Appliance Latches for kids and animals, what do you use?

Thebobo

Lifer
Jun 19, 2006
18,574
7,671
136
My cats have figured out how to open the fridge and leave it open! I purchased this appliance latch from amazon and when it works it's nice but it has a tendency to break at the narrow part on the clip. So my question is what do you use if you use such and item? I'm looking for suggestions.

bf0355bc9144fc865d8ed31b2c34c7c4.jpg



https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009UQPS1G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
 

highland145

Lifer
Oct 12, 2009
43,910
6,277
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Isn't there a Chinese food thread already?

:p

I'd be inclined to make one with nylon strapping and plastic buckle clips. Sturdier than your pics. Hobby lobby has both.
 
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Mayne

Diamond Member
Apr 13, 2014
8,838
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walmart has a cheap one for 7 bucks..worth a shot. so many choices out there
 
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BurnItDwn

Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
26,164
1,637
126
how about just a hook and eye? or put a magnetic latch on it to make it harder?
This is why my friend who had a smart doggy that knew how to open the fridge did ... Worked well for him ...
It sucks to drill a hole into the fridge, but, doesn't really impact it much...
 
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clamum

Lifer
Feb 13, 2003
26,252
403
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Shortly after I got my feline companion he was opening my kitchen cupboards and scoping them out inside. I didn't really want cat hair on pots and pans and whatnot so I found some cheap, standard safety latches at Menards. Screwed them into the cupboards he was invading and they've worked great. However for awhile I'd try and pull open the cupboards and forget they had the latch, and boom, denied! Just had to get used to them. I think it was a good solution, for me anyway.

The ones I got were exactly like this:

Child Safety Latch
183749.jpg
 
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ctbaars

Golden Member
Nov 4, 2009
1,565
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How do you secure that to the cat? I would assume the the weak adhesive in packing tape doesn't stick to fur as well as duct tape would.
I tried fly paper but it was too sticky and got onto all the furniture too. I have a friend who knows someones uncle who used duct tape. It's too strong and will, over time, actually pull the finish (vinyl?) off the fridge and the cat just falls off. Plus it's unsightly. The clear packing tape I used is the stuff I brought home from work that is used to assemble cardboard boxes in our shipping dept. You can remove and reattach the cat multiple time if you use the same spot as some glue remains on the fridge. uh, I mean open and close the door multiple times ...
 
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Rifter

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
11,522
751
126
Tilting it back via the adjustable legs worked for me, its tiled back just enough that the door closes itself slowly so that no one can leave it open unless they jam something in the way.
Still doesnt stop Mona our old female cat from sleeping in the crisper once or twice a year but its stopped them from leaving the door open.
 

Thebobo

Lifer
Jun 19, 2006
18,574
7,671
136
Tilting it back via the adjustable legs worked for me, its tiled back just enough that the door closes itself slowly so that no one can leave it open unless they jam something in the way.
Still doesnt stop Mona our old female cat from sleeping in the crisper once or twice a year but its stopped them from leaving the door open.

lol sleeping in the crisper? I worried about the cat getting hyperthermia but I guess they are use to those temps. But that is a good idea about titling it back a bit.
 

Rifter

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
11,522
751
126
lol sleeping in the crisper? I worried about the cat getting hyperthermia but I guess they are use to those temps. But that is a good idea about titling it back a bit.

Yeah she's wierd, she slept in there overnight once and i found her while making breakfast, was surprised she didnt suffocate but i guess the cooling fans bring in fresh air.