Window Locks

[Guest janee]

I need lockable window handles for the balcony windows on my first floor flat, which has no window locks on accessible windows. I have double-glazed laminated glass windows, but no locks.

I'm perfectly happy to buy my own lockable handles, but I have a lot of trouble locating the manufacturer. Downstairs flat has identical handles, but lockable. The building contractor told me the name of the window manufacturer, and they didn't recognise the window handles, nor did the supplier they suggested I contact.

These window handles are for timber framed windows, and I expect I'd need to fit an identical handle, to fit in the holes. As for locks that I could add myself, the trouble is, the inside of the window frames are bevelled, not flat, so difficult to fit additional locks.

The HA aren't much help, they just say 'Secured By Design' and that's the end of story, as far as they are concerned. All I want are a few lockable handles, but it's so unnecessarily complicated.

Any advice?

[Rich]

Call in some glazers to give you a quote, and say you allready had someone out but they didnt know the makes so couldn't help.

Then just make sure your listening when they say " Ahh yeah they are the mickmouse co locks" .

[ian.cant]

You can buy them at B&Q Wharehouses

[FASTCAR]

Some ideas here..Mila

[Guest janee]

Thanks for your replies. I think the problem maybe something to do with spindle size, but I'm not sure how I find this out. I think I may have to remove one of the window handles and measure something, not sure what. Because I can't use any old locking handles, it has to fit the existing holes, as far as I'm aware. I could be wrong, though.

The trouble is, I cannot locate the exact handle, it's like looking for a needle in a haystack, and even the information from the contractor wasn't much use

But I will persevere. If I call out a glazier, I could end up being billed £50+ for his time, and he may not make any useful suggestions anyway - after all the hardware companies haven't come up with anything so far

If only the right handles were installed in the first place.

I think I'll either have to persevere with the HA, and hope that they will deal with the contactors

[ian.cant]

Thanks for your replies. I think the problem maybe something to do with spindle size, but I'm not sure how I find this out. I think I may have to remove one of the window handles and measure something, not sure what. Because I can't use any old locking handles, it has to fit the existing holes, as far as I'm aware. I could be wrong, though.

The trouble is, I cannot locate the exact handle, it's like looking for a needle in a haystack, and even the information from the contractor wasn't much use

But I will persevere. If I call out a glazier, I could end up being billed £50+ for his time, and he may not make any useful suggestions anyway - after all the hardware companies haven't come up with anything so far 

If only the right handles were installed in the first place. 

I think I'll either have to persevere with the HA, and hope that they will deal with the contactors

[j.paul]

Any advice?

Try one of your local "locksmiths"

Or you could take one of the handles off then call into a few double glazing companies..

(look for the ones that make their own windows )

Or one of the big builders merchant in your area...

[Guest janee]

Thanks a lot. The only problem is, that if I take out the handle, I'd be leaving at least one of my windows insecure

But anyway, I will persevere. My only hope is to pursue the matter with the building contractors, but it's still a long shot as to whether I'll ever get through to someone who actually knows what locking handle I need, and where I can get them

[Guest]

Im confused - surely to open the handle from the outside the intruder would have to smash the glass anyway to get at it???? - so doesnt this defeat the object of having locking handles if the could climb through the then open window because the glass has smashed???

[Guest janee]

For insurance purposes, window locks are usually required.

Yes, the intruder would have to break the glass, then open the window. So, by having locked windows, they would need to climb through broken glass.

Admittedly, the benefits are probably minimal, but even so, it's an extra precaution, and insurance companies often insist.

Im confused - surely to open the handle from the outside the intruder would have to smash the glass anyway to get at it???? - so doesnt this defeat the object of having locking handles if the could climb through the then open window because the glass has smashed???

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