LisaDo's Full Review: Safety 1st Multi Purpose Appliance Latch
Our first experience with the Safety 1st Multi-Purpose Appliance Latch was actually on someone else's dime. There was one on the refrigerator when we moved into our apartment. I have never really thought about them before. Zacky was pretty good about staying out of the refrigerator, for the most part. Then he started getting a little more independent. He started bringing me stuff from the refrigerator if he wanted something and he didn't think I was getting it fast enough for him. We started using the Safety 1st Multi-Purpose Appliance Latch because it was already there. Soon after, however, we had to buy some for the freezer at the top of the refrigerator, as well as the refrigerator with top freezer and the 8.8 cu. ft. GE Chest Freezer in the attached garage. As soon as he found he couldn't open the one, he started looking for things he wanted in the others.
The Safety 1st Multi-Purpose Appliance Latch is really simple to install and use. The entire thing is plastic and consists of two pieces. The lock piece that mounts to the side of the refrigerator is about 1 1/2" x 1 1/2". The strap that mounts to the door of the refrigerator, and then reaches around to slide into the lock piece, is roughly 1 1/2" wide x 7 1/2" long. We put ours toward the top of the door, to keep it out of reach as long as possible. When the strap is inserted into the lock, which just takes seconds to snap one into the other, the door won't open. Well, the strap could be broken, or the adhesive broken free, with a mighty tug, but most children aren't that strong. I've actually forgotten that they were locked and jerked on the door only have to my hand come flying back at me, empty. The lock held strong.
To open it, just push the little button on the lock piece and the strap slides free. Luckily my sons haven't figured this out yet, but then I make sure that they don't see how I am getting it open. They know it has something to do with the strap, but they aren't sure, yet, exactly how it works. I'm sure they'll figure it out eventually, but I am enjoying them having to stay out of my appliances until that time comes. Having a gallon of apple juice dropped on your chest, that your son has somehow managed to lug up the stairs at 5am, isn't a great way to be woken up on a weekend.
While the Safety 1st Multi-Purpose Appliance Latch take only a few seconds to install, you'll want to give the adhesive time to get a good grip on the surface of your refrigerator. You'll also want to make sure the area is clean and dry, so the adhesive has a good surface to hold on to. I've never tried removing one of these yet, but I imagine that the adhesive might be a little tough to remove, especially over time. Ours have been in place well over a year and have shown no signs of going anywhere any time soon. When we move, though, we're supposed to remove them. I don't know that I will bother with it on their appliance, and I know I plan on leaving them on mine. I figure, like me, the people moving in here will have kids they might want to keep out of the refrigerator.
For less than $2 each, the Safety 1st Multi-Purpose Appliance Latches have been a great investment. I don't have to worry about my kids getting into, or leaving the doors open on my refrigerators. I also don't have to worry about them falling into, and possibly getting trapped, in the chest freezer. I also don't have to worry about waking up next to my, once, refrigerated items that my son decided he HAD to have first thing in the morning.
From the package:
Ideal for freezer, refrigerator, microwave or dishwasher.
Not suitable for stoves or ovens.
Not suitable as a window lock.
Not suitable for use on doors.
When possible, install out of reach of children.
Caution: This product is only a deterrent. It is not a substitute for proper adult supervision. Discontinue use when child is old enough to defeat it.
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