Locking the understair cupboard - narrow trim?

ChilliBob

Guys, my son, age 4, has discovered when under the stairs getting his shoes he can meddle eith the switches on the consumer unit and the one for the shed. Obviously this is rather disasterous, and being 4 no amount of talking will prevent him from doing this.

I wanted to out a slide bolt across the door, similar to one in a toilet, however, I think the architrave is too narrow to take one. (see pic).

So, what other options do I have? - Bear in mind when the children are older we will probably remove this. One 4 year old and a baby on the way - so a few years. 

I feel trying to notch a bit out of the architrave will likely not work too well and be a bit of messy - I have a set of chisels but I'm no expert carpenter! 

Any ideas much appreciated. I considers a door alarm, but that will probably add to the novelty to be fair. 

The handle is a 'standard' round door handle with tubular latch. I don't really want to tinker with a lock and key on it, thay seems overkill. 

Belenus

Can you put a lockable cover over the consumer units?

ChilliBob

6-7mm is the width of the section of architrave which would take the bolt holder so to speak 

Rodders53

Lack of photo of the handle/latch doesn't help but...  maybe remove the handle and then they can't open the door.  Place on shelf or similar somewhere they can't reach for when you need access to the under-stairs.

Unless a bolt was at height child can't reach they'll work out how to open such a thing.

BUFF

can you take a wider photo to give us more context?
How deep is the architrave? Some bolts will come with a no. (typically 3) of different receiver styles/applications.

I do think, however, that a simple bolt (unless lockable) will not prove much of a deterrent to him & you would be better with a cabinet lock e.g. https://www.toolstation.com/cupboard-lock/p84887 or similar. 

Ebe_Scrooge

Could you fit a chain (what we used to call a burgler-chain, you know, the kind of thing that allows you to open the door an inch or so) at the top of the door, out of reach of little-un?  As it's flexible, unlike a standard bolt, you may be able to make it fit?

<edit> this kind of thing :  https://www.screwfix.com/p/smith-locke-security-door-chain-86mm-polished-chrome/5887x

ChilliBob

Belenus said:

Can you put a lockable cover over the consumer units?

Interesting, I hadn't thought of that. I sense not. The main thing is a sort of clip in at the top which is next to the consumer unit to power the shed. I'll think and post a picture thou. Thanks 

ChilliBob

I'll take more pics this evening. The door isn't that high but I reckon at the top he would have to drag a chair a long way, and we'd probably twig by then!

A cupboard lock is interesting, also, I've just remembered the baby catches we had which we for kitchen cupboards which were magnetic. Something like that would work but u think wouldn't fit in this situation. 

ChilliBob

Oh and for usage context, it's where we put our shoes and coats too, so we'd use it both me and my wife, at least a few times a day each!

With my son's shoes elsewhere he would have no need to use it, his coats are elsewhere 

BUFF

a turn button or 2? https://www.screwfix.com/p/turn-button-cabinet-catch-brass-38-x-9mm-10-pack/21220

or a showcase latch https://www.toolstation.com/showcase-catch/p63888 ?

Does it have any form of catch/latch atm? If not perhaps even a ball or roller catch might work?

Eldi_Dos

A sash window fastener would fit the bill. Only four screws to instal, the knurled knob can be tightened up enough so that little fingers cannot undo and no key to lose.