Drawer Fastener Ideas ??

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<SPAN style="COLOR: #999999"><EM><STRONG>Both work really well. The second idea is an old yachties trick forcing you to lift the drawer slightly to open it. The Toyota coaster bus shown make great conversions here. Lots of them around.</STRONG></EM></SPAN><BR><SPAN style="COLOR: #999999"><EM><STRONG>I use the toggle method (pic)&nbsp;in my galley onboard but technical they are not drawers as they are hinged from the bottom, other boats I've seen have them.</STRONG></EM></SPAN><BR><SPAN style="COLOR: #999999"><EM><STRONG>Geoff</STRONG></EM></SPAN>
 
When I build my van out, I think I'll go with sliding doors where I can. Then, where they overlap, I'll drill a hole for a peg. But mostly the doors will be there to give a less cluttered appearance, because I plan on containerizing whatever I can. Small containers inside larger containers inside tubs inside cabinets.
 
&nbsp;Thanks for posting the link Bee! <a href="http://longlucas.bravehost.com/fitout.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://longlucas.bravehost.com/fitout.html</a>&nbsp; It's a really nice short bus conversion with a lot of reusing and recycling in the build.<br><br>&nbsp;But back to the drawer fasteners - if you have any kind of lip where the drawer overlaps the frame, try using heavy duty Zelcro. We have standard hardware that needed a little help and the Velcro solved the problem - no more drawers flying opened as we're driving down the road.
 
I saw all sorts of solutions and idea starters when I did a Google image search for "cupboard latches" and "drawer latches." It runs from utilitarian hardware and kidproofing stuff all the way up to expensive designer kitchen hardware.
 
I was never a big fan of latches.&nbsp; The notched drawers like in the link Bee posted are my favorite.&nbsp; They might not be smooth, but they allow for quick one handed operation, won't fly open easily on bumpy roads, and will last forever.&nbsp;
 
I used RV drawer slides for my biggest drawers.&nbsp; They work just like the ones in the bus post.&nbsp; When you close them all the way they drop into place.&nbsp; You lift about an eighth of an inch to open them.&nbsp; They don't cost much.&nbsp; Mine were $3.50 a set if I remember right for an 18 inch deep drawer.&nbsp; Deeper drawers are just a little more.&nbsp; They are pretty easy and quick to install.<br><br>I also used thumb latches for my smaller drawers.&nbsp; They are basically like the locks for desk drawers except they don't have a key hole.&nbsp; Instead they have a knob you turn to lock and unlock.&nbsp; They have internal spring detents so they stay in which ever position you put them.&nbsp; <br><br>Both work really well.&nbsp; It just depends on where you are installing it.&nbsp; If you have something above the drawer then the thumb latch might be the best thing as the latching bar needs something to hold on to.&nbsp; For stacked drawers with nothing above them but other drawers then the RV drawer slides might be best.&nbsp; <br><br>Incidentally, the thumb latches work great for cabinets too.&nbsp; It is how most of mine are secured.&nbsp; All of my cabinet doors are 1/2 inch thick plywood.&nbsp; The 7/8 inch size thumb latch is the appropriate size for that thickness.&nbsp; They were also about $3.50 at my RV supply department.<br><br>You can also use positive door latches.&nbsp; These are also used exclusively on campers and RVs.&nbsp; It is basically a cabinet pull handle and latch combined in one.&nbsp; I use several of these that I got from an old camper.&nbsp; They last forever and their design hasn't changed in 30 years or more.&nbsp;&nbsp;They are really quick and easy to install.&nbsp; They are mainly made for cabinets, but some larger and heavier drawers use them as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;They are usually about twice the price as the thumb latches.&nbsp; The ones I have in my van are about $8 at my RV supply place.&nbsp; I didn't have to buy any as I had some already, but I priced them in case I needed more.&nbsp; <br><br>I have tried lots of other methods over the years in the military with home improvement store type hardware.&nbsp; Everything from catches to hasps to slides.&nbsp; Nothing comes close to the simplicity or convenience of RV drawer slides, thumb latches, and positive door latches.&nbsp; For the simplicity of install and easy functionality, you can't beat the price.
 
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