I’ve never really liked locking window handles due to the need to escape in case of fire. The tiny keys get lost and even standard double glazed units are incredibly strong and can be difficult to break for some people.
The push-to-lock type that can be locked without a key are even worse as children tend to push them, locking the handles even after the keys have been lost.
As for security, I’m not sure how useful they are either. An intruder would have to break the glass anyway to open an unlocked handle.
Like most suppliers, we supply locking window handles as standard simply because customers want them for security purposes, however the following video demonstrates how insecure some types of locks can be, particularly the older types.
Guest post by David Bingham of ConservatoryLand
Tags: locking window handles, picking window handles, window handles, Window Hardware, Window Security
Is this for when the Burglar gets stuck in the house and needs to get out?!
Simplified at some point in time a hardware manufacturer, probably to gain more sales, has determined that locking windows provde addtional security as they stop the burglar having an easy means of escape or an easy option for removing goods from your house and then convinced the insurance companies of the same. Sadly means of escape in a fire is not as important to the insurance companies as YOU are not part of their liablilities.
I used to find that some older types you didnt even need to use the lock. Just pull the handle firmly towards you and it will bend away from the lock and a twist at the same type and it is open.
Whether this still works on any modern ones i don’t know. I could come and try some in your showroom if you like?
Dave – a good post once again. I’m so used to looking at locking handles, though, they’d look funny without the fiddly silver bit.
I think Anthony has hit the nail on the head , another gimmick that ends up as mainstream as everyone jumps on the bandwagon. They do of course help with on of the many building regulation contradictions I’m afraid . You must have fire egress hinges to first floor bedrooms , but are quite at liberty to fit locking handles and child restrictors to them aswell. I think some people should not be allowed opening windows anyway, it seems that once opened all their commonsense flies out of it.