Please note that this method is for TOP & BOTTOM (freezer on top and fridge on bottom) REFRIGERATOR MODELS with the ability to modify which way the door opens only. If you have another refrigerator style you may be able to modify this instructable to your needs, but will need to check how your model is set up.

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After an exhaustive search in trying to find a way to keep my son out of our refrigerator, I managed to find a way to do so.

I have been through the gamut of commercially available child proofing products for my fridge that either did not stick to the side of the fridge or ones that my son figured out how to operate really quickly. All other options of installing a product were not feasible since we are currently renting.

This method is relatively inexpensive and can be used with minimal damage to the fridge. So for those that are renting you won't lose your security deposit over this, plus can be easily removed upon moving and can be installed quickly on another fridge.

All the tools I had on hand for this, so I won't include that in the final amount spent or the bungie cord since we've had it so long that I can't remember where it was bought, much less how much we spent on it.

All of the hardware was purchased at Home Depot in the hardware aisle were you can find loose bolts and nuts. So overall for the project I spent $2.29 including tax.

I hope this instructable helps you.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Prepare for Installation

First you will need to make a trip to Home Depot or Lowes and purchase:
-3/4 " pipe u-bolt
-1/4" eye bolt with nut (this came in a two pack)
- bungee cord with ball attached. (Mine is about 5"-6" long and also came in a two pack)
OR
-a short length of cable or chain &
-a lock of some kind.

The tools needed for this are:
-1/4" wrachet with 8 mm socket
-7/16" wrench
-pliers (not pictured)

Start by separating the bracket from the u-bolt. The bracket is the only thing used from this piece.

Attach the eye bolt by inserting it into one of the holes of the bracket. Use the 7/16" wrench and pliers and tighten the eye bolt and nut until it no longer freely moves.

Now it's time for installation onto the fridge.

Step 2:

On my fridge, between my freezer and fridge there are three screws. These screws allow for my refrigerator and freezer doors to interchangeable in which direction they swing open/closed. You will need one of two outside screws (the ones sitting on top of one another). I used the top one of the two, but it doesn't matter which one you pick.

Remove one of the screws using the 1/2" wrachet and 8mm socket. Using the screw that was just removed, insert it into the remaining hole on the bracket. Make sure that the eyebolt is on the front side of the bracket.

Replace the screw into the fridge using it to secure the backet to the fridge.

Step 3: Securing the Fridge Door.

Now the last step is to thread the bungee cord (or other length of chain/cable) through the eye bolt. Once the bungee cord is looped through the door handles and back onto the hardware bracket, you can see that the cord cannot come undone unintentionally if a child is pulling the door.

When using the bungee cord and it is secured, my son can only open the door about 3"-4". With such a available little opening, the light inside the fridge does not come on and he cannot reach inside to pull anything out.

Now that this installation is complete, hopefully you can prevent little ones from entering the fridge without your permission.