the workplace, in shared spaces, or at home when dealing with rebellious kids or dementia individuals.
- Internal Squabbles
You may create some enemies in the workplace or the room if you lock a fridge that was once accessible by everyone. Expect internal squabbles, which may grow into a loss of trust and respect from your colleagues in these two cases.
- Supermarket Drive
If they are older, your kids may not vandalize your fridge but may opt to always dash to the nearest supermarket when they want to snack. The danger is that you may not be able to regulate what they consume.
Types of Refrigerator Locks
Perhaps you’ve decided to lock your fridge for any of the reasons discussed earlier. If so, you should know what fridge lock type to go for. The options include:
1. Strap Refrigerator Lock
Strap fridge locks allow you to lock your refrigerator door using a solid strap system. These locks are available in button strap or clip strap options, but both options are generally suitable for side-by-side fridge doors.
They are also best for restraining kids from accessing the fridge.
Get this child safety strap 4 -pack lock by Jool Baby if you want the best refrigerator lock for restraining kids.
2. Refrigerator Door Lock with Built-in Key
Fridge locks with built-in locks allow you to lock in your key, which means you don’t have to carry it everywhere. These fridge locks are not just childproof but highly secure against adults.
So, if you want a heavy-duty refrigerator lock, this is the type to consider, and one decent choice is the Guardianite Premium Refrigerator Door Lock. Its one-hand operation makes it more user-friendly.
3. Refrigerator Lock with Padlock
Arguably the best refrigerator locks for adults, these fridge locks allow you to lock your fridge door with heavy-duty padlocks. Thus, they are best for restraining adults with mental degeneration conditions and locking raiders and thieves away.
One fantastic choice is the Black Refrigerator Door Lock with Padlock. It’s the best Marine Lock for fridge that requires no drilling or removable cables.
4. Cable Combination Refrigerator Lock
The cable combination fridge lock features a tamper-proof cable that you lock using a set of combinations, just like the name suggests.
Overall, they are an excellent choice for side-by-side doors, as illustrated by the Urban August Original Fridge Lock.
This double door refrigerator lock comes in a stainless steel cable construction, thus indestructible and durable.
How to Put a Lock On a Refrigerator?
Before anything, you need these supplies to install a lock on your fridge:
- Refrigerator lock
- Adhesive (some fridge locks, however, don’t require adhesive)
- Marker cleaning supplies (rag, gloves, and warm water)
Procedure
Here are the critical steps for installing a refrigerator lock:
Step 1: Clean the fridge – Use the rag and warm water to clean the refrigerator. Wear gloves to protect your hands.
Step 2: Mark the fridge – Use the marker to mark the position you want to install the lock on the refrigerator.
Step 3: Install the lock panel – Apply adhesive on the back of the fridge lock panel and place the lock panel on the fridge.
Step 4: Align the lock panel – Realign the lock panel to allow you to fit a padlock and secure enough.
How to Lock a Fridge Without a Lock?
You can choose to mark a mini fridge lock DIY fridge lock which will serve the same purpose as the store-bought refrigerator locks.
Here’s how to go about it:
- Get the supplies ready (solidifier, standard padlocks, lock panel, and water)
- Mix solid solidifier with a base to achieve a cement-like paste
- Use the solidifier paste to attach the panel to the fridge door
- Allow the lock panel to stick solidly before putting the padlock
Fridge Door Lock Alternatives
While locking the fridge deters raiders and thieves from accessing your fridge, its backlashes may discourage you from considering it. If so, then you should contemplate these options:
- Educate Them
If your goal is to refrain your kids from unnecessary snacking because of dieting reasons, educate them about the foods they should avoid or take in low amounts and the reason for that. If they can understand, you wouldn’t need to lock the fridge.
- Do Away with Unhealthy Foods
Why keep foods that you don’t want your kids to take? That tempts them to snack. So, instead of putting them in such a situation, do away with junk and start stocking healthy means. It’ll teach the young ones to eat healthily.
- Stock Raw
Kids are less likely to go to the fridge if they know that most of what is there is raw. So, instead of locking the refrigerator all the time, stock more raw supplies.
Avoid ready pick-up options that lure them into unnecessary snacking whenever the hunger pangs knock on the door.
- Serve Bigger Portions
If you notice that your kids always run to the fridge a few minutes or an hour or two after having their meal, the chances are that they don’t get enough portions to fill up their stomachs.
If so, prevent them from filling up with junk by serving enough healthy portions during mealtime.
- Reduce Bulk Storage
As long as the food is available in the fridge in bulk, your kids will want to feast on it. So, instead of stocking up in massive amounts, consider shopping weekly and only stock up on what will last them a week.
Once they learn about this meal plan, they’ll be conscious of their consumption and wastage.
People Also ask
1. What Can I Use to Lock a Fridge?
Depending on your fridge’s design, you can lock your fridge with a refrigerator lock or a regular padlock. However, a fridge lock is the better option, and you can opt for a keyed or keyless option.
2. Is It Illegal to Put a Lock On Your Refrigerator?
No! It’s not illegal to put a lock on your refrigerator for whatever reason. That includes thieves’ deterrence and kids’ restraint. However, you may offend other people if you lock a fridge you used to share in the workplace or dormitory.
3. How Do You Lock a Refrigerator Door?
You need to get the right fridge lock and fix it on the fridge door with adhesive to lock your fridge. But before you do, you should clean the refrigerator to ensure the adhesive sticks the lock panel to the door flawlessly.
Can You Put a Lock On a Refrigerator? Closing Thought:
It’s okay to lock a refrigerator susceptible to thieves, stranger raiders, and kids who can’t control their snacking behavior. Note, however, that the idea may cause conflicts in shared spaces or even push your kids to the supermarket or force others to vandalize the fridge. So, you’ve to weigh the pros and cons.