ADD A HIDDEN LOCK
Everyone loves a good secret. To add this hidden lock to your box, you’ll need a 16d nail and a 1/4-in. rare earth magnet (available at home centers for less than $1 each). A drill press is highly recommended.
1. MAKE A RECESS
Drill a recess in the bottom edge of the box’s short end using a Forstner or brad point bit, so the bottom of the recess is flat.
3. INSTALL THE MAGNET
Glue the magnet in the recess, opposite the nail hole.
5. DRILL INTO THE LID
Slide the lid into place and drill into it through the nail hole to mark the spot. Remove the lid and drill halfway through, using a tape flag as a stop. Cut the nail to length. It should contact the magnet and engage the hole in the lid. File any sharp edges.
2. DRILL THE NAIL PASSAGE
Drill the hole for the 16d nail all the way through the short end, offset to one side of the recess.
4. BEND THE NAIL
Cut off the nail’s head and grip it in a vise with about 3/8 in. protruding. Hammer the nail over, creating a “foot.” Hammer the foot until it’s flat.
6. LOCK THE BOX
To engage the lock, slide the nail through the hole and pivot the foot onto the magnet. To disengage it, pivot the foot off the magnet and slide the nail out.