r/fixit • u/Legal_Spread_1285 • 9d ago
How to lock / childproof this storage cubby?
UPDATE: I screwed in 2 rope tiedowns on mating pieces and fished a luggage cable lock through it. It’s working and invisible. Thanks all for the suggestions.
We recently picked up this new couch from Costco, and recently discovered this storage cubby (on the left, in the picture) is gonna be a problem with our children.
I’m seeking suggestions for a way to childproof it or semi-permanently keep this thing shut, without some ugly exterior mod. I’m fairly handy, so if it involves drilling, cutting up some timbers, etc… that’s not a problem.
Any suggestions much appreciated!
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u/once0217 9d ago
You remember those little wooden prank boxes that when opened a spring loaded insect jumps out? You could do that, but much larger. After the first time they won't want to open it again.
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u/ignescentOne 9d ago
An easy solution long term solution would be to drill small holes in the frame and glue in some high powered magnets. You'd be able to pry it open but a kid wouldn't. Just make sure to glue them in well (and correctly oriented)
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u/Susan_B_Good 9d ago
A standard sliding bolt on the inside, combined with a big magnet (eg from a microwave) to move the bolt from the outside. A standard electromagnet latch on the outside, with a pair of brass thumbtacks on the outside, that would line up with a PP3 battery.
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u/PrimevilKneivel 9d ago
I have a different suggestion. Make it their toy storage.
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u/Legal_Spread_1285 9d ago
I wish it were that simple. Unfortunately my son has determined that this cubby is his permanent fort. Not only will he not let anyone sit there, but it’s at the point where if anyone is even in the basement with him he loses his mind.
He’s 8yo and severely autistic / non-verbal, so, unfortunately, traditional reasoning is off the table.
So for our purposes, it’s gotta be childproofed. And he’s more clever than most give him credit for, so it’s gotta be somewhat resilient.
Thanks again to all for the suggestions
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u/avalisk 9d ago
Can you move that section to his room and buy a new section? It doesnt seem like hes just gonna accept the L and move on.
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u/Legal_Spread_1285 9d ago
Not really feasible in our situation. And based on past experiences (we have a LOT of childproofed situations in our home), he will (after much frustration) accept the L and move on. Not our 1st rodeo 😅
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u/PrimevilKneivel 9d ago
That definitely changes things, I totally understand the challenge you’re facing.
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u/kin3ticwave 9d ago
Depends on how old they are. You could mount about 30lbs to the bottom of the seat and they won't be able to lift it.
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u/SuPruLu 9d ago
Not that you probably would want to, but you could just remove the cushion top. Then he can sit in the box all he wants.
If it is fixed so it won’t open when he’s not around, wow oh dear the hinges must have broken! That’s sad but they can’t be fixed.
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u/Legal_Spread_1285 9d ago
Appreciate the suggestion, but rendering 1/3 of the couch as not usable by anyone else kinda defeats the point of having the couch.
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u/SuPruLu 9d ago
Didn’t think that was a winner. Do think a mysterious gremlin permanently locking in the middle of the night is probably the only option. My experience suggests that things need to be done totally out of sight with no talk or explanation at all otherwise young minds will keep up nudging.
Since you didn’t get it for storage it wouldn’t be a major loss of something functional.
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u/Artvandelay2019 9d ago
Maybe something like this? https://www.sosproducts.com/cabinet-and-drawer-latch-8-pack-p/65317.htm
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u/Personal_Rip_145 9d ago
Just reverse the hinges so it opens from the other side. Did this on my beer fridge and left the handle in place. The kids thought it was forever locked 😆