Timber or Metal pole for Window Security?

Update: thanks everyone, went with a combination of recommendations. Timber dowels on the bottom of window frame and steel screw lock at top. This along with existing flimsy lock should be enough for them to make a he'll of a lot of noise.

I guess ultimately most thieves are opportunistic, looking for windows or car doors left unlocked (depending where u live of course…)

Cheers OZB peeps


We have just moved into a new apartment (villa type 2.bedroom).

Can anyone give advice on materials they've successfully used to secure a window from being opened? Our windows have small locks (that don't instill confidence), and I'm just wanting some back up in case.

Obviously if someone wants to enter a house they can if determined enough. But the aim is to deter without to much daily inconvenience to secure - a wooden, steel or similar pole seems to suit.

The window would be closed fully at night, and the pole cut snug into the entire channel, so there would be no way someone could put a device through to lift the pole out. Potentially in summer I might look at another solution for partially open windows (though renting makes it hard to go drilling holes).

I'm hoping to pick up from a hardware store, and I can cut it to size. Timber seems to be what most people use, I would imagine a good hardwood could work but still potential to split under pressure.

(I will be asking the landlord, through the real estate, to see if they will go halves in installing a dead lock on the front door), once I get some quotes.

Appreciate anyhelp - I couldn't see any other forums on this topic.

Cheers

Comments

  • +3

    Just a chunk of dowel in the slide rail of the window and any sliding doors (assuming they are sliding windows) will be fine- as long as the dowel is a bit thicker (I use 15mm I think). You can also get these little guys: https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEw…

    I use these on the narrower windows or ones I want to open a tiny bit

    • also place one on thw top slightly smaller than the sliding window
      that way u cant take the whole window out cause the stick on the top needs to be taken out before you can

      got told by a locksmith to do this, combined with your recommendation

    • I also just realised my link didn't paste

      https://www.bunnings.com.au/sliding-window-lock-ikonic-alumi…

      These screw into the window track and stop the window opening to whatever point you choose

    • Thats great! I think ill pick up some of these this afternoon. I have some thick rubber matting so may experiment, so to not scratch the frame. Cheers !

  • +13

    You're over thinking it, timber dowel is more than enough. The force required to break the dowel is going to be more than anyone's going to bother with before they either give up or just smash the glass.

  • +1

    One option is to put in a permanent bar in the track which prevents the window from being openned more than a certain distance. Then you don't need to worry about re-inserting the rods etc (or having the kids remove them to play swords etc)

    • Good option, but can allow the window to be lifted out of the track.

  • Do you own the apartment?

    • No

      • Oh yeah I just saw your part about landlord. The landlord should want a deadlock on there, if someone breaks in they might not just steal your stuff they might damage the apartment and then he and his REA will have to go through the bother and cost of insurance. So he should pay 100% really. Though if you want to increase your odds of being renewed and not facing unjustified rental increases you might offer to pay for it yourself.

        • Yeah i get what your saying about them paying but im happy to go 50%. With rentals tight and prices high he's leasing pretty reasonably, and we intend to be there long stay, so prefer to build some trust.

          I agree 100% its crazy they havent installed a dead lock for their investment- the front door handle feels like a "internal door handle" super loose and flimsy.

    • Almost there, have the deposit pretty much ready. Just timing atm is not great, though not sure when will be either.

      • Good luck, hope they'll sell it to you for a reasonable price.

    • Sweet, I'll just chase them out the door when they come in 😅🤣 - probably going to install 2 solar security cams in the back yard also.

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