Window plugs and other reliable ways to protect children

How to select and install a lock on a plastic window to prevent children and thieves

The system for opening plastic windows is not perfect. Window handle with key, brown window handle plug, white 400 rub. Buy. Handles for plastic windows require such a handle on doors and plastic windows. Situations often occur when thieves sneak into the house through the windows. You can also expect big failure if a small, inquisitive child lives in the apartment. Window locks, which provide protection against unauthorized opening, can help in both situations.

Window protection with a lock

Design and main functions of a window lock

Locks for plastic windows come in different types, but they all actually have the same operating mechanism. A special device is locked with a key, thereby preventing it from opening.

The window lock consists of the following parts:

• a guide angle and a corresponding gasket, which protects the plastic of the window from damage;
• housings with a locking mechanism;
• linings under the body to protect window plastic;
• key that unlocks the mechanism.

Window lock device

The window lock is used for:

• protecting babies from falling out of the window opening. Almost all children are curious. They like to play with window handles and other mechanisms. A small child will not be able to open the window without a key, and, therefore, will not be able to fall out of it;

Without a window lock, children's games are unsafe

• protection against window break-ins and entry into the apartment. Most thieves cannot open strong metal doors, so they try to enter the apartment through window openings.

Burglar protection is the second important function of locking devices

When is a plug socket needed?

The use of this type of fittings can be due to various reasons, among which the most common are the following:

• Ensuring children's safety
  . As you know, young children are very curious. A child left unattended can climb onto the windowsill and open the window. Recently, when PVC windows have become widespread, cases of children falling out of windows have become more frequent, because opening it with a regular handle is quite simple. This does not require much effort and can be done even by a 1.5-2 year old child. Installing a plug socket allows you to remove the handle and hide it away from a playful baby, to a place where he cannot reach on his own;

• Improving the aesthetics of the window system
  . Some consumers believe that handles sticking out on the profile spoil the appearance of the window, violate the integrity of the structure, and the interior image being formed. In this case, a plug-socket will be the best solution to the problem. The handle appears only when you need to open the sash and ventilate.

Handle lock

Handles with a lock are most often installed on plastic windows. The principle of operation of the device is quite simple. Lock - socket or plug. Regular window handles and special ones with a lock are enough. The handle has a built-in lock that can be locked with a key. To perform any manipulations with the window sash, you must turn the key to the working position.

Handle lock is the most popular solution

You can replace a regular handle with a product with a lock yourself. To do this, follow these steps:

1. the plug rotates, behind which the handle fastening bolts are hidden;
2. using a screwdriver of the required size, the bolts are unscrewed and the closing device is removed;
3. a new handle with a lock is inserted and secured;
4. the plug returns to the desired position.

Window handle replacement diagram

Type of handle

with a lock is a handle with a push-button lock. You can open a window or perform any manipulations only after pressing the button located on the handle.

Window handle with button lock

What should I replace the handle on the window with?

Manufacturers offer lines of handles that share a common design, but with different functions. For example, in the Roto Swing line of handles from the Roto company there are options for all types of structures: for simple, children's and burglar-proof windows, sliding and balcony doors.

Photo: the original design of the handle is the same in all models, and the details are individual - you can choose all the necessary types of handles for your home, for example, a 2-sided handle for a balcony door

Roto handles of all models are characterized by long, trouble-free operation - they are completely metal and ergonomic, and the decorative coating cannot be erased.

Photo: all that remains is to choose the model that suits your interior: the sophisticated Roto Line, the rebellious Roto Swing or the classic Roto Samba. Any of them will last at least 10 years - confirmed by tests and certificate RAL-RG 607/9

A handle is a small detail that can radically change the appearance of a window or change its function. Replacing a regular handle with a beautiful handle with a key will help solve two problems at the same time - beauty and child safety.

Average market prices for Roto handles (without installation)

Stylish and modern handles will allow you to make your window beautiful and modern with a minimal budget!

Overhead window lock

Overhead child locks on windows consist of two elements:

• main block
  , which is attached to the window sash;
• additional block installed on the window frame.

The advantage of an overhead window lock is the ability to freely ventilate the room

The main difference between the type is the ability to freely open the window to ventilate the room. The lock does not allow the window to be opened completely.

The lock is installed as follows:

1. marks are placed on the window frame for attaching the main lock block;
2. using a drill, carefully make holes in the marking areas;
3. The first part of the device is secured with the bolts included in the kit;
4. after attaching the main block with a drill, holes are drilled in the window frame to attach the second part of the mechanism;
5. an additional block is installed and secured.

Ways to protect windows

So, currently on sale you can find the following products to protect children from falling out:

Devices to protect children from falling out

Below we will take a closer look at the operating principles and features of all these devices.

Stub

As you know, “everything ingenious is simple.” And child-proof plugs for windows and doors are a clear confirmation.

The fact is that these products are linings that are installed instead of handles for windows or doors. There is a hole in the middle of the trim into which you can insert a removable handle when you need to open the window. The cover also has a decorative cover that hides the hole for the handle .

The plug implies the use of a removable handle

Among the advantages of this solution are the following points:

• It is, of course, impossible to open the window without a handle. Therefore, this device is one of the most reliable. The only thing is to store the pen so that the child cannot use it himself;
• the plug, as mentioned above, has a decorative cover, so the aesthetics of the window do not suffer. Actually, this is the function of the plug - it preserves the attractive appearance of the window after removing the handle;
• It’s easy to install with your own hands; to do this, you just need to unscrew the screws on the handle plate, and then just pull it out. A plug is screwed in place of the handle with self-tapping screws. In this case, you can use the handle itself to open and close the sash;
• the cost of this device is the lowest - in the range of 250-400 rubles.

As for the disadvantages, these include the need to take the handle and insert it into a special hole before each opening of the window, which is not very convenient . Moreover, it is not difficult to lose it.

If you come to the store to buy this device, keep in mind that you need a plug socket, as the seller may offer a plug for the bead groove.

Window lock built into the handle

Handle with lock

As you can easily guess from the name, this device is a window or door handle with a built-in lock inside. In my opinion, this device is similar in practicality to plugs. Of course, you won’t have to remove the handle every time, but you still need to take the key before opening the window.

Moreover, such a device has even more disadvantages than plugs:

• You may forget to lock the lock, especially if it was installed recently;
• It’s even easier to lose a key than a pen;
• the price of this product is much higher than the cost of the plug - 350-900 rubles.

Thus, a handle with a lock is only at first glance more convenient than a plug, but upon closer examination, it has a number of its own disadvantages .

Handle with button

Handle with button

A handle with a button is somewhat similar to an analogue with a key, the only difference being that to open the door you need to press the button, rather than opening the lock with a key. From the point of view of ease of use, such a system is much better than all of the above devices, since there is no need to carry a key with you. Moreover, a special mechanism even allows you to open the window to a safe distance without pressing a button.

However, such protection is only effective against very young children who cannot press the button. If the child is older, then safety remains in doubt . It is unlikely that anyone will argue that it is better to sacrifice your convenience in favor of the safety of the child.

As for the cost, the price is almost the same as the cost of handles with a lock.

In the photo there is a swing lock

Swing lock

The swing lock is an excellent alternative to all of the above devices . It is a lock that is installed below the sash and is opened with a key.

Among the advantages of the plow blocker, the following points can be highlighted:

• practicality - the sash can be opened in ventilation mode without opening the lock, since the mechanism is located below . Accordingly, the swing locker is more convenient to use than plugs and handles;
• safety - in this parameter the device is not inferior to the products described above;
• strength - to pull out the latch, even an adult will have to put in a lot of effort, but a child will never be able to do this;
• installation is extremely simple - to install the lock, you only need to screw in a few screws;
• low cost - a lock can be purchased for only 70-100 rubles.

The only disadvantage is that you can also forget to lock the lock. Therefore, you need to be careful, especially until closing it becomes a habit.

Flexible swing limiter

Flexible swing limiter

Swing limiters are no less popular than plastic plugs for plastic windows and other devices described above. The operating principle of this device resembles a chain that is installed on entrance doors. Those. in the closed state of the limiter, the sash can only be opened to a safe width, which is limited by the cable .

The limiters are equipped with a lock, so it can only be opened with a key. Thus, we highlight the following advantages of this device:

• reliability and safety;
• ease of installation - anyone can install a limiter on windows or doors;
• practicality - the window can be opened slightly or placed for ventilation.

No devices will make windows safe if low-quality glass is used in double-glazed windows. You can increase the strength and safety of glass yourself by gluing protective films on them. The latter will increase the strength of the glass and will also prevent fragments from flying away if they break.

The disadvantage of a flexible limiter is its relatively high cost, compared to other products - about 600-700 rubles.

An example of using a protective grill on a window

Lattices

A practical and convenient device is special child protection bars for windows. Unlike conventional grilles, they are attached to the window frame with self-tapping screws and are intended only to ensure child safety. The instructions for their installation are extremely simple, so even an inexperienced person can install the grille in 10-15 minutes.

When choosing these products, you must pay maximum attention to safety and practicality:

• the gratings should not contain horizontal elements so that a child cannot climb on them;
• the product must be compatible with the mosquito net;
• There should be no protruding or sharp parts on the surface of the product.

The grille can be used with a mosquito net

Under no circumstances should mosquito nets be used as protective elements, as their fasteners are unable to support the weight of a child. The presence of a mosquito net makes an open window even more dangerous, since the child sees the obstacle and can lean on it. This has already led to accidents many times.

It must be said that the grille does not necessarily have to completely cover the sash. A fence about a meter high is enough to ensure that evacuation through the windows remains possible in the event of a fire.

Grilles can be called the most convenient device to use, since they do not require the use of keys or removable handles. As for the cost, on average the price of these products ranges from 1000 rubles and may vary depending on the size.

Here, in fact, are all the devices for protecting children from falling out of windows that I wanted to tell you about.

Mortise lock for windows

A mortise lock for PVC windows is installed directly into the window profile. Only the mechanism well remains on the surface.

Mortise window lock

Installing the device yourself is more difficult than in previous cases. Handle for a plastic window with a lock. This requires:

1. mill the window sash on which the main part of the lock will be installed. To carry out the work, a milling machine is used. The size of the niche must match the size of the locking mechanism;
2. a part of the lock is installed in the niche and secured with the bolts supplied with the structure;
3. a hole is made in the window profile to install the second part of the mechanism - the key hole;
4. The keyhole is mounted and securely fastened.

After installation, the mortise lock looks very aesthetically pleasing

A mortise child lock on a plastic window, just like an overhead lock, allows you to ventilate the room without using a key.

Dummy lock

A deadbolt lock is a certain type of opening handle that is removable and thus prevents unauthorized opening of the window sash.

A removable lock handle for plastic windows is installed according to the standard scheme described above (replacing an ordinary handle with a device with a lock). What types of handles are there for plastic PVC windows? The difference lies in the installation of a plug in place of the handle, which has a rotating mechanism and is bolted to the top of the handle mount.

Correctly installed cover lock

Cable lock

Locks for plastic windows with cables consist of three parts:

• the main part to which one end of the cable is attached. To remove the restriction, a mechanism with a key is additionally installed in the main part;
• an additional part to which the second end of the limit cable is attached;
• the cable itself.

Window lock with restriction cable

Installing locks on windows

, having a limiter in the form of a cable, occurs in several stages:

1. in the selected location of the window frame, markings are made to install the main block of the lock with a latch;

1. holes for the bolts are made using a drill;
2. use a screwdriver or screwdriver to securely fasten the first part of the lock - limiter;
3. an additional block is installed on the opening window frame according to the same scheme;
4. the cable is attached to both components of the window lock.

Window lock with cable stop

Lock with key

The latest type of security device is a window lock (this type is also called a lock).

The lock allows you to open the window for ventilation

The device can be installed on any type of window, regardless of what material it is made of. The simplest mechanism blocks the opening of the window, but allows ventilation. The mechanism is locked using a key.

Installation of the lock-lock should be done as follows:

1. in the selected location: below, above or on the side (the main thing is that the device does not interfere with the normal opening of the window), marking and drilling of mounting holes are carried out;
2. The lock is secured with the bolts included in the kit;
3. The bolts themselves are closed with decorative plugs, also included in the kit.

Window opener

Recommendations for using the plug socket

It should be taken into account that the design consists of several parts that are manufactured as a set.
This is the key handle itself, equipped with a pin, and a hole on the profile (plug-socket) into which only this pin can be inserted. The handle will not fit into the plug socket if they do not belong to the same set. However, you can order a set of several plug sockets and one handle suitable for each of these holes. This allows you to use one removable element for all window sashes in a room or apartment at once.

Experts recommend that consumers order one handle for all plug sockets installed on windows in one room. In this case, the pen will not have to be moved from room to room, which is not always convenient.

To prevent the handle from accidentally getting lost and children not being able to open the window on their own, designate a special place for its placement, inaccessible to children. Cover the holes in the profile with special decorative plugs. They are made in the same color as the window frame. Holes covered with caps will not be visible, and the visual integrity of the window structure will not be compromised.

Popular window lock manufacturers and approximate cost of the device

There are many companies involved in the production of window accessories. Here are the most popular manufacturers of high-quality window fittings:

• Austrian company MACO. Selecting a handle for a plastic window and repairing a handle for a plastic window plug. All of the company’s fittings undergo additional anti-corrosion treatment. What types of handles are there for a plastic PVC window with a lock? The manufacturer's warranty is 10 years or 40 thousand cycles of use. The company mainly produces window handles with a lock or a push-button interlock as security devices. The average cost of one mechanism is 550 rubles (at the time of writing);
• German company ROTO. Specializes in the production of various security locks for any windows. The average cost of the mechanism is 300 – 500 rubles. The company’s specialists can develop an individual design of fittings at the request of the customer. However, such products will have a high cost;
• The European company Baby Safe Lock specializes in devices that protect children from various troubles. The BSL window lock differs from similar products from other manufacturers by additional protection in the form of a red key. Sealant for plastic windows, replace your windows as new rehau and kbe sealant for plastic windows. This aspect allows you to control the presence of a key in the lock and remove it during the process. The company produces a large number of window locks, the average cost of which ranges from 450 to 1000 rubles;
• The English company JACKLOC mainly produces window stops or cable locks. The average cost of products from this manufacturer exceeds 1,500 rubles. Window locks with stops are available in a variety of colors. Plastic windows veka. Door handle door handles are made of special. The length of the cable is 200mm, which allows you to open the window to a maximum of 150mm. The products fully comply with Russian standards and have a high safety margin.

Deciding on the need for additional window protection, as well as choosing the design and type of product, is a priority for the residents of a house or apartment. These simple devices, which are inexpensive, can reliably protect the home and small children from big troubles. All window locks can be installed without the help of specialists.

In addition, you can also familiarize yourself with the types and features of anti-burglary window fittings in our next article.