Reddit mentions: The best window dressing hardware

Regarding personal security, window locks are all and good, but be sure to get security film as well. It's surprisingly cheap (dunno how good this brand is, but 30 inches by 6.5 feet for $40)

A good security film goes on clear, or close enough and makes it dramatically more difficult to break the glass. It's not the end-all be-all, of course, but it should buy you more time if he goes full psycho and tries to break in.

And if there's any chance at all that he has a key to your place, rekey. Replacing locks is easy and relatively inexpensive.

Actual bullet-proof glass is expensive and probably has to be professionally installed. Even so, bullets will still go through exterior walls and drywall quite easily.

My first suggestion if you truly fear for your family's safety is to move. I know you said the property has been in the family for a very long time, but you should ask yourself it the property is worth a family member dying - if that's what you really think would happen if you stayed.

My second suggestion if you can't afford the stiff bill for the bulletproof glass - is to add some basic fortification to the home to prevent unauthorized entry. A door jamb reinforcement kit and some window security film will go a long way for preventing access to anyone trying to break in. A firearm (or a few) is a must if allowed in your jurisdiction. Just make sure everyone gets some safety training if they're not familiar with guns. Another thing to look into is a monitored alarm. Dogs are also great deterrents and alerts.

My point here is, it's much more effective use of your money fortifying and securing your home than it is to try to make it bulletproof. Unless you are very wealthy, that is going to break the bank. Go browsing around the subreddit and read some wiki articles to get more ideas on fortification and what other people have done.

I have no idea what they are specifically or if there's a proper name/designation for them but looking at the picture I offer my best guesstimates as to what you could use as a solution


Clip rings: with these I figure maybe a small incision along the collar line that you stick them through so the clip "mouth" faces out (instead of the back part that's the V which could be hidden inside the coat or lining)

I know you said you didn't think it was a zipper but looking at the picture I think maybe you could use one? though you could take off the zipper slide
So just in case you go that way

In the world of zippers I also found these top pieces (which seem to be clips for the bottom/top of zippers to act as stoppers)
Size option A
Size option B These seem like you could get use out of them, they come in packs of 10 so buy a bunch and then I think you could clip them on tightly to the fabric)

Since all the things are silver you could I'm use just weather/paint them a bit to get the match to the brass/gold in the picture. Like I said I have no solid idea of what they are but best estimate as to how you could do it this is what I offer

Thanks!

The display doesn't get any direct (or really, indirect) exposure to sunlight. There's a window facing the case, but it's always completely blocked with cellular blinds, so no sunlight.

I just now did a bit of research after you asked, and it does seem like there is still some longterm risk with other indirect sources of UV light. This article is pretty informative:

https://www.cardboardconnection.com/ultra-pro-uv-protection-guide

One option seems to be the UV rated holders. But for graded cards in slabs, the UV protected holders obv won't work, so perhaps something like this could work as well:

https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Protection-Window-Film-Wide/dp/B004JAW3KW

Any ideas or insight on how we can better protect from light exposure?

No problem, I'm happy to help, ambiguous packaging like this really annoys me.

EDIT:
OK I think I've solved this,

I looked on amazon.com and found curtain rings matching your pictures here It looks like they are nickel plated, and according to the Agency for toxic substances and Disease
>"The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has determined that nickel metal may reasonably be anticipated to be a carcinogen and that nickel compounds are known human carcinogens"

So in conclusion it appears that these rings are nickel plated and that since they are a moving part (i.e. curtains drawn repeatedly) there is a potential of creating Nickle dust which is considered by the OEHHA to be a carcinogen (which is why it has the warning).

My opinion on this matter is that you should return them or throw them away and get some wood or steel ones.

Thank you for the Gold whoever gave me it!

I know of two, purchasable options that exist:

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Security window film on the inside of windows - won't stop glass from breaking, but will control glass particles and could prevent something like a branch breaking all the way through the glass: https://www.amazon.com/Security-Window-Film-Wide-Roll/dp/B004LDBPY2

​

Hurricane clips exist, which let you place plywood in the window casing without drilling (not an option on all window types, but pretty great if it works for your space): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014PYV0P0/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_AlBADbHFM1CCB

ditch the curtain and do something like this on the window

Its really simple if you get a window kit. You clean the window, spray it down with soapy water, then peel the clear film off the back of the window film (think peeling the white paper off sticky velcro) then use the squeegy to flatten out all the bubbles

You don't need a curtain by using this, and nobody can see it. Right away this will make the room feel larger cus you don't have a dark curtain in the way.

My next suggestion would be to find a crafty person who can sew and have them hem a shower curtain so it doesn't drag the floor.

The register in the floor could be replaced with a decorative metal version in stainless steel...and it would end up looking like a drain.

As for color, I think a nice light blue grey would work.

Did the thief actually break the window glass? There's stuff you can get called security film to protect glass windows.

One thing I do is use a bar of some sort that makes it so my windows can't open, like this.

My heart really goes out to you, and I know how violated something like this can make you feel. I highly recommend speaking with a counselor or therapist. Also see if any friends would be willing to stay with you at your apartment to help you feel safe and get some sleep.

Remove the balance “squiggly thing” and measure its length. They sell them on amazon. You will also need the little tool to put them in. It’s not a necessity but it makes it super easy.

Prime-Line FL 2920 Spiral Tilt Balance, 3/8-Inch, Red https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F0I2IHA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_VzhJBbNR4EJKC

Window Tension Tool - Engage the Balance and Insert Into the Proper Window Shoe - Tilt Window Balance Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004WE0I7A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_sAhJBbH2PZ51F

It's real easy to do and actually looks pretty good. Make sure you get the application kit. Gila RTK500 Window Film Application Tool Kit, Complete https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002YXPITY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fX1Rzb03PRD9R

For anybody who searches and finds this thread later, I bought the ones I linked from Amazon and will cut to size. There's 10 in a pack so I can mess one or two up. ;)

These: https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Line-Products-8510-Thumbscrews-Aluminum/dp/B00E8NARBC/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1519919549&sr=8-7&keywords=%238-32+thumb+screw

If anybody ever needs an update on how it turned out just reply to one of my posts in here in the future and I'll reply when I see it. If it turns out super great I'll probably make new post to show pics.

Blackout EZ Window Cover - Large (45" x 66") Black/White
http://amzn.com/B006S65GAE

I bought these and even though I only have 2 out of the three windows covered, I have been sleeping better. I don't know how dark it gets because my bathroom doesn't have a door so I get light coming through there. Only big issue I have is that my room gets really hot now if I keep my door closed. It might be better when I finally get the last window covered.

Thanks!
Here is a smaller roll, I think:
http://www.amazon.com/Security-Window-Film-Wide-Roll/dp/B004LDBPY2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395255772&sr=8-1&keywords=window+security+film

Does this stuff seem to be as good as the 3M film? It looks like they only sell it through "authorized" channels.

arlo pro 2s kit pointed at the entry points and the points of egress further into the house, maybe a trail cam with a wifi enabled sd card setup to capture license plates, or raspberry pi cams if you are tech and hardware savvy. Then add the following physical security measures. use a door like this https://www.homedepot.com/p/32-in-x-80-in-6-Panel-Primed-Premium-Steel-Front-Door-Slab-THDJW166100315/202036384 for all exterior doors , just measure your door and order the correct size. Then add this lock https://www.amazon.com/Medeco-11TR50319-Residential-Restricted-Different/dp/B00E3FJQSA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524545911&sr=8-1&keywords=medeco+maxum+11603 and this frame reinforcement https://www.amazon.com/gp/huc/view.html?ie=UTF8&newItems=C2ae929ab-95e4-41e5-9003-f5dfdccf8fa0%2C1 with 3 inch security screws. Then repeat on your bedroom , and possibly your en suite bathroom. Add Window film like this https://www.amazon.com/S8MC-Window-Security-Safety-Clear/dp/B00FRLJU0I/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1525334252&sr=8-5&keywords=bdf+film if you can afford it.

There is UV window film like this one. Every year as summer rolls around and I feel like I'm being steamed alive I reconsider buying some ...

Looks like they are pretty readily available at a wide variety of places.

Home Depot

Amazon

Lowe's

Buy clear Security film from Amazon.

Remove when you leave.

The stuff on Amazon isn't the most amazing stuff. But it's still quite good. But since you rent there's no point in having the top shelf stuff professionally installed.

Any time you want to display something and protect it from UV just get something like this.

If you don't want to bother with sunscreen and you're concerned about aging, it's not a bad idea to buy a UV-blocking window film just for that one window. They're fairly cheap and easy to put on. Amazon even sells a roll for $30.

Yes, you can buy window film that's like what they use to tint car windows, but is completely clear and blocks UV.
http://www.amazon.com/Clear-Protection-Window-Film-Wide/dp/B004JAW3KW

Yes, there is! I used to be subscribed to a subreddit for home Security and I'll be damned if I can find it from my mobile. A quick Amazon search found this.

EDIT: /r/homedefense

Not all entryways have windows, such as apartment buildings. Windows and doorwalls can also have security film to hold together like windshields https://www.amazon.com/Security-Window-Film-Wide-Roll/dp/B004LDBPY2 You could also of course install bars over the window or door if needed

Lastly, there are glass break alarms via sensors on the glass or sonic sensors which detect the sound. These are a solid deterrent

What a strange attitude.

"Someone might be trying to break in. It makes more sense to me to invest hundreds of dollars in a tool whose only purpose is to end life, than it does to spend a few bucks beefing up the old home security. I'd rather have this guy break in and then kill him as opposed to preventing the break-in altogether."

Getting a gun to kill an intruder should be your absolutely last resort after everything else has failed.

Make sure the door has a deadbolt. (You can also get doorstop-style locks, or even use a regular ass doorstop.) Make sure your windows have locks. Make sure other entries and exits are secure, such as sliding glass doors. (A sliding glass door is often secured with a piece of wood or PVC pipe in the track, so the door cannot slide open.) Do not ignore balconies or small windows. Have an emergency exit plan - know the fastest way to get out and away to safety, and have at least a couple options just in case. (Which you should do already, in case of fire or flood or whatever.)

You can do all that very cheaply, if not free.

If you're willing to spend more money, consider a few other options:

Security window film. This is basically a high strength clear sheet that goes over your windows and makes them very difficult to break through.

Door reinforcement kit. This is cheaper than buying a full-on reinforced security door. It basically helps make your door much harder to force.

Motion lights. Your landlord may not allow this, and your neighbors might not appreciate it, but a motion-light near your door does wonders. People feel much less comfortable breaking the law when there is a bright light nearby that keeps going on.

There are books and books you can buy on home security, so I won't go on much more, but one last reminder: Violence should always be a last resort. Much better to either come across as a hard target and have burglars turn elsewhere to easier prey or simply foil the break-in altogether than it is to defend yourself with violence against an intruder.

Do you care about them being cloth or on a curtain rod?

Could always go vinyl

https://www.amazon.com/BlackoutEZ-Window-Cover-Large-Black-x/dp/B006S65GAE

They also do custom sizes https://blackoutez.com/Custom-Size-Window-Blackout-Shades

https://www.amazon.com/Security-Window-Film-Wide-Roll/dp/B004LDBPY2

Get yourself some window security film. My buddy who used to be a thief said it is the best cheapest most obvious thing that people never think of.

Security film your windows. They wont get through shit.

https://www.amazon.com/S8MC-Window-Security-Safety-Clear/dp/B00FRLJU0I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491453030&sr=8-1&keywords=security+film+for+glass+windows

There is this stuff https://www.amazon.com/PoochieGuard-Invisible-Lightweight-Protective-Windows/dp/B00VUR8PCM
Found under 'door frame protector'

or

You can get clear L's https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx

1. I am contacting my lawyer and insurance company to get everything finalized with the home purchase. (I'm also working.)
   
   
2. Because if I don't, I won't get the house. :/
   
   
3. Visit the insurance company, go to the laundromat, and pick up felty thingies for furniture on hardwood floors.
   
   
4. Lose 10 pounds
   
   
5. Oh dear. A scientific calculator, phone, cell phone, large paper clips, small paper clips, lotion, hand sanitizer, chapstick, pens, pencils, a calendar, manila folders, and two water bottles.
   
   
6. "The allowable stresses contained within the Specification are to be compared with stresses determined by analysis of the effects of design loads upon the structure."
   
   
7. AISC Manual of Steel Construction
   
   
8. Turkey sammich
   
   
9. The last book I read was "Silver Lining Playbook." I loved it!
   
   
10. See above.
    
    
11. This curtain rod. It would be the only one we have in the new house!
    
    Zweihander

> I'm not 100% sure of where you would be able to pick up a film like that..

Glass Protection Film

If you're really paranoid about the sun, you can always put on a clear UV film on your skylight so you can still enjoy it. There are lots of them available, the one I linked to is just the first one that popped up.

Looks like it does. You'd have to find a corresponding site from the UK, but it exists.

I found this on Amazon.

If the wheel was like a pulley, then this has a very high resemblance to a drapery cord tensioner.

Like this, but fancy: https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Line-MP9252-Drapery-Tension-Pulley/dp/B07797F314

Here's a metal one that would perhaps be a bit closer: https://www.hunterandhyland.co.uk/products/tension-pulley/

This is a similar idea if you can find the exact size you need.

If not they can make one with a heavy black cloth cut to fit inside the window frame with velcro on the window frame so it's removable.

Plastic tends to yellow over time, you might consider buying a UV light resistant film to put on the glass so that the plastic doesn't yellow.
http://www.amazon.com/Clear-Protection-Window-Film-Wide/dp/B004JAW3KW

Here is the desktop version of your link

https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Protection-Window-Film-Wide/dp/B004JAW3KW

Look at drapery hooks:

https://www.amazon.com/Dritz-44328-PinOn-Drapery-56-Pack/dp/B007WDTYSM

just get that stuff:

https://solarx.com/residential/security-film/

https://www.amazon.com/Security-Window-Film-Wide-Roll/dp/B004LDBPY2#customerReviews

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Until they brake trough the film you can drive away.

​

https://blackoutez.com/
http://www.amazon.com/Blackout-EZ-Window-Cover-Large/dp/B006S65GAE/

what if one were to put UV blocking film on them?

like this: http://www.amazon.com/Clear-Fade-Control-Blocking-Window/dp/B000KWRQA0

I'm not sure if Amazon delivers to your place, but they sell a one way mirror film you could put on a glass or plexiglass surface:

https://www.amazon.com/One-Way-Mirror-Film-30/dp/B00BBFUWQ0

if you don't know for sure, you can add UV protectant cling sheets
https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Protection-Window-Film-Wide/dp/B004JAW3KW

Get some 3M window film. like this. It makes it much harder for windows to be broken and accessible. Think of a car's windshield, and how it spiderwebs, but stays together.

these tracks

And you have to buy these too. On these, I had to cut little tabs off to make them slide smoothly, watch out for that because you will have to take them out to get to it.

Glass breakage protection vs just blocking people from viewing inside from the outside.

FWIW, in my last rental apartment, we bought tension rods like these, and some curtains, to go on windows with crappy ugly blinds. Hid the blinds, kept the light out better. Win/win.