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Topic: How to secure refrigerator doors? (Read 728 times) previous topic - next topic

How to secure refrigerator doors?

We have found a refrigerator, top freezer, we like but has no handles....simply has indentations in the door to pull the door open.

We like it because it saves having about two inches of handles sticking out into the walk space.

But I have not thought of a good way, maybe any way, to secure the doors.  Anyone done that, used that kind of door/handle and if so how keep it closed while driving?

(this is a monochrome stainless Whirlpool 16 cut ft., wrt316SFDM.  Am tempted by the standard handled black 14.3 cu ft....seems plenty large.)
Mike
2001 U320 4010 Build 5878 (Gus)
Wrangle Unlimited Toad
Nacogdoches

Re: How to secure refrigerator doors?

Reply #1 –
Mike, check out the children's department at Walmart. There is a very nice vinyl child deterrent used to keep children out of cupboards and frigs. Adhesive backed--no drilling--push in the tab and open the door. It can be inactivated when parked and only engaged for traveling.
I think the cost was about $4.99 for two. Color is white.
I put a pair on a frig we have in the garage because the magnetic seal was too weak and the freezer door would open if I closed the frig door too hard.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: How to secure refrigerator doors?

Reply #2 –
These are sliding door latches.  Put the door side on with 3M VHB double sided tape. They come from any hardware or big box store.  When they are open they are out of the way.  Thr red tag is just a reminder for us. No parts to lose or store anywhere else.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: How to secure refrigerator doors?

Reply #3 –
Thanks Nitehawk and Roger...good options, Jackie be gkad to know.  Seems these refrigerators in short supply, longer delivery than we expected. 
Mike
Mike
2001 U320 4010 Build 5878 (Gus)
Wrangle Unlimited Toad
Nacogdoches

Re: How to secure refrigerator doors?

Reply #4 –
Hi Mike -

This is what we did.  Works well for us. 

Got some strapping and a clip from Ace and sewed onto the Fender Hardware.  Clips in the middle of the door.  When parked the straps roll up and are stowed in a drawer.  The French Doors have handles so we just a velcro strap to secure.

(Sorry about so many edits.)
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: How to secure refrigerator doors?

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 –
These are sliding door latches.  Put the door side on with 3M VHB double sided tape. They come from any hardware or big box store.  When they are open they are out of the way.  Thr red tag is just a reminder for us. No parts to lose or store anywhere else.
Roger, I like this solution for the bottom door of the Samsung that I plan to install soon.  It seems clean and simple.  Is there enough tolerance that, if the fridge moves slightly, the pin still aligns with it's hole?  I do plan to secure the feet to limit movement but I'm just curious as to how precise this needs to be.

Re: How to secure refrigerator doors?

Reply #6 –
The sliding door locks are great solutions. Just don't drill into the refrigerator door like I did, because the door as a vacuum inside of it for purposes of insulation. When you drill into the door you release the vacuum and void your warranty.
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: How to secure refrigerator doors?

Reply #7 –
BDale,

Our Samsung is very stable. The screw down feet on ours go into a pocket on each side. There is 1/8" - 3/16" clearance around the case to the trim.  The latch almost always just slips into place. There is some play in the freezer door gasket that can help if needed.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: How to secure refrigerator doors?

Reply #8 –
We did not make wood pockets for the wheels like Roger did - Very nice job - BTW.

We secured the wheels in place by placing screws into the 3/4" plywood base around the wheels.  We also attached an aluminum angle to the top of the refer and screwed it into wood (2 x 4) attached to the cabinet sides.  No movement.  We covered the wheels with cherry trim.
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320