To keep curious kids from playing with his workbench tools, William Grill created a lock that requires a secret code before power can go to the plug.

July 20, 2012

1 Min Read
Gadget Freak Case #220: Power Lock With a Secret Code

William Grill has a workbench covered with electronic gadgets and power tools. He also has small grandchildren roaming his house. To avoid the possibility of a curious kid messing with the enticing workbench toys, he created a power lock that requires a secret code to be entered before the power can go to the plug.

Grill has taken his earlier Gadget Freak submission, Gadget Freak Case #157: Protecting Your Sock Drawer, and modified it to control the power to his workbench. In addition to providing a lock on the power, the gadget can be used to disable portable heaters (to keep little fingers safe) and to shut off an annoying stereo from its power source.

William Grill's gadget allows only those who enter the secret code to turn on the power to the workbench.

This project may be adaptable and scalable to be installed into an outlet box.

Do you have a Gadget Freak project you would like the world to see? Send a brief description of your gadget and a photo to Senior Editor Rob Spiegel.

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