Magnetic cabinet/drawer locks, such asCabinet Locks: Magnetic Tot Lok Starter Set andAdhesive Mount Magnet Lock - Starter Set , are probably the best choice for protecting children from harm. But they are somewhat expensive (at least a few dollars each), and cannot be installed on certain cabinets/drawers. So here are my observations on five press-to-open latches & catches from four manufacturers. While all are less expensive than magnetic locks, children can defeat them more easily. Each has pluses and minuses, and you may want to buy several types for different locations in your home. Depending on the hardness of the wood or particle board of your cabinets/drawers, all may require drilling to install well. In addition, double-sided tape or tabs likeHenkel HU-5 Duck Double Sided Mounting Tabs, 60-Count are helpful for temporary positioning/testing, and a short Phillips screwdriver such as found inWilmar W80004 4 Piece Mini Stubby Screwdriver Set facilitates turning the screws on the catches when mounting in a drawer. All the latches allow the cabinet/drawer to be opened slightly; they are listed in order from smallest to largest "allowable opening," which I'll define as the distance between the vertical plane drawn through the heads of the catch screws (to control for differences in the front-to-back thickness of the wood on which the catch is mounted) and the inside vertical part of the cabinet/drawer door. THIS PRODUCT [Safety 1st Spring n' Release Latches (10 pk)]: Also available asSafety 1st Spring n' Release Latches (3 pk) . Has a metal spring to return the latch to an "up" position, unlike others here which rely on the flexibility of the shaft to do so. Includes double-sided tabs. HIGHS: The "allowable opening" is only about 1-1/4 inches. Relatively easy to install latch because screw holes are slot-shaped (which allows for some vertical movement). LOWS: After cabinet/drawer is partially opened by child, it's possible that child can injure him/herself when attempting to reclose it. After cabinet/drawer is fully opened, probably need to press down on latch to close depending on how precisely it was installed. Must unscrew latch to disable it. American Red Cross Ultra Strong Metal Safety Cabinet Latch - 4 pack : The catch consists of a single screw installed at an angle, unlike the others here which have plastic catches with two screws. HIGHS: The "allowable opening" is only about 1-1/2 inches. Made of stainless steel, which is probably more durable than the plastic construction of other latches here. LOWS: Slightly difficult to install latch because screw holes are round (not slot-shaped). After cabinet/drawer is partially opened by child, it's possible that child can injure him/herself when attempting to reclose it. After cabinet/drawer is fully opened, probably need to press down on latch to close. Although end of latch has plastic protector, the sides are somewhat sharp. Must unscrew latch to disable it. KidCo Swivel Cabinet & Drawer Lock 4ea : This is in the middle of the pack in having an "allowable opening" of 1-3/4 inches. HIGHS: Relatively easy to install latch and catch because screw holes are slot-shaped. Latch can be temporarily disengaged by twisting it 90 degrees (I see no purpose to turning it 180 degrees as in the manufacturer's photo). LOWS: After cabinet/drawer is partially opened by child, it's possible that child can injure him/herself when attempting to reclose it. After cabinet/drawer is fully opened, probably need to press down on latch to close (even though instructions say "automatically locks when closed"). Safe Lok Cabinet and Drawer Locks (6 pack) with Temporary Disable Feature by Mommy's Helper : Plastic catch is 7/8" in height, unlike other plastic catches here which are <3/8" in height. HIGHS: Relatively easy to install latch and catch because screw holes are slot-shaped and because mounting template is provided for latch. After cabinet/drawer is partially opened by child, latch holds the door in open position, thus preventing injury upon reclosing door. (To unlatch, you have to push the door slightly in while pushing down on the latch, then pull the door.) After cabinet/drawer is fully opened, can close it without pressing on latch. Latch can be temporarily disabled by sliding it upwards from its bracket (alternatively, latch can be "permanently" installed without the bracket). LOWS: I was unable to confirm claim on front of package "allows cabinets and drawers to open only one inch"; each time I installed it, there was an "allowable opening" (as defined above) of 2", tied for the most in this group. SAFETY 1st 14 Pack Wide Grip Latch : Also available asSafety 1st Wide Grip Latches (7 pk) . Includes double-sided tabs. HIGHS: Relatively easy to install latch because screw holes are slot-shaped. After cabinet/drawer is fully opened, can close it without pressing on latch. LOWS: The "allowable opening" is about 2 inches. After cabinet/drawer is partially opened by child, it's possible that child can injure him/herself when attempting to reclose it. Must unscrew latch to disable it. Purchase one or more of these from Amazon.com!
