What else can be worse than you arranging Kitchen cabinet stuff and a light earthquake disarranges them completely? However, the situation can become a lot worse too. Things stored inside also end up spilling on the ground and it has become a common phenomenon for people living in an earthquake-prone areas.
Not only does the food stored inside is knocked over, but the broken glass jars can cause injury to you as well. To save people from the issue, engineers came up with an effective solution to not let the earthquake cabinet lock open even when the earth is shaking. It is installing cabinet door latches. If you have not heard about them before, here’s your guide.
Top 5 Earthquake Proof Cabinet Door Latches
| Preview | Products | Editor’s Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Upgraded Invisible Baby Proofing Cabinet Latch Locks (10 Pack) No Drilling or Tools Required | ★★★★★ 5 Out Of 5 | Check Latest Price |
 | Safe-T-Proof STP-CL-600-WH-2208 Cabinet Door Touch Latches (Pack of 8) | ★★★★★ 5 Out Of 5 | Check Latest Price |
 | Strong Mounting Hardware & Safety Stud Finder Locks-in Heavy Objects for Instant Earthquake | ★★★★★ 4.9 Out Of 5 | Check Latest Price |
 | Baby Proofing Cabinets Kitchen Door RV No Drill No Screw No Adhesive | ★★★★★ 4.8 Out Of 5 | Check Latest Price |
 | 400 LB Anti Tip Endurance Metal Furniture Anchor Kits | ★★★★★ 4.8 Out Of 5 | Check Latest Price |
What Does It Mean By Earthquake Cabinet Locks?
The major work of such latches is to ensure that the door of the cabinet does not open up by itself. Only the user can access the inside of it when he needs it. It works like a fastening on the frame of the door, which you can open when you need to take something from the inside.
You can protect the floor and the articles put inside the cabinet from damage by using a latch. If you live in an area where the tremors in the earth are pretty common, the fastening device is crucial. In case the cabinet is just above you, and you feel the earth shaking suddenly, you need not worry about injuring your head.
How Do Cabinet Latches Work?
As you can find various types of latches, saying that they all work on the same principle would be incorrect. There is a separate mechanism for each type of latch on which it works. However, each latch’s ultimate goal is to keep the content inside and not let it come out unless you are the one taking it out.
Here are the different types of latches and their working principles.
Different Types Of Latches And How Do They Work
As not everybody has the same preference when it comes to latches, there is a vast variety that you can choose from. Usually, all you have to do to open the cabinet slide, pull, push, turn or lift the hands of the latch. The primary constituent of the latch is either spring or magnets. You need to choose the one that fits your requirement criteria the best.
- Concealed Or Visible Latches
Do you want a latch that is visible from afar, or do you want it to be hidden? If you need is to go for the pretty obvious one, it will fall under the category of visible latches. It will help a person know if the latch is one or not.
If you are looking for a concealed one, the latch will be installed behind the door. So, one cannot actually see the latch. Nevertheless, it can be a great feature if you want to ensure security as the use other than you will not be able to open easily.
Additionally, a concealed cabinet will ensure that the looks of the cabinet are not compromised. If you do not want to disturb the aesthetics of your kitchen or place, then go for the concealed one.
- Magnetic Or Mechanical Latches
You must have seen how a magnet works. A magnetic force works to keep the metal, and the magnet bound together in such latches. There is a mechanical force working on binding the door and the frame together for the mechanical latches. These two work almost in the same way. Thus, you can choose the one that works the best for you.
- Locking Or Non-Locking Latches
As the name suggests, one of the latches offers to lock while the other doesn’t. If you put a highly valuable item in the cabinet, then it is better that you have the lock installed. Locking ones can be only be opened with a unique tool, majorly a key.
Latches And Their Working Based On Their Opening Technique
You can operate a cabinet by sliding it, lifting it, touching it, pulling, or pushing it. Now, based on the names of each latch is how they exactly work.
- Touch Latch
It is a handle-free cabinet that contains a mechanism of its own. Sometimes there is a striker paired with the mechanism. The latch works by the user pressing the cabinet door to open it. How does it happen? There is a spring-loaded ejection on the door, which after being pressed, releases the latch. Thus, the latch ends up opening.
If the latch is based on mechanical principles, you would see a spring and ratchet. The force needs to be applied to the ratchet, which pushes the spring mechanism. For closing the door, all you need to do is simply push it down, and the ratchet will come back to its original position.
Now comes the magnetic latch. Though it contains a spring-loaded plunger, a magnet is installed at the end of the plunger. The cabinet opening with this fastening device is the same as the other types. However, the only difference is the magnet is responsible for holding the door close.
Installing the touch latch is not a big deal and can be done pretty easily. These are usually installed on the back of the door of the cabin, especially on the edges and on the opposite side of the hinges.
- Push Button Latch
While the touch ones fall under the concealed category, these are the visible ones. All you need to do is push the knob or the button on the door to access the interior. These also make use of a spring to ensure the locking of the door.
When the pressure is applied, the spring compresses, due to which the pawl recesses. This is how the cabinet opens if the push button latch is used.
Complete Procedure Of Installing The Earthquake Cabinet Latches
- Now that you know about the working of a latch and its various types, here is how you can install it.
- Firstly, you need to locate where you want to put the latch on. The position will be entirely according to your choice. You just need to put it in the opposite direction of the hinge. These can be used both horizontally and vertically.
- Try to put it near the handle of the door if you can. It will make things easier for you.
- Place your latch on the destined place and mark the holes for the screw using a pencil. Latches usually come with elongated holes that allow you to adjust them after installation.
- Now it is time to drill on the marks of the screw. Again, you would need to pay attention while carrying out this step.
- It is time to align the latch using the appropriate screws.
- The next step includes closing the cabinet and marking the place where the latch and the door meet.
- Now you need to use the mark to align the strike place. After this, you need to align the plate and screw it on the door.
- Finally, testing the installation is done correctly or not. In case it is not, then make the necessary adjustment.
Tips You Need To Know If You Are Using Latches On The Drawers
Though the latches are one of the best creations, there are some tips you need to know if you are incorporating them inside your place. Such knowledge will ensure the maximum security of the people living inside the house.
- If you have installed a cabinet latch on the overhead cabin, try not to store the heavy or breakable items there. Such items can be dangerous in case earthquakes happen more than often in your area.
- Try not to use magnetic latches for the overhead cabinets. You can do the same for the cabinets you use for storing fragile or dangerous items.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions while installing the latch. It will help you ensure optimum security.
Consideration While Getting A Cabinet Latch
If you decide to purchase the latch for your cabinet, here are the factors that can help you choose the appropriate one for you.
- Material
There is a good variety of materials used in the latches. You can get steel, stainless steel, or even plastic latches for the cabinets. It solely depends upon you what kind of material you want to use.
- Panel Thickness
It is a factor that can change your perception about the choice of the latch. For example, some latches are thin, while some are thick. The factor can highly drive your choice of a perfect latch.
- Requirement Of The Force
Not all types require the same level of force to open or close. You need to specify the amount of force you want to apply on the latch.
- Security
If your cabinets include precious articles, then it is necessary that you go one that offers maximum security. Whereas if you choose it for general -purpose, you can get a simpler one.
Summary
Earthquake proof cabinet door latches can significantly help you keep the stuff stuffed inside the cabinet. These are also a great option if you do not want anybody to access your items without your permission.