By Ethan BrooksUpdated November 2026
Choosing from the main types of cabinet locks can feel harder than it should. Some are keyed, some are magnetic, and some are plain plastic latches that rely on a push-and-pull motion a toddler may figure out in an afternoon. This guide compares six products across the options most families consider, using a research-based method: manufacturer specifications, brand reputation, and patterns that appear again and again in owner feedback. The selection criteria were grip strength, ease of installation on common cabinet doors and drawers, whether a key or tool is required to open, and how well each design suits the job of keeping curious hands out of cleaning supplies, knives and medicine. We did not test these products ourselves; the comparison reflects published specs and reported experience.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallBates Cabinet Locks with Keys, 3 Pack, 5/8" Long, Cam Locks for Cabinets Keyed AlikeView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for furniture with thick panelsPrime-Line U 9943 Diecast Drawer and Cabinet Lock, 7/8 in., Stainless SteelView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for drawer strike fittingAngled Drawer Lock Strike Plate, 10 Pcs, Home Office Cabinet Cupboard HardwareView on Amazon - 4
Best budget pickChild Proof Sliding Cabinet Door Code Locks, 4 Pack, Adjustable U-Shaped LatchesView on Amazon - 5
Best for refrigerators and freezersBaby Proof Cabinet Locks Refrigerator Locks with Keys, 4 PackView on Amazon - 6
Best for double knobs and handlesAST Keyed Cabinet Lock, 2 Locks 4 Keys, Matte Black Childproof Drawer LatchView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Bates Cabinet Locks with Keys, 3 Pack | Keyed control on cabinets and file drawers | Cam locks sold as a keyed-alike set |
| Prime-Line U 9943 Diecast Drawer and Cabinet Lock | Thicker panels and sturdy furniture | Diecast body with stainless finish |
| Angled Drawer Lock Strike Plate, 10 Pack | Matching drawers in home offices and closets | Angled strike plate for a secure catch |
| Child Proof Sliding Cabinet Door Code Locks, 4 Pack | Families who want no-key installation | Adjustable U-shaped latch |
| Baby Proof Cabinet Locks Refrigerator Locks with Keys, 4 Pack | Refrigerator and freezer doors | Keyed release for appliance handles |
| AST Keyed Cabinet Lock, 2 Locks 4 Keys | Double knobs and paired handles | Key-alike locks with four keys |
Bates Cabinet Locks with Keys, 3 Pack, 5/8″ Long, Cam Locks for Cabinets Keyed Alike
Bates- Cabinet Locks with Keys, 5/8" Long, 3 Pack, Cam Locks for Cabinets Keyed Alike, File Cabinet Lock with Key, Silver
Best for: Keyed control on cabinets and file drawers
This is a good fit for households that want one key to open several cabinets and a lock that a child cannot release by pulling or pushing. It also suits home offices where a file cabinet holds documents, batteries or medication.
Key specs
- Pack of 3 cam locks
- 5/8 inch long per listing
- Keyed alike so one key works across the set
Pros
- Keyed design means a child cannot open it without the key
- Keyed-alike sets reduce the number of keys to manage
- Cam-style mechanism suits many standard cabinet doors
Cons
- Requires drilling and careful alignment to install
- Keys can be lost, leaving adults locked out
Bottom line: Pick this if you want a keyed lock on several cabinets and are comfortable with a short installation.
Prime-Line U 9943 Diecast Drawer and Cabinet Lock, 7/8 in., Stainless Steel
3 Cams, Includes Trim Collar, 2 Washers, 2 Keys & Fasteners, For 9/16 in. Max Panel Thickness, 1 Set Prime-Line U 9943 Diecast Drawer & Cabinet Lock, 7/8 in., Stainless Steel
Best for: Thicker panels and sturdy furniture
Owners with heavier furniture or thicker panels often look for a lock whose body and hardware feel solid. This model suits adults who want a keyed drawer or cabinet lock that handles more panel thickness.
Key specs
- Listing states 3 cams, trim collar, 2 washers and 2 keys
- Maximum panel thickness of 9/16 inch per listing
- Diecast construction in a stainless finish
Pros
- Diecast body suits heavier use than thin plastic latches
- Includes trim collar and washers for a flush fit
- Brand has a long reputation in hardware
Cons
- Panel thickness limit rules out some doors
- Installation needs basic tools and measuring
Bottom line: A good choice for solid wood or metal furniture where a keyed, durable lock is the priority.
Angled Drawer Lock Strike Plate, 10 Pcs, Home Office Cabinet Cupboard Hardware
10pcs Angled Drawer Lock Strike Plate for Home Office Cabinet Cupboard Drawer Door Furniture Connector Hardware Fastener
Best for: Matching drawers in home offices and closets
This is a strike-plate set rather than a complete lock, so it suits people who already have a compatible catch system or who want to add consistent hardware across several drawers and doors.
Key specs
- Pack of 10 pieces per listing
- Angled design for drawer and cupboard fitting
- Intended for home office and cabinet use
Pros
- Large count covers many drawers at once
- Angled shape helps a catch engage firmly
- Works with a range of drawer and door profiles
Cons
- Not a standalone lock; a matching catch is still needed
- Fit depends on accurate measurement of existing hardware
Bottom line: Best for parents or home-office users who already have a locking system and need matching strike plates.
Child Proof Sliding Cabinet Door Code Locks, 4 Pack, Adjustable U-Shaped Latches
4 Pack Child Proof Sliding Cabinet Door Code Locks Baby Safety Cupboard Locks Adjustable U Shaped Cabinet Latches for Knob Handle Drawers Closet Plastic (4 PCS, White)
Best for: Families who want no-key installation
These latches are aimed at toddler-proofing kitchen and bath cabinets without keys. They suit homes where every adult needs quick access and no one wants to hunt for a key.
Key specs
- Pack of 4 latches per listing
- Adjustable U-shaped design for knob handles
- White plastic finish per listing
Pros
- No key to lose, so adults can open cabinets quickly
- Adjustable shape fits a range of knob handles
- Low-profile look blends with most cabinetry
Cons
- Plastic construction is less robust than metal hardware
- Some determined toddlers learn to work the release
Bottom line: A practical pick for budget-minded families who want easy access and do not need keyed security.
Baby Proof Cabinet Locks Refrigerator Locks with Keys, 4 Pack
Baby Proof Cabinet Locks Refrigerator Locks with Keys 4 Pack
Best for: Refrigerator and freezer doors
Refrigerator and freezer handles are a common climbing and reaching point, and keyed locks here stop children from opening them while keeping adult access simple.
Key specs
- Pack of 4 locks per listing
- Keyed release included per listing
- Designed for appliance and cabinet handles
Pros
- Keyed release is harder for a child to defeat
- Pack covers multiple appliances or cabinets
- Designed with baby-proofing use in mind
Cons
- Keys are easy to misplace, so keep spares in one spot
- Fit on some appliance handles can be tight
Bottom line: Good for securing fridge and freezer doors where a keyed release is the main goal.
AST Keyed Cabinet Lock, 2 Locks 4 Keys, Matte Black Childproof Drawer Latch
Metal lock to lockout double knobs and handles of kitchen drawer storage cupboard closet, adjustable, matte black AST Keyed Cabinet Lock, 2 Locks 4 Keys, Key Alike, Childproof Drawer Latch
Best for: Double knobs and paired handles
This lock suits kitchen drawers and cupboards with double knobs or two handles, where a single latch would leave one side open.
Key specs
- Set of 2 locks with 4 keys per listing
- Key-alike design per listing
- Matte black finish and adjustable fit per listing
Pros
- Key-alike system simplifies access for adults
- Four keys give spare options
- Adjustable fit suits double knobs
Cons
- Keyed operation means adults must carry keys
- Matte finish may show wear on frequently handled doors
Bottom line: A solid option for kitchens with paired knobs where you want keyed control and matching locks.
Buying Guide
Lock Mechanism: Keyed, Magnetic, or Push-and-Pull
Keyed locks give the strongest protection against children, since no one can open them without the key. Magnetic locks are hidden and quick for adults but depend on a hidden magnet and sometimes a second release. Push-and-pull latches need no key, which helps daily use, but they are easier for a determined child to learn.
Good picks for this: Bates Cabinet Locks with Keys, 3 Pack; Child Proof Sliding Cabinet Door Code Locks, 4 Pack
Installation Type: Surface Mount vs. Drill-In
Surface-mounted latches attach with screws or adhesive and avoid drilling into cabinet faces. Drill-in cam locks need a clean hole and careful alignment but look neater and resist prying better. Check the manufacturer’s installation instructions before you start.
Good picks for this: Prime-Line U 9943 Diecast Drawer and Cabinet Lock; Angled Drawer Lock Strike Plate, 10 Pack
Panel Thickness and Fit
Measure the door or drawer front before buying. Many cam locks list a maximum panel thickness; the Prime-Line listing, for example, states 9/16 inch. A lock rated for thinner material may not seat properly on a thick frameless cabinet.
Good picks for this: Prime-Line U 9943 Diecast Drawer and Cabinet Lock; AST Keyed Cabinet Lock, 2 Locks 4 Keys
Handle Style: Knobs, Pulls, and Double Handles
Knob handles often need a U-shaped or adjustable latch, while bar pulls may take a cam or strike-plate system. Double knobs can leave one side unlocked if you use only a single device, so pick a design that matches the number of handles.
Good picks for this: AST Keyed Cabinet Lock, 2 Locks 4 Keys; Child Proof Sliding Cabinet Door Code Locks, 4 Pack
Appliance Use
Refrigerator and freezer doors place different loads on a lock than cabinet doors do, and handle shapes vary widely. Look for a product designed for appliance or cabinet handles, and confirm the release mechanism works with your handle before you buy.
Good picks for this: Baby Proof Cabinet Locks Refrigerator Locks with Keys, 4 Pack
Durability and Materials
Metal and diecast bodies generally handle repeated use better than thin plastic, though plastic latches can be adequate for light-duty cabinets. Check whether the listing mentions materials and finish, and inspect screws and mounting hardware periodically.
Good picks for this: Prime-Line U 9943 Diecast Drawer and Cabinet Lock; Bates Cabinet Locks with Keys, 3 Pack
Key Management and Adult Access
Keyed systems add security but also add a point of failure. Decide who needs keys, label a spare set, and store extras out of reach. Keyed-alike sets simplify this because one key opens several locks.
Good picks for this: Bates Cabinet Locks with Keys, 3 Pack; AST Keyed Cabinet Lock, 2 Locks 4 Keys
FAQ
What are the main types of cabinet locks?
The main types are keyed cam locks, magnetic locks, push-and-pull latches, sliding or U-shaped latches, and strike-plate systems. Each trades off convenience, security and installation effort differently.
Are keyed cabinet locks better than no-key latches?
Keyed locks are harder for a child to open because they cannot be defeated by pulling or pushing. No-key latches are faster for adults. The better choice depends on how much security you need and how many people need access.
Do I need to drill holes to install cabinet locks?
Not always. Many latches are surface-mounted. Drill-in cam locks require a hole and careful alignment. Read the installation instructions and check panel thickness before you start.
Can cabinet locks be used on refrigerators?
Some are designed for refrigerator and freezer handles, but handle shapes differ. Confirm the lock fits your specific appliance before buying.
How do I know if a cabinet lock will fit my door?
Measure the panel thickness, handle type and spacing. Compare those numbers to the manufacturer’s listed specifications. If you are unsure, a hardware store employee or a licensed installer can help.
Are cabinet locks enough to protect a toddler from poisons?
Cabinet locks reduce access but are not a complete solution. Store medicines and chemicals in high, locked storage and keep the Poison Control number handy. For specific medical questions, consult your pediatrician.
Conclusion
Among the types of cabinet locks covered here, keyed cam locks such as the Bates set offer the most protection for cabinets and file drawers. Diecast options suit heavier furniture, strike plates suit homes that already have a catch system, and no-key latches suit families who need quick access. For appliances, a keyed refrigerator lock is the most targeted choice, and paired-knob kitchens benefit from a key-alike set. Match the lock to the handle, the panel and the number of people who need to open it, and always test each lock after installation.
Sources
- Child-resistant packaging and home safety guidance from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (cpsc.gov)
- Injury prevention recommendations for young children from the American Academy of Pediatrics (aap.org)
- Poison prevention tips and storage advice from the American Association of Poison Control Centers
Related reading
- Cabinet Locks for Toddlers: Types and Limits
- Vmaisi Magnetic Cabinet Locks: 6 Best Picks Compared (2026)
- Maisi Magnetic Cabinet Locks: 7 Best Options Compared (2026)
- Kitchen Cabinet Locks for Adults: 5 Best Picks Compared (2026)
- Cabinet Locks and Latches for Toddlers: A Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
- Cabinet Locks Safety First: A Room-by-Room Guide for Toddlers
About Ethan Brooks
Ethan Brooks is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our childproofing guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
