How to Lock a Chest Freezer

Some chest freezers are manufactured with locks that are built into the doors. These locks are handy for securing your frozen meat and foods, especially if they're kept in a garage or other out-of-the-way area. If you have a chest freezer and it doesn't have a lock, don't worry; you can easily install your own. All it takes is a little knowledge and a few materials.

Things You'll Need

• Chest freezer
• Paper towel
• Household spray cleaner
• Measuring tape
• Master Lock 6 1/4-inch single-hinge hasp
• Super Glue Metal Epoxy
• Large clamps
• Padlock

Instructions

1. Clean the lid of the chest freezer lid, if need be, so it's clean and free from dirt, grime, grease and oil. Clean the back of the single-hinge hasp as well with a paper towel and a household spray cleaner.

2. Find the center of the chest freezer by measuring from side to side across the lid. Mark it with a pencil.

3. Place the single-hinge hasp in the center of the lid so the rounded end of the staple (the small piece with the attached loop) fits through and hangs over the edge. Make sure the rear plate is covering the plate where the screws are inserted.

4. Position the hasp exactly so the staple is on the metal front of the freezer, below the gasket that seals the lid. The rear plate should be on the metal lid. Once the hasp is where you want to install it, outline it with a pencil. Lift up the rear plate and outline the screw holes as well. Remove the hasp.

5. Mix together the Super Glue Metal Epoxy following the manufacturer's instructions. Place the single-hinge hasp in the outline you drew. Lift the rear plate up and adhere it to the top of the freezer lid with the epoxy.

6. Use the metal epoxy to adhere the staple to the front of the chest freezer. Open the freezer lid and clamp the hasp lock and the staple in place.

7. Put the hasp over the staple. Then, place the padlock on the staple and lock it. The chest freezer is now locked.

Tips & Warnings

• You can bend and use a common hasp lock for this application. The Master Lock 6 1/4-inch single-hinge hasp is stronger and easier to use since it's hinged. You may use short screws to secure the hasp to the chest freezer if you choose, but the screws will damage the metal. Once cured, the epoxy will be light gray in color.

• Make sure the hasp is positioned exactly where you want it before you epoxy it to the chest freezer. Allow the metal epoxy to set and cure as long as the manufacturer recommends before you use it. Otherwise, the bonds between the metals may fail.