Child Resistant Stove Knob Covers

thingiverse

I originally purchased hinged stove knob covers at a big box store several years ago. Since then, I've been consistently returning to the store to buy new ones every few months because the hinges kept breaking and I wanted to keep my kids safe from potential hazards. At about $20 per set, these were roughly $5 each. After conducting some thorough testing, I came to the conclusion that the ones sold at big box stores are intentionally designed to fail so that customers would be compelled to buy new ones. Even with moderate use, the plastic becomes brittle and completely falls apart after just a few months; they must be using an additive or process that causes it to become brittle. This is a major concern for me because, with kids around, I don't always have time to run out and get new ones, and having ones that constantly break poses a significant safety issue. Anyway, here's my solution to their manufacturing problem: I've designed a simpler system that requires adult dexterity to operate. You need one hand to hold the base with at least two fingers and another hand to hold just the outside brim to pull out the cylinder. If you simply pull on the knob, it will come off the knob and gas won't be turned on. Replacing the top is easy to do with one hand. I still have one of these plugged in next to the stove as a backup: https://amzn.to/2klIFSE. They're convenient because they just plug into an outlet and will alert you if there's ever a gas leak or a burner that's not fully closed, even if it's not lit. It's extremely sensitive and will sound off if a pot boils over and the burner goes out or even if you're using a petroleum-based aerosol can nearby. These are designed to be child-resistant but not child-proof (although I believe they're much better than the design I used to buy); use them at your own risk, and please note that I'm not responsible. As always, I've attached the original SketchUp file in case you need to adjust the bottom hole or add any features; let me know if you'd like me to make any updates – it'll only take a minute, and I don't mind. Enjoy your savings, and consider spending them on something more essential, like diapers or formula!