Works, but NOT as per instructions

I bought this from Lowe's and not from Amazon but want to share my experience in case it helps someone else.
Test this thing about ten times before you close the cabinet or drawer to lock it!!!
If I had not experimented with this by sliding the key over the area where the lock is I would have returned it because following the instructions-- "placing the key" over the area where the lock is--does not work consistently. If I "Place the Key" over the area where the lock is, it opens about two out of ten times. If I slide the key over the area where the lock is(much like using a magnetic stud finder,stopping after I hear the lock open)it opens ten out of ten times. Like another reviewer I had to use the extension before I could get the locking mechanism to open with the key consistently.
Thanks to the warning of the reviewer who accidentally drilled through their cabinet door I did NOT drill deep enough so that the lock mechanism was flush with the cabinet door--if I had it probably would have gone through the cabinet door. The magnetic "key" seemed really strong until I tried to use it to use it, even though I drilled the hole for the locking mechanism to specs AND used the extension. Although I finally got this thing to work consistently I gave it only two stars because the instructions did not include the modifications I had to do in the use of the key and in the mounting of the locking mechanism.

[Wednesday, November 19, 2008]

JUNK, ruined $1k china cabinet, do NOT buy!

Tot Loks are junk, don't buy them! I used the drill bit markers, and the little plastic doo-hickey that's supposed to stop you from drilling through your cabinet front but still wound up cracking the cabinet front because the magnetic key is so weak I had to put the extension rod in and push it right up into the hole until it was a hair from going all the way through. It still wouldn't trigger the lock (I know it was in the right spot b/c if I pushed the lock manually, the magnetic key would "hold" it unlocked, it just couldn't pull the lock itself). I gave the extension rod one more nudge and it cracked the door front! Junk, junk, junk! I'm kicking myself for not giving up on it earlier!

[Thursday, October 02, 2008]

Awsome, but instructions still lacking

First, let me say that I LOVE these locks. Also, I have a new home (less than 2 yrs old) and had no issues with the depth or thickness of my cupboards. I also have the little plastic pads in the corners - just move the smaller pieces forward (not the larger latch unit) the drill holes allow for "slide". But be careful not to drill too close to the edge! Also, I have a corner cupboard with a hinge in the middle. DON'T PUT THE LATCH ON THE TOP OF THE DOOR! I can actually slide the door to the side and it pops right open. I now have a beautiful set of holes inside my new cupboard where I had to take the thing out to relocate. On the side of the door seems to work ok, but it's more cumbersome for opening. This is actually the second set of these we have installed - we had them for our older kids at our old house. In over 5 years, we have never had one break. Oh - word for the wise - I recommend having 3-4 keys on hand, including one "super-secret spare" in another location, like a hall closet, in case you find yourself "locked out". The keys are so easy to pocket and walk away with. Also, I put painters tape (easy to remove) over the spots where the key should go. It helps prevent permanent marring of your woodwork - AND helps save time finding the right spot!
Pros - These locks don't give even a tiny bit. Little fingers get absolutely NO room to try to wiggle open. This totally outweighs all the cons in my mind. The "unlock" feature is really nice, too. Even after my older kids had outgrown them, I left them in for visiting friends with younger kids.
Cons - They are tedious to install. Not mind-boggling hard, but it does take time. Again, I think they were worth the time. However, the instruction sheet was not exactly detailed (Think Ikea, with lots of arrows and little explanation). And they do cost more than other, less-effective options. But, again, I think they are worth it.

[Wednesday, September 10, 2008]

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