Windows are the preferred entry point into your house. You have more windows than doors in your home. So beefing up your window security locks is a good idea. Lets face it. If someone really wants to get in, they will. The idea is to make it so difficult to do so that they attract attention or just give up and move on to their next target.
While the locks that come standard with most windows provide a slight barrier to entry, they could be better. Once you realize how easy it is to get into with a standard factory lock, improving your window security locks should be a must.
Why do you need improved window locks?
You want to make it a pain in the butt for criminals to get in.
If your home is broken into, it will cost over 2300.00 dollars, according to statistics. Just one laptop computer could cost more than that. So the lose would probably substantial.
Not to mention the way a person would feel if their home was violated.
Do it yourself with after market locks
Aftermarket locks that can be installed by the homeowner are a great solution. they are not expensive and and just about anyone can do it.
There are a wide range of after market home window security locks. What you pick will be a personal preference along with what you want it to do. Taking your time to install it right will be make you feel acomplished and maybe even a little proud that you have made your home a little bit harder to get in.
What if I don’t understand the directions
We all know a lot of stuff is not made in the United States. The directions that come with things usually don’t make sense. You have to look at the pictures that come with what you are trying to install.
If you really can’t figure out what to do there is always youtube. You can almost always find a video made by someone showing how to do just about everything.
Window Wedge
What it is? It’s a wedge.
It goes in the tack of the window with the pointy part of the wedge facing down. When the window is opened, the wedge prevents it from being opened any further.
A wedge is a wedge. So where do you install it?
That depends on where you want the window to stop when it’s being opened. If you want to let some fresh air in, place it in a spot where the window can be lifted up a couple of inches. If you want it to remain closed, position it in the track right at the bottom window.
There are window wedges that screw into the track and ones that don’t. If you find one you like and it’s a screw in one, just get some double sided velco. This way you can place it in different positions in the track and not have to drill any holes.
Of course, if you want to DIY it, just make your own wedge out of a piece of wood and the use the double sided velcro.
Burglar bar
One of the most simple DIY window locks you will find.
It’s a hinge made out of Lexan. It’s tough. It’s easy to install. This particular one requires no tools for installation. You to have to love that.
It uses an adhesive to stick. It is a strong adhesive. It sticks to the window. All that is needed is to flip it so the bottom window is blocked from opening.
If someone is going to try and really force the window open, it will probably break. This will get the attention of neighbors or people passing by or even the homeowner, if home.
Window restrictor cable
This DIY window lock will require a drill. It’s still easy to install. You attach one end to a window frame and the other to the window.
You’ll have to be careful attaching it to the window as not to break the glass. Using one that is keyed is a good idea. This way it can’t be removed if the criminal manages to somehow get something inbetween the 2 windows trying to disengage it.
It also good for limiting how far the window will open to prevent little kids from getting out that way.
keyed sash lock
This can be used in place of or in conjunction with the standard sash locks that come with windows.
This has to be attached to the both windows. You should be careful when doing this as not to break the glass. It may take some extra pateince, but is worth the effort.
You need a key to open it so appling force to the window will not open it like nonkeyed sash locks.
the keyed lock will also prevent an intruder from slipping something inbetween the windows and disengaing the lock.
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