Childproofing and Furniture Anchoring: what a handyman does
Anchor dressers, bookcases and TVs to the wall, swap corded window coverings for cordless ones, and latch cabinets that hold medicine and cleaners. The CPSC recommends all three, and a handyman can do each. Wall type matters, since plaster and masonry need different fasteners than drywall. No device is completely childproof, so supervision still counts.
Jobs we take on
Tap one to add it to your list.
- Anchor dressers, bookcases, desks and TV stands to the wall with a furniture anchoring kit
- Mount flat-screen TVs or secure TV stands so they cannot be pulled over
- Install an anti-tip bracket on a freestanding range
- Install safety latches on kitchen and bathroom cabinets and drawers
- Replace corded blinds with cordless ones and shorten or anchor remaining cords
- Install window stops that limit openings to four inches
- Screw-mount safety gates at the top of stairs
- Add corner and edge bumpers on furniture and hearths
- Patch and paint anchor holes when you move out or rearrange
Signs it is time to call
- A tall dresser or TV stand that is not fixed to the wall
- Blind cords or loops hanging within a child's reach, or a crib or bed near a window
- Cleaners, medicine or sharp objects in cabinets with no latch
- A pressure-mounted gate at the top of the stairs
- A baby, a toddler, or regular young visitors about to arrive
What is not a handyman job
Replacing receptacles with tamper-resistant outlets is electrical work for a licensed electrician. Gas lines and water heater work beyond a thermostat setting go to a licensed plumber. Custom or motorized window treatments go back to the installer who sold them. Pool fencing and barriers are outside what we do.
Plumbing, electrical and roofing go to licensed independent contractors.
What a visit looks like
- We check the wall behind each piece first, because plaster, brick and older walls need different anchors than drywall.
- You tell us the ages of the children so we can ask the right questions about gates, latches and window coverings.
- We test each anchor and latch before leaving and show you how to re-engage the latches.
- We clean up and patch where we can.
Common questions
Do I need to anchor a short dresser?
The CPSC's Anchor It campaign says to anchor all furniture with drawers, doors and shelves to the wall. Deaths and injuries happen when children climb onto, fall against or pull themselves up on dressers, shelves, desks, TV stands and ranges, so size alone does not decide it.
Are cordless blinds required?
We are not citing a legal rule. The CPSC recommends cordless window coverings in homes with young children because kids can wrap cords around their necks. If you keep corded ones, make pull cords as short as possible and anchor continuous loops to the floor or wall.
Can a pet gate guard the top of the stairs?
No. The CPSC says pet gates should never be used as child safety gates, and that at the top of stairs only a gate that screws into the wall should be used. Look for gates that meet current child safety standards.
Will anchors leave holes in my wall?
Yes, small ones. Anchor It has repair tips for when you move or redecorate, and we can patch and paint the holes as part of a move-out list. In a rental, check your lease before drilling.