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Interior Design
12 Easy-To-Install Window Locks For Your Home’s Safety
Modified: December 6, 2023
Lock burglars out with these 12 easy-to-install window locks for your home. Your family's safety must always be your first priority.
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At first glance, your home is probably the safest place for you and your family. But just one slip-up such as forgetting to lock doors or windows could endanger anything you hold dear. To burglar-proof your home, here are easy-to-install window locks to ensure your home’s a safe and secure place for the whole family.
Advantages of Using Window Locks
Letting air in by opening your windows is a great way to eliminate indoor air pollutants and odors. But as you experience the serene and welcoming embrace of the wind, you should avoid the mistake of forgetting to secure and lock your windows.
Burglars could easily use windows, which are their favorite entrances, that are fully or partially open to enter a home. Simply put, it’s a good practice to always lock your windows. Because criminals will take any opportunity they could get.
This is where window locks come in handy. These devices are best used for dealing with burglars that keep on sneaking into your house. May it be installing window screen locks on all your windows or hidden cameras that are discreet enough to be noticed, putting you and your family’s safety first is essential.
Another advantage of using window security locks in your home is preventing toddlers and kids from climbing on windows and eventually falling and hurting themselves in the process. Hence, keeping everything secure inside is as important as keeping anything from getting in.
Types of Window Locks
Since not all houses have the same window type, here are some window locks to find what suits your needs for added security at home.
Keyed Locks
Keyed locks are indeed one of the safest ways to secure your home. Other than having a key to manually open and shut windows securely, they can be used for sliding and vertical window types. Just drill a hole in the window sill, attach the locks, and you’re done! But do note that you got to be extra careful in keeping your keys safe. Hence, key lock boxes are the way to go.
Sliding Window Locks
If you have sliding windows, put this type of window lock on the tracks to prevent them from opening. The best thing about these is that they are inexpensive and you don’t need any tools to attach them to your windows.
There are two types of sliding window locks. There’s the screw-type, and the other uses a lever. The former requires you to twist the wing nut to lock and unlock it, while the latter needs you to turn the lever.
Latch
Single-hung and double-hung windows are the most famous window types in America. With this, latches are the best window lock for these types of windows. They’re placed on top of the window sash to prevent it from opening. For double-hung windows, both sashes become fixed together so no one can be open both of them from the outside. People often choose locks like this for their windows mainly because you can effortlessly secure your windows with a simple latch pull.
Lag Screw
Lag screws are a budget-friendly option for those wanting additional home security at home for a low price. One thing to do is to drill some holes in your window, then insert your lag screws. An edge of this window lock is that you can secure your windows even if they are partly opened so that you can enjoy ventilation and security at the same time. But don’t consider lag screws your primary source of protection since the product’s price says a lot about its quality.
Swivel Action Locks
These locks have a unique style of keeping your windows closed. They have this self-locking snib that prevents windows from being opened. This is a great way to instantly lock windows without using keys or having to turn or push any lever. Just turn the snib, and your windows will release right away.
Smart Locks
Technology has dramatically improved our home living and safety experiences. Smart window locks don’t need keys and can be operated using your phone. Another key feature about smart locks is their built-in sensors that notify you when your windows have been compromised.
Opening Control Devices
To still enjoy the breeze and promote air circulation at home, you can keep windows secure by opting for window-opening control devices. These devices are just perfect for partially opening windows and for keeping children from potentially falling outside. However, the suggested gap when using these window locks is about 4 inches only.
Read more: How To Lock Eufy Smart Lock
Pros and Cons of Using Window Locks For Your Home
Keeping your home locked and secured is the best kind of defense you can offer for your family. Yet, if you’re still uncertain about buying window locks or your home, here is a bunch of pros and cons worth considering before buying.
Pros
- Prevents burglars and intruders from entering
- Helps you secure your belongings and family’s state of being
- Keeps kids safe from opening and eventually falling from windows
Cons
- High-quality window locks can be costly
- Keys can be misplaced or fall into the wrong hands
Now that you have gained some of the good and bad points of having locks for your windows, you can check these 12 easy-to-install window locks if you ever feel you need one.
12 Easy-To-Install Window Locks
Locking your windows down is a great preventive measure to keep intruders out. Hence, you should try window locks like this from Prime-Line. This sash lock is versatile enough to be used as horizontal and vertical sliding window locks, allowing you to spend less time finding the proper safety locks for your windows. Aside from that, this product’s diecast construction makes it more durable and reliable than plastic window locks available in the market.
Specifications
- Ideal for horizontal and vertical sliding windows
- Durable and sturdier than plastic ones
Specifications
- Dimensions are ‎1.12 inches by 2.6 inches by 0.87 inches
- Baked-on white enamel finish
- Diecast construction
Pros
- Easy to install
- Ideal for any window sash
Cons
- Will not work if the window is slightly slanted
If in doubt about plastic locks, then a stainless steel one should take your worries away. These sliding window locks are such a life-saver and are compatible enough to be used for your sliding glass doors, cabinets, and closets. More so, they have these non-slip silicone pads that protect your windows from getting scratches.
Key Features
- Durable and rust-proof
- Adjustable length to fit any window
Specifications
- Dimensions are 2.7 inches by 1.37 inches by 1.2 inches
- High-quality, thickened stainless steel
- Comes in 4 window locks
Pros
- No tools required
- With non-slip silicone pads
Cons
- Can be opened with a screwdriver
Keep kids safe from harmful elements outside when you use these door wedge locks. Specifically designed for toddlers, these window locks are the easiest way to prevent little, curious hands from opening your windows. You can also use these for your cabinets and closets to fully baby-proof your home.
Key Features
- Convenient safety stopper
- Simple, child-friendly design
Specifications
- Dimensions are 4.5 inches by 0.85 inches by 7.75 inches
- Comes in 4 pieces
Pros
- Multipurpose
- Easy to install
Cons
- Not suitable to adhere to glass
- Not to be used as your primary safety window lock
Protecting your family from unwanted intruders can be easy by installing window locks like this from Amazon. These window locks are ideal for letting the breeze in and keeping burglars out of your house. Additionally, Defender Security’s window locks are best used for horizontal sliding windows. However, they can also be used for most vertical sliding and single-hung windows as secondary protection.
Key Features
- Vice-like grip
- Adjustable jaw
Specifications
- Dimensions are ‎1.18 inches by 1 inch by 5.44 inches
- Diecast construction
Pros
- No drilling and tools required
- Must have for window AC units
Cons
- Poorly designed
- Only for vinyl windows
If peace of mind is what you long for, then the ultimate key to that is this set of 4 sliding window locks. You’ll thank us since the lock on this set is durable and sturdy enough to hold windows in place. The company restructured their locks so that you can place them on the middle tracks of your windows. It also comes with a vertical key that you can use for easier locking and unlocking.
Key Features
- Durable and sturdy
- With anti-rust coating
- Adjustable security locks
Specifications
- Dimensions are ‎1.2 inches by 0.94 inches by 0.94 inches
- Made of aluminum alloy
Pros
- Quick installation
- Wide enough to fit different window frames
- Equipped with vertical keys for middle track
Cons
- Can quickly come off with blunt force
Constructed from zinc diecast, this window sash lock from Prime-Line is something you and your family can lean on when it comes to home security. Another great thing about these locks is that they offer an almost unnoticeable look despite being the perfect window latches for vintage and modern windows.
Key Features
- Sturdy and durable
- Cam-type sash lock
Specifications
- Dimensions are 0.62 inches by 2.5 inches by 0.87 inches
- White finish
Pros
- Easy to install
- No sharp edges
Cons
- For double-hung windows only
- Can’t be locked if metal is soft to hold
Losing your window lock keys is the last thing you want to happen. Instead of constantly rummaging and looking for your keys, you can use these window flip locks for your windows. This creates a wedge design between the top and bottom sash, which prevents the latter from being opened upon installation. However, this window lock is designed for single glazed or pane vertical sliding windows for ventilation or only a secondary lock.
Key Features
- Heavy-duty construction
- Ideal for dual pane windows
Specifications
- Dimensions are ‎0.43 inches by 1 inch by 2 inches
- Stamped steel construction
- Antique brass finish
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Perfect for air ventilation
Cons
- Not mountable on metal
- Not ideal to use as main window locks
Leaving your windows open and unlocked is now possible when you use these Cardinal Gates Safe Window Warden. Window locks like this give you control over how far your window can be opened, giving you a worry-free time with your kids as you let in the fresh air. You can instantly remove them in emergency cases by pushing down the body. It’s as easy as that!
Key Features
- Simple, compact design
- Ideal for double-hung and sliding interior windows
Specifications
- Dimensions are 2 inches by 1 inch by 0.25 inches
Pros
- Easy to install
- Easy to remove in case of emergencies
Cons
- Not for casement, awning, or hopper-type windows
Who knew that stopping burglars from coming in can only be done in three easy steps and only cost less than 7 dollars? That’s right. These security locks are one way to save up on expensive locks devices without affecting the protective measure one offers. Besides, these window locks can make your windows adjustable as you can screw them tight or loose. Thus, you can keep windows past a certain degree for a smell of fresh air from the outside.
Key Features
- Reusable
- Adjustable window opening
Specifications
- Dimensions are 9 inches by 1 inch by 6 inches
- Made of aluminum
Pros
- No drilling
- No equipment required
- Straightforward and easy to install
Cons
- Doesn’t fit most windows
You don’t need to change your windows to install window locks of today since windows made from 1968 up to this day can still be great when paired with this sash lock from Andersen. They’re not just ideal for safeguarding your home but also great for keeping water and wind out during the rainy and cold season. Other than that, they are perfect for those looking for a better replacement for their older Andersen sash locks.
Key Features
- Works with window grills
- Suitable for non-tilt double-hung windows
Specifications
- Dimensions are ‎5.25 inches by 1.25 inches by 2.5 inches
- Made of composite material
Pros
- Easy to install
- Great vintage, stone color
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Appears to be plastic
You are guaranteed an extra secure home when you use this Defender Security Sash Lock. This keyed window lock can be used on vertical single, and double-hung, or horizontal sliding windows. To lock the device, the only thing you need to do is remove the key from the lock since this sash lock allows you to open and close your windows with the key included. Hence, you can now say goodbye to losing keys from time to time.
Key Features
- Strong and durable
- Ideal for placing on wood, vinyl, and aluminum sashes
Specifications
- 2-inch mounting hole center spacing
- With 0.625-inch deep keeper
- Zinc diecast construction
Pros
- Available in white and brass-plated
- Each lot contains a limited mix of key numbers
Cons
- Only unlocks with key
- For double-hung windows only
Durable window locks aren’t that hard to find. Have this security window lock wedge, for example. You can now double your protection from burglars as well as keep windows closed when the AC is on. On a side note, window locks like this are perfect as a secondary security option only.
Key Features
- Sturdy and well-made
- Simple, ingenious design
Specifications
- Dimensions are 8.6 inches by 2.3 inches by 2.3 inches
- Adjusts from 7.5 inches to 14 inches in length
Pros
- Does not form dents
- Removable in case of fire
Cons
- Seems smaller than it appears
A little added security wouldn’t hurt, and it could be the form of right locks for your windows. As you enjoy fresh air safely with your safety needs covered, you might want to check these best gun cabinet picks to keep your weapons locked away safely.
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