Childproofing my fireplace…?
Help! I am trying to childproof my fireplace. It’s a dominion built home with a standard fireplace glass door. It’s got two bi-fold glass doors and each door has a handle. It’s surrounded by tile and it has a wooden trim around the tile.
I have put childproofing locks on the handle. But my kids (10 months and 2 years) can still open the doors just enough to get their little fingers caught in the center of the bi-fold. Then, they push the door completely closed again and we have mayhem. Pinched fingers, crying, and more.
I have looked into showcase locks, but I can’t seem to find any that are long enough to reach to the center of the bi-fold. They are all just about 6 inches long and some are based on the "showcase" being a box rather than just one panel of glass.
I hope I’ve been descriptive enough to warrant some responses. Any ideas?
4 Responses
German Jerry
25 Feb 2010
HarleyGuy
25 Feb 2010
Try putting a brace across he front that slide that you can lock.Its kinda like a flat piece of Metal with a hole for a lock best way I can describe it.But kids will be kids that’s a hard thing to childproof.Best bet is probally to find something else to draw their attention away from it.
Three_Kings_Cloo
25 Feb 2010
Yeah, use the plastic ties and packaging tape as described above.
My concern is this: Have you baby-proofed your house in other respects? Incidentally, for your convenience, here’s a rundown of other things you might want to consider in baby-proofing your house:
http://yourhandymanzone.com/Your_Handyman_Zone_How_To_Pages_Home_Improvement_Zone_Security_Systems_And_Tips_Make_House_Safer_For_Children.htm
Hope this helps!
Good luck!
Tom Treanor
26 Feb 2010
Check out fireplace door guard at rightstart.com
I have an 18 month old that is facinated with our fireplace too.
I use an extra long plastic zip tie to lock the two handles together as tight as possible first. Then I used extra wide 3M packaging tape and covered all of the seams on the door and the frame. Those two things hold tight enough that my 18 mth old can pull on the doors but not pop it loose. He looses interest before he has freed the door. And when i hear the tape stretching i know he is into it and we try to redirect him.