DIY Secret Drawer

Secret Hatch

• 1

  Choose a piece of wood furniture to house the secret drawer. You can use a bookcase, a cabinet or any other piece of furniture that offers a space for a drawer. A common place to hide a secret drawer is between shelves of a bookcase. The wood of the furniture should be at least a half-inch thick.

• 2

  Draw the outline for your secret hatch using a pencil and a straightedge. A corner or the side of a shelf is less conspicuous than the center of a shelf.

• 3

  Cut out the door for the hatch using a hand-held jigsaw with a narrow blade. The narrow bade is imperative to keeping the edges of the hatch invisible.

• 4

  Use a 90-degree electric drill to install two hinges for your hatch. Ensure the hinges are flush with your hatch.

• 5

  Attach a small piece of wood on the bookshelf under the hatch with your electric drill. The wood acts as a stopper to prevent the hatch door from swinging downward.

• 6

  Follow the manufacturer's instructions to install a magnetic lock to the bottom of your hatch and the side of the bookshelf. Double-check to ensure the hatch swings open easily -- and that the door closes securely and flush with the shelf.

• 7

  Practice opening the secret hatch so you're comfortable using the magnetic lock.

Secret Drawer

• 8

  Determine the size of your drawer based on the size of your hatch. Ideally, your secret drawer will be smaller than the hatch, so you can remove and replace the drawer easily. Measure the depth of the space between the shelves to determine the height of the drawer.

• 9

  Cut the panels for the drawer with a table saw and a one-quarter-inch piece of plywood. Cut a panel for a bottom and four sides. To make your task easier, make a square drawer.

• 10

  Apply wood glue along the edge of the base for your drawer. Align each drawer panel vertically to the edge of the base, and press into place. Allow the drawer panels to dry completely.

• 11

  Place your valuables in the drawer. Store the drawer inside your secret hatch.