How to Build a Child Barrier for a Fireplace

As beautiful as a fireplace can be, it isn't a very good place for a child to be getting into. All states require some type of fireproof door or grate that can be closed when there is a burning fire. Anyone can make this grate or door 100 percent childproof with just a few simple steps.

Things You'll Need

• 2-inch cast-iron bar the length of your fireplace
• 2 wing nut bolts, 3/8 inch thick, 2 inches long
• Drill
• 3/8-inch metal drill bit
• Tape measure
• Emery cloth

Instructions

1. Find the center of the frame that holds your fireplace doors in place. Use your tape measure to measure the height of the frame, then divide that height in half. The result is the horizontal center of the frame.

2. Drill a 3/8-inch hole through the frame on each side.

3. Drill mounting holes for the bar. Measure off the bar so that it is 2 inches longer than the distance between the 3/8-inch holes that you drilled in the fireplace frame. Then, drill two more holes into the bar itself, each one a single inch from the end of the bar.

4. Sand your bar using the emery cloth. This may take some time, since the ends and the areas around the holes must be completely smooth.

5. Place the bar up against the door. Screw in a wing nut bolt on one side, then on the other side. Make them as tight as possible.
   When you want to enjoy a fire once again, the wing nuts will remove easily, the doors will then open, and your fireplace will once again be accessible.

Tips & Warnings

• This is a great barrier to put up either after you have allowed a fire to go out but the coals are still dangerously warm, or to close up your fireplace for a warm season.

• Wear safety goggles whenever you are drilling through metal.