In order to choose the best cupboard locks, you need to consider the quality, style, and appearance of the locks. The intended use for the locks should also be strongly considered. If you are using the cupboards a lot, a nicer lock with a latch will work, but if you don’t use the cupboard much, a simple, unadorned cupboard lock would probably be just fine. There is a wide variety of cupboard locks to choose from, and finding one that fits your needs should not be a problem.
Probably the most common use of cupboard locks is to child-proof a cupboard. Children are curious, especially young children, and can easily pull open a cupboard and cause harm to themselves or the contents. Although you can use any type of lock for this purpose, there are locks especially made for children. They are usually fairly inexpensive and some are magnetic and mount with adhesive instead of drilling, and have enough strength so that a child cannot simply pull them off.
It is also important to make sure the locks stay tight enough so that they don't pinch fingers. Most locks avoid this problem by the way they are made, and some are made particularly with this in mind. Most of these locks are made of plastic or metal and are relatively inexpensive. They have simple keys and can be locked fairly easily.
If you are choosing a lock and don’t want something fancy, there are locks that simply block the cupboard from being open with a latch across the front. The other variation of this is the simple lock-and-key type cupboard lock that mounts flush with the door of the cupboard. If you don’t want to keep track of a key, combination locks are available.
The lock-and-key type lock is probably the most common, and is suitable for most needs. It is usually made of aluminum or some other metal, but more expensive versions are also available. The key is usually a standard small key, around the size of a mailbox key. It will keep the cupboard locked sufficiently but will not provide a lot of protection.
If you are interested in a stronger lock or one that might suit an antique cupboard, a more expensive lock might be appropriate. These types of cupboard locks are typically made of steel, stainless steel, or brass, and often come with a stylized key that is usually larger and more like an old fashioned key. In addition to being more stylish, these types of cupboard locks are often more durable and stronger.