I have a washer and dryer downstairs in my apartment basement. There have been several occasions where other tenants who do not have appliances of there own use other peoples appliances without there permission and we have been getting sky rocket utility bills. Not only that but they have cockaroaches on top of that....I need advice on how to lock these appliances so that other people will not use them. Any handy suggestions?
2006-09-19 05:45:58 · 10 answers · asked by Butterfly 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
There are many types of hardware available to lock up your appliances knowing how to mount them without damaging the appliances is another factor that can only me determined by actually seeing your washer and dryer. basically, you don't want to drill through and electrical line or components inside the appliance to mount the hardware. The only other alternative to mounting flush locking hardware is the use of an epoxy cement or a product called Lexel that most major hardware stores sell. Lexel will bond anything to anything. I've seen 2 coke bottles glued together with Lexel top to top that were impossible to pull apart without breaking the bottles. Ask your local hardware store for advice on flush mount locking hasps you can glue on on with Lexel and tell him what your using it for. I sure this will solve your problem and save you on the utility bills. Good luck, and be careful with the Lexel, you don't want to get any on your hands or areas your not gluing.
2006-09-19 20:44:07 · answer #1 · answered by wernerslave 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They have lockout devices that can be installed at most breaker panels, the two machines should be on separate circuit breakers from any other appliances. This can fit through the small hole on the breaker and prevent it from being switched to on. If this will not do, have someone install a kill switch hidden in a spot behind the unit. Coming off the dryers door switch is easy, but the washer will fill water, so you need to break a line side wire, but that may be a way for you to tell if someone tried to use it as all it will do is water fill and nothing else, Wire this into a remote hidden camera and you will see the intruder.
2006-09-19 06:09:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any chance you can just get a smaller washer & dryer for use inside your apartment? Then hang a large "Do Not Use" sign on the washer but pour in a decent amount of ink into the thing, but not enough for people to really notice before using.
Heh heh.
2006-09-22 17:06:37 · answer #3 · answered by PermDude 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Install a lock like you would on a gated fence. It won't be pretty, but you'll be able to lock them shut. You can get the hardware at any home improvement store.
2006-09-19 05:57:37 · answer #4 · answered by tigglys 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Drill holes in the lid and top so you can put a lock through them. Or maybe a plastic coated wire like for bikes, long enough to go around them. To bad you have to go to such lengths. Where are the honest people you can trust?
2006-09-19 05:50:02 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Unplug them and put a lockout device on the receptacle the y go into or on the plug itself, most hardware stores sell them or can order one for you...putting a lockout on a circuit breaker is no longer legal in most states because it is a fire hazard
2006-09-19 06:21:00 · answer #6 · answered by Lauren 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How about locking the basement door?
2006-09-23 03:19:14 · answer #7 · answered by William E 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Install hinge hasps from any local hardware store.
2006-09-20 07:58:43 · answer #8 · answered by fibreglasscar 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ummmmmm thats a tough one but there has got to be a solution I'll check it out and get back with you good luck!!
2006-09-19 05:48:46 · answer #9 · answered by Princess 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't lock it , instead you put one electrical switch to it which can be operated from your house only. this way, nobody will be able to run it.
2006-09-22 21:24:04 · answer #10 · answered by Pirate of the Bassein Creek 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋