Fridge lock: types, device, how and which one is better to choose

Considerations when buying a refrigerator

If you want to take a good unit that will be easy to use and will not break down often, then we advise you to pay attention to the following features:

1. Tight fit of the seal to the door and the absence of damage on it. Any deviations will cause the temperature in the chambers to rise and the refrigerator to turn off.
2. It is better to take a device with shelves made of durable glass.It will be easier for you to find products, it will not break if they are placed carelessly. Devices with slatted shelves are cheaper, but any spilled liquid will immediately be at all lower levels.
3. The presence of an unpleasant odor in the new model indicates the low quality of the case material.
4. With a small space in the kitchen, we recommend choosing units with handles integrated into the door.
5. Mandatory presence of the possibility of rehanging the door. This will allow you to install the unit in any convenient place and not worry about the collision of the open door with the wall or other furniture.
6. At least 2 legs should be made in the form of wheels to make the refrigerator easier to move.
7. The color scheme of the model should be combined with the interior of your kitchen. If this option is not available, buy a white cabinet.
8. The comfort of use is increased by the presence of a rearranged partition, which divides the space of the container into 2 parts of the volume you need.
9. A good choice would be a unit in which one of the drawers is replaced by a slatted basket. This solution allows air to circulate freely, increasing the shelf life of products.
10. The duration of the LED or halogen lighting is almost unlimited. The best choice would be a refrigerator with vertical lights on the back wall or horizontal lamps installed in the center of the inner side surface.
11. A successful novelty was a lever device that facilitates the opening of the door. The problem arises due to the large temperature difference between outside and inside, leading to the accumulation of rarefied air in the chambers.
12. Models with a metal coating of the case will be more durable, but at the same time their price is higher.There are models with removable panels, which allows you to quickly change the color of the unit

Depending on your preferences, the cost of a reliable and practical unit varies. No matter how fashionable the refrigerator model is, before buying it, you need to clarify all the technical data, inspect the condition of its external and internal surfaces and components well, and also make sure that it is maintainable.

Video: how to choose a refrigerator in 2019

How to choose a refrigerator? | COMFORT

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Instruction for self-assembly

Depending on the model purchased, the process of attaching it to the refrigeration unit will also differ. When it comes to the coded or radio-controlled version, here you will need to drill holes in the door and side wall.

This must be done very carefully so as not to damage the thermal insulation.

It is important to follow the instructions and use only the parts that come with the lock

A more massive option is Velcro or a magnet. It is this solution that is most popular among buyers of locks. Therefore, we will analyze the installation process using its example.

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A serious mechanism that at first glance makes it clear that only the owner is allowed to enter. The package will depend on the purchased model. The more refined it is, the more elements to be used.

First you have to choose a place where it is most convenient to place the device.

It is important that it does not interfere with free access to the inside of the chamber in the open state. Having finished choosing a site, you need to take a pencil and mark with dashes on the side wall of the unit where you specifically want to install a lock mount

Having finished choosing a site, you need to take a pencil and mark with dashes on the side wall of the unit where you specifically want to install a lock mount

It is necessary to thoroughly clean the surface, removing the smallest particles of dust, possible grease and other inclusions that may be there. To do this, you will need a napkin with a cleansing gel that comes with the kit.

Now it's time to do the fastening. This model, although it looks formidable, is actually fastened with Velcro, which are able to withstand an applied force of 150 kg or more - the child certainly will not tear it off. Therefore, the protective film layer must be removed from the back of the element.

A part containing one of the ears for holding a padlock

It is important to apply it correctly the first time during installation, pressing it for better adhesion of the adhesive layer to the surface. It is necessary to do the same with the second element, which will be located on the refrigerator door

You need to choose the right position, prepare it well, remove the protection from the sticky side and fix it well

It is necessary to do the same with the second element, which will be located on the refrigerator door. You need to choose the right position, prepare it well, remove the protection from the sticky side and fix it well

When the fasteners are finished, it remains to hang the mechanism. Moreover, it can be just a padlock that opens with the key that comes with the kit, or a model with a code that you have to specify every time to open, or another option.

Step 1: Preparing the installation kit

Step 2: Choosing a place on the refrigerator

Step 3: Marking the site for installation

Step 4: Degrease the area on the refrigerator wall

Step 5: Carefully remove the protective film

Step 6: Attach Velcro to Prepared Area

Step 7: Fixing the second element to the door

Step 8: Attaching the lock with the key

For maximum comfort when using constipation, it is important to adhere to the following rules:

1. If possible, do not tear off Velcro or a magnet - this way the product will last longer.
2. Choose a place for installation that is as high as possible - the door will already be tightly fixed, and only adults can get the device.
3. A homemade version with a chain or cable to protect products from animals will not work - the dog will be able to open the door a little, which will be enough to get meat, cheese or sausages from the shelf with his paw.
4. As a wine cabinet, it is better to buy a mini-unit with a built-in lock. He will not let the child / pets / guests get in there without the knowledge of the owner.

These recommendations will be useful if the easier option is chosen. Moreover, if the entrance to the kitchen is equipped with a door, then you should always try to close it for greater safety of the products contained in the refrigerator.

But when a stranger constantly comes into the house, for example, a nanny for a son / daughter, then installing a complex model will be justified - you don’t have to worry about the integrity of the products. And the child will not be fed with strawberries, tangerines and sausage in the absence of parents.

The best disc models

Below are a few models of disc locks that deserve attention.

Apecs Premier PDS-XS-60

An expensive and reliable open-type lock from the well-known manufacturer Apex. The dimensions of the bow are 28x27 mm. The body of the device is made of steel coated with brass coating, which protects it from corrosion. The bow is made of stainless steel.

Chaz-Sun2-15

A high-quality padlock of a finger type from a domestic manufacturer. The dimensions of the bow are 19x25 mm. Diameter - 14 mm.

The shackle is made of a special alloy of stainless steel. It tolerates adverse climatic conditions well, and is also resistant to mechanical stress (that is, hacking attempts).

In addition, the part is located in such a way that it is rather difficult to gain access to it to violate its integrity.

The body is cast iron, massive, has a large thickness. Its parts are interconnected by welding, so it is very difficult to open it. On top of the case, a polymer coating is applied to protect it from corrosion.

Locking mechanism from neighbors

This situation is encountered in a communal apartment or at work, when employees use several refrigerated cabinets. If attempts to negotiate did not bring the expected results, several options for the castle from the neighbors are used.

Mechanical - an ordinary padlock. You can install it with your own hands. To do this, ears are screwed to the door and side wall with self-tapping screws, sanded and painted. Holes in the body are made only up to the thermal insulation layer, self-tapping screws are used with a slightly larger diameter than the holes to ensure tightness.

The advantage is low cost and efficiency. The disadvantage is that the appearance of the device will be irretrievably damaged.

The combination lock is a more modern version. This is an electronic or magnetic device that will require either a key or a message with a code to unlock. To install it, you will also need to make a hole. The lock from the neighbors is adjustable so that it can be mounted on doors with different rounding angles.

Advantage - higher efficiency, quite attractive appearance, installation is done by hand. The disadvantage is the high cost and the need to remember the combination.

The lock with a code is designed to operate at temperatures up to -30 C. Sometimes it is used to install it on a specific container inside a refrigerator. Food that is harmful to the child for one reason or another is usually sent to the container: sweets, fruits that cause allergies, and so on.

In the photo - the mechanism with the code.

For those who are losing weight

On a diet, it can be difficult to stop looking in the refrigerator. Locks for losing weight work on a completely different principle than the rest. Such a device does not lock the door, but only limits the intensity of use of the refrigerator. Today there are two main types of devices.

Alarm with timer

A timer is set on such a lock, during this period the device will restrict access to food. For example, you can set the closing time from 19.00 to 6.00. If someone opens the refrigerator door during this period of time, a loud alarm will sound. If you don’t want to wake up the household, don’t open the refrigerator.

Castle quiz

Such an original device appeared quite recently and is represented by only one model. The creativity of the castle simply amazes its users. It also uses a close timer, but no beep will sound when trying to access food. The magnetic guardian will give you access to food only when you answer all of his questions correctly. Quiz questions cover all scientific fields.Such a device will not only help you control your craving for food, but will also give you the opportunity to learn a lot of new things.

Eliminate the problem with poor-quality door opening

If the front plastic door has stopped opening / closing as expected, it may have sagged and needs to be adjusted. To adjust the canopies, we pry, open the cap on the hinge, remove the decorative trims, and adjust the canopy with a hexagon.

If the sash creaks, it is necessary to lubricate the canopies with a thick lubricant.

The screws cannot be tightened due to the fact that their sockets have expanded and the thread is turning. Let's fix this problem:

• we change the bolts to longer and larger diameters (if necessary, it will be necessary to drill holes in the metal plate of the hinge);
• we seal the landing nests with wooden chips;
• we transfer the loops to another place, slightly shifting their location up or down.

Pros and cons of using electronic locks

The transition from mechanical locking devices to electronic ones is due to the undeniable advantages of the latter:

• more reliable: difficult to open - there is no keyhole for master keys, and the selection of the code is unlikely.Biometric locks cannot be opened at all - they can only be broken with the help of physical force; have several levels of protection; difficult to hack - it is impossible to determine the location of the crossbars from the outside; the service life of the latest generation models is 2-3 times higher than that of a mechanical counterpart (microcircuits were a weak point for previously produced electronic locks); almost all models are blocked in case of unauthorized opening;
• simple and easy to use;
• open very quickly, and with a selenoid - instantly;
• work silently;
• can be installed on any door;
• the key cannot be faked, and if a tablet or card is lost, their code is simply removed from the controller's memory;
• almost all models can be mounted by hand;
• re- and programming of the controller is available to persons who have primary skills in handling electronic gadgets (smartphones or tablets), which allows the owners to do such work with their own hands;
• electronic locks can be linked to a mobile phone, which will simplify the process of opening doors;

• remote opening;
• easy unlocking in case of force majeure.

In addition to strengths, electronic locks also have disadvantages:

rather high cost of the castle itself (some types reach 60.0-80.0 thousand

rub.) and its installation, if specialized organizations are involved, as well as its operation;
the dependence of electronics on the availability, as well as, importantly, the quality of electricity;
low resistance of microcircuits to temperature extremes and high humidity;
in many models of the lock, with the door open, crossbars stick out from the end of the door leaf, which often cling to and damage clothes

The main types of mechanisms for child safety and how to install them

The most common blockers for windows are the following forms:

• The handle is a part that is completely identical to the handle for a plastic window, but contains the core of the lock in the central part. The key blocks the movement of the handle itself, which prevents the window from opening.
• Rosette - is made in the design, as an analogue of the handle, but with fastening in the upper area of ​​\u200b\u200battaching to the anchor. Instead of a lock, there is a rotary mechanism that blocks the opening after removing the handle and masking the hole with a plug.
• Consignment note - requires drilling recesses for fasteners on the window sashes. Auxiliary anchors are inserted into the frame, and bolts into the lock body.
• Mortise - milling is done on the sash with the subsequent insertion of a locking device block into this niche. A key is used to open and close.
• Lock with a cable - the mechanism is fastened on both sashes of the window, which limits its opening by the length of the cable.
• Blocker - according to the design of the mechanism, it is required to be fixed with bolts and closed with a decorative plug.

Important
The reliability of fixation with self-tapping screws is determined by the depth of their screwing. It is necessary to select fasteners no longer than 1.3 cm, but not less than 1.1 cm, so as not to damage the fittings.

Latch-handle

• ventilation;
• closing;
• micro-ventilation, etc.

Installation will require the following instructions:

1. The type of tool for a particular brand of product is selected - the type and size of the screwdriver bit.
2. The plugs from under the handle are moved perpendicular to the standard position, and then the fixing bolts are loosened and completely unscrewed.
3. The handle is removed, replaced by an absolute analogue, but with a locking mechanism.
4. After the correct location of the lock handle, it is required to bolt the new mechanism with bolts.
5. Return the decorative cap.

Overhead constipation

Consider how to put such a device on the window:

1. A suitable place is selected on the sashes where the window locking system will be attached.
2. Appropriate marks are applied under the places where mounting screws or bolts should be screwed.
3. Drills make recesses in the window frame at the marks, but not more than 1.3 cm, so as not to damage the window mechanism.
4. First, the main body of the mechanism is fixed, and then the counter element is attached.

Advice
The device allows you to set the ventilation mode in the window.

Mortise device

Installation instructions:

1. A seat is cut out on the sash with a milling machine of such dimensions that correspond to the lock mechanism.
2. The product is inserted into the resulting recess only partially, and then slightly fixed with bolts.
3. The second part of the window profile, where the other half of the blocker mechanism is to be inserted, is also processed by a milling machine.
4. Another element is inserted, also fixed.
5. The fixture is tried on, checked for operability, and then the bolts are fully tightened to securely fasten them in the mounting sockets.

Stub

Due to the lack of a locking mechanism in this type of lock, a couple of advantages appear:

• No breakdowns.
• Low price.

switch to another mode

Rope bollard

The device consists of the following basic elements:

• cable;
• counterpart for fixing the limiter;
• the main block in which the other end of the cable is fixed with a key.

Advice
After installation, testing of the device operation is required.

1. On adjacent parts of the window sashes, markings are applied for the functional parts of the mechanism.
2. Make holes in the frame.
3. In order from the main to the counterpart, the fixture is fixed with bolts.
4. Install the rope.

Lock with key

Installation instructions:

1. First, markings are applied under the corresponding fixture blocks on both adjacent window sashes.
2. Under the fasteners, recesses are drilled in the fittings.
3. The screws fix the parts of the device on the sashes.
4. To preserve the aesthetics of the window, plastic caps are put on the screws.

"Baby" latches

The use of household locks is primarily dictated by concern for the safety of children. In addition to the fact that barely grown up kids love to taste and scatter everything around, they also strive to leave the door open. Such treatment will not please either the refrigerator itself or the electric meter. And the consequences of broken bottles or the fall of a heavy container from a height are scary for normal parents to even imagine. To avoid this, the simplest mini-lock on the refrigerator is suitable, which securely fixes the door in the closed position.

Magnetic Velcro

It is a flexible tape with sticky disks at the ends, it is easily attached to the wall and door of the refrigerator, after which the child simply does not have enough strength to open it. The main thing is that Velcro should be at an unattainable height for him.Magnetic locks cost from 150 to 450 rubles and can be used not only to protect the refrigerator, but also on the doors of ovens, washing machines or dishwashers (in the photo - multi-purpose Safety 1St).

Latch

This household lock with a mini-lever is a little more powerful, but it works on the same principle: a child cannot unfasten it with his own hands. There are many designs of protective mechanisms, and each manufacturer offers its own know-how. They are available in almost any grocery store for children. On average, the cost of latches ranges from 200-550 rubles. In the photo - a neat castle from DreamBaby for 350 rubles.

For commercial use

In stores and retail outlets, it is convenient to use locks that can be controlled remotely. This will save time for implementation, you will not have to run around the store to release the goods. Such devices are installed inside the refrigerator compartment, and not outside. The remote control works at a distance of about 50-70 meters. This is one of the few locks that does not require drilling holes in the refrigerator compartment. This will eliminate the risk of rust and damage to the thermal insulation layer.

Popular level

Below are the most current models of padlocks with a lever locking mechanism.

Start-ZVS-5

Solid locking device of domestic production. The large temple width, which is 44x48 mm, allows this model to be used on almost any eyelet size. The shackle diameter is 12 mm. This provides acceptable reliability.

The body of the model is made of aluminum alloy.Because of this, it is not recommended to use it for locking rooms in which valuables are stored. However, for small outbuildings (for example, a country barn), it is quite suitable. Also, the lock is suitable for locking doors indoors.

Start-ZVS-1

Lever lock from the same manufacturer. It is a more reliable option that is suitable for use in any purpose. It has the same overall characteristics, but is completely made of stainless steel coated with a polymer material that protects against corrosion.

In the upper part of the case, closer to the bow, there is an additional protective pad. It makes it difficult to break the locking device, and also protects it from other adverse mechanical effects.

When is an electronic refrigerator lock useful?

A lady on a diet, aiming to lose the hated kilograms, having acquired a “dietary” lock, will insure herself against raids on the refrigerator at night.

Such a lock can be bought in two types:

• with timer;
• with a quiz program.

For a certain time, let's say for the night, the alarm is programmed. The electric impulse of the lock with a timer will wake up the whole house at night with its sharp sound.

Lock with timer

The quiz option will not open the treasured door until you answer her questions. As a result of these manipulations, hunger can pass, the need to open the refrigerator at an inopportune time will disappear. A very useful castle for the younger generation.

When you try to open it, you need to strain your intellect, since questions can be from various fields of knowledge. Having resorted to reference books and the Internet to answer the question, you can forget why the refrigerator was opened.And the question - whether to approach such a refrigerator at night, will disappear by itself.

This is interesting: Mirror refrigerator (15 photos) - a model with a mirror on the door in the interior of the kitchen

Difference between electromechanical and electromagnetic lock

The electromechanical one keeps the gate closed due to the locking element - the crossbar. Electricity consumption is minimal. Equipped with remote control. Operation is regulated by a special remote control.

A significant advantage is that it continues to work without power, opening with a standard key. The disadvantage is the high price.

With an electromagnetic lock, the sash remains closed, thanks to the electromagnetic field of the coil, which is attracted by a metal anchor attached to the door. With the purchase of a magnetic lock for the gate, the owner will save money and handle the installation himself.

At the same time, it consumes many times more electricity. When the light is turned off, the device stops working. To increase security, you will need to buy a battery pack or an additional mechanical lock.

Conclusion: which home safe is better to choose

Focus on your needs. According to statistics, people often need basic protection that will protect things not from burglars, but from people who are at home and whom they do not trust for one reason or another.

It makes no sense to overpay for a fire-resistant model with a biometric lock, only if the value of valuables is not calculated in amounts with six or more zeros. If you live in an apartment, a furniture safe with a key or combination lock will be enough - you don’t need to make niches in the wall or floor for it, it doesn’t take up much space, so it will fit well into a room of any size.

However, for serious protection, more thorough solutions are needed - assess the risks, think about the frequency of use, and choose a storage where your valuables will be safe, but also it will not cost a fortune.