Alexei Volkov
Plastic storage totes are often advertised as having locking lids, but these small plastic clips are not always secure. If you want to ensure your belongings are safe, there are several ways to lock a plastic tote. One way is to use zip ties through the holes in the lid and tote. You can also use rope, string, padlocks, or bike locks. Another method is to use universal lid lock clips, such as Tite Tote, which are easy to use and fit most bins. These lid lock clips can give you peace of mind and ensure your items are safe and secure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Universal Lid Lock Clips | Tite Tote |
| Place the lid on an empty storage tote | Drill holes through the lid and into the rim at intervals along each side |
| Use zip ties | Heavy-duty zip ties that are hard to cut with a pocket knife or standard scissors |
| Use locks | Bike locks, padlocks, or any lock that fits through the holes |
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What You'll Learn
Using zip ties
Plastic storage totes are a great way to store items securely and privately. If you're looking to lock a plastic tote, one effective method is to use zip ties. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Prepare the Right Tools:
First, ensure you have the correct plastic storage tote and lid. Look for a tote with a rim that meets the lid in a flat section, preferably at least 1/2" wide. The Rubbermaid storage containers are a good example of this design. You'll also need heavy-duty zip ties that are difficult to cut with a pocket knife or standard scissors. Reusable zip ties are also an option, but they may wear down with frequent use.
Drill Holes:
Place the lid on an empty storage tote. Following standard safety precautions, use a hand drill to drill holes through the lid and into the rim. Space the holes at regular intervals along each side. Be careful not to add too many holes, as this can weaken the structure of your plastic tote. Remember to work over a drop cloth to catch any microplastic filings generated during drilling, and dispose of them properly.
Secure with Zip Ties:
Now, you're ready to secure your tote with zip ties. Line up the holes on the lid and tote, and insert the zip ties through them. Pull the zip ties tight and secure them. This will hold the lid firmly in place, making it challenging for anyone to remove the lid without cutting the zip ties.
Opening and Reusing Zip Ties:
To open the tote, you'll need to cut the zip ties. Keep in mind that this will require tools like wire cutters or large nail clippers. If you plan to reuse the zip ties, you can try a simple trick: use your fingernail or a pin to press down on the locking mechanism and slide it out. This will allow you to unlock and reuse the zip ties without cutting them.
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Drilling holes for zip ties
Plastic storage totes are often advertised as having "locking lids", but these small plastic clips don't actually lock. They are intended for securing the lid. A minor upgrade can help. While there is no way to make a plastic storage tote as secure as a safe or a firebox, you can add a theft-discouraging layer of security by using very heavy-duty zip ties and a simple drill.
For the storage tote locks to work, your zip ties need to be heavy enough that they are difficult or impossible to cut with a pocket knife or standard scissors. Place the lid on an empty storage tote and, following all appropriate precautions for using a drill, drill holes through the lid and into the rim at intervals along each side. Try not to drill oversized holes, or drill too many holes, as this can weaken the structure of your plastic tote and expose the contents of your tote. Drilling through plastic will produce microplastic filings—dispose of these plastic bits properly by working on a drop cloth and depositing the drill filings in a lined garbage can.
After holes are drilled, load your tote with belongings you want to lock and protect and replace the lid on the container. Insert zip ties through each hole, being sure that the zip tie passes through both the rim and the lid holes.
This method can be used to store journals or other private items in your bedroom while limiting access to prying eyes or accidental discoveries.
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Universal lid lock clips
Tite Tote Clips are universal, fitting both new and older model containers, including Sterilite, Rubbermaid, Home, Mainstays, Husky, Bella, Craftsman Commander, HDX, and Brute bins. They are also multi-functional, with the ability to hang two labels to display what's inside. When not in use, the clips can be snapped together to prevent misplacing them.
To use Tite Tote Clips effectively, it is recommended to use four clips per tote for maximum holding power. These clips are designed to keep out rodents and pests, prevent lids from blowing off during travel, and tame overstuffed bins. They are made in the USA from high-quality materials used in the aerospace and automotive industries.
The Premium Moving Kit offered by Tite Tote is ideal if you have at least six totes. This bundled package includes colour-coded tags to organise your bins and can secure up to eight totes. It provides a cost-effective solution for securing your belongings during moves or storage.
While universal lid lock clips like Tite Tote Clips are a great option, it's important to note that they may not provide the same level of security as heavy-duty zip ties. If theft prevention is a primary concern, consider using zip ties in conjunction with drilling holes through the lid and rim of your plastic totes. This combination can create a stronger deterrent for opportunistic thieves.
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Using rope, string, or padlocks
While most plastic storage totes are not designed to be locked, you can use rope, string, or padlocks to secure the lid and add a theft-discouraging layer of security. Here are some methods to achieve this:
Using Zip Ties:
Plastic storage totes are often advertised with "locking lids," but these small plastic clips only secure the lid and do not provide an actual lock. You can enhance security by using heavy-duty zip ties. First, ensure your plastic storage tote has a rim and a lid that meets in a flat section, creating a 1/2" wide rim. Place the lid on the empty tote and, using a drill, carefully drill holes through the lid and into the rim at intervals along each side. The holes should be just large enough for your zip ties. The recommended zip tie size is .3" x 10". Next, feed the zip ties through the holes and tighten them securely. This method makes it difficult to open the tote without heavy-duty cutting tools. Remember to dispose of any microplastic filings created during the drilling process properly.
Using Rope or String:
If you prefer to use rope or string instead of zip ties, you can still employ a similar method. After drilling the holes in the lid and rim, you can pass the rope or string through the holes and securely tie knots. Ensure that the rope or string is thin enough to fit through the holes but strong enough to withstand cutting or breaking. This method may be more accessible and cost-effective, but it may also be easier for potential thieves to open if they can access a sharp cutting tool.
Using Padlocks:
For a more secure option, you can use padlocks in conjunction with zip ties or rope. After drilling the holes, you can thread the zip ties or rope through the holes and then lock them together with a padlock. This method provides an additional layer of security, as it requires both cutting the zip ties or rope and picking the padlock to access the contents of the tote. Remember to choose a sturdy padlock that is difficult to pick or break.
While these methods won't make your plastic tote as secure as a safe, they can significantly deter theft and unauthorized access. Always remember to handle your belongings with care and consider additional protection, such as vacuum-sealed bags, if necessary.
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Plastic bags for extra protection
Plastic bags are a great way to provide extra protection to the items stored in your plastic totes. They are especially useful if you are storing items that are sensitive to air, moisture, or odours. While zip-tie locks can help create a tighter seal, plastic bags are a more effective way to ensure the items in your plastic totes remain clean and dry.
The least expensive option is to use trash bags. You can also use any plastic shopping bags that you have lying around. To make the most of your space, try using the roll method: lay out a bag and fold it in half, then place a second bag with its handle over the bottom of the first bag. Continue making this bag chain with all of your bags, and then roll them the long way, leaving the handle of the first bag sticking out. Place your roll of bags inside a container, and pull the bag handle through the top. This way, when you pull out one bag, the next one will be ready for you to grab.
If you don't want to use the roll method, you can simply pick one of the bigger bags in your collection and use it to hold your other plastic bags. This works well if you have a storage closet or pantry where you can hang the bag out of sight but within reach. Alternatively, you can use a tissue box, a jar, a coffee can, or a baby wipe container to store your plastic bags.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic storage totes are often advertised as having “locking lids", but these small plastic clips don’t actually lock. You can use zip ties to lock your plastic totes. Place the lid on an empty storage tote and drill holes through the lid and into the rim. Then, thread the zip ties through the holes.
The zip ties should be heavy-duty zip ties that are difficult or impossible to cut with a pocket knife or standard scissors.
Rope, string, padlocks, or bike locks can be used as alternatives to zip ties.
Yes, there are universal lid lock clips such as Tite Tote that can be used to secure the lids of most plastic storage bins.
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