# DIY Lockable Cabinet
Locking cabinets are useful for holding personal belongings, precious artifacts or rare books, and enable such treasures to be concealed in a safe and protected manner. Although you can buy a locking cabinet from a department store or home decorating shop, they can often be costly. You can save money by making your own handmade locking cabinet using a few basic tools and supplies purchased inexpensively from any hardware or home-improvement store.
Things You'll Need
- Wooden planks
- 1-by-12 lumber
- Circular saw
- Measuring tape
- 1/2-inch nails
- Hammer
- 2 hinges
- 1/4-inch nails
- Locking hinge
- Latex paint
- Paintbrush
Instructions
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1
Cut four 1-inch-thick wooden planks using a circular saw to measure 12 inches wide and 18 inches long. Cut two planks to measure 12 inches wide by 12 inches long.
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2
Lay one of the long planks flat, then place the other two long planks upright on one of their long sides on either side of the flat plank. Line up the edges so that they are flush, then nail them in place using 1/2-inch nails.
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3
Place the two short planks onto the short ends of the form, and line up the edges. Nail the planks in place using 1/2-inch nails.
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4
Sand the box form and the remaining plank using medium-grit sandpaper to make them smooth.
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5
Place the remaining plank on top of the cabinet box, then place two hinges along one of the long sides of the plank. Space the hinges apart evenly, then nail them in place using 1/4-inch nails.
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6
Place a locking hinge over the center of the edge of the other side, then nail the locking hinge in place using 1/4-inch nails.
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7
Paint the locking cabinet using latex paint if preferred. Allow the paint to dry for four to six hours before use.
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