Question

What's the best product or means to lock or arm a liquor cabinet and beer fridge? Have been using Tag tiles to detect a change in door angle (closed vs open) but they're disposable as the battery cannot be changed once depleted. I get less than one year. Looking for something more concealed than a big, ugly lock on the exterior. Thx! Asking for a friend of teenage boys :).  

Answer 1

If money isnt an issue, ive used a slim line mag lock on the under side to be descrete, then wire up a swipe card to access control the entry. Can use timezones etc this way

Answer 2

Sensastrip in the door

Answer 3

Laser? It would depend on how elaborate the shelving is maybe, but that might be the way I would consider researching.  

Answer 4

Lots of great ideas. Thx! Shoulda said there isn't a big budget and am now thinking of adding some Ring sensors and not tie them into the alarm. Alexa can notify me of opens/closes like she does on my youngest's bedroom windows.  

Answer 5

This is a project that I've been researching, and I'm about to make a decision on what to buy to get it all setup. I'm thinking of using a fingerprint reader with app access as a backup.  

Comments

Sounds cool. Tell me more. What are the components and rough cost.  

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It's like like it will be pretty inexpensive. I'm thinking under $70, although a few things may be repurposed from stuff I have around the house. I will do my best to remember this post and update as I get it going.  

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There are cheaper fingerprint readers out there as well, the one I was looking at using is $18. 99 from Amazon. Another thing I'm looking into is using NFC, and/or an app or even smartthings to control access, and notify as well.  

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Sounds pretty cool. I ended up getting two Ring sensors that send me a push notification when the cabinet or fridge is opened. I might need to go another route since my method is only a deterrent and not a preventative measure

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Of course, then I still need to fabricate a locking latch. There are electromagnetic latches available on Amazon that would work, may need an additional power supply to operate the latch, not sure how it would all work out, yet. My primary issue with that would be limiting access, since it would be part of the smart system. Maybe I could set it up to only operate when my phone, or my wife's phone are within a geofence?