Reddit mentions: The best window locks & latches

DON'T HINGE IT. Trust me, read, I'll explain.

Here's what you do. Get a good 8' by 4' piece of whatever you want. MDF is fine. Get it with a good finish on it.

Cut two 3 foot wide sections. Now you have two 4' by 3' sections. When placed together, it's a 4' by 6' table which is your bare minimum that you want. Once you mark off your 3' by 6' area (or place a mat down) then you will have 6 inches of space on either side of the playing area for your cards, etc.

On the underside of the table top you are building, secure some bumpers that allow you to line up the table top to the table you are setting it on (screw in some small pieces of wood). I suggest 3 per half, so you can slide the table on or set it on gently. Then secure 2 window locks to secure to two top sections together. The small little flip locks are perfect for this. Now you can lay two separate table toppers on using the bumpers to line them up, then secure them with the window locks. The entire thing will be very snug this way and will NOT shift.

If you want to get fancy (like I did), you can use the remaining 4' by 2' section on the end to have a flip up extra space area. I attached 1 foot sections to each side. So the tabletop sits on the table all the time (for the most part), but I fold the wings down. When I'm using the table, I pull the wings out and they snap into place. Use REALLY good restaurant table hinges for this. The ones that fold into a 1/4 circle when folded up, but then extend into 2 intersecting half circles when extended. I use two for each flap, but 1 is probably good enough if you are only doing 1 foot sections. If you want a bigger table without the flaps, just cut the 8x4 into 2 sections.

Why should you not hinge it? Because a piece of plywood is like 65 pounds. Add hinges, pumpers, and other hardware and you have a gigantic, hinged, 70 pound table topper that is a pain in the arse to pack install, remove, pack away, etc, even with help. It will be nearly impossible alone. Were if you leave them unhinged and just have them connect with window locks, you have 2, smaller, more manageable sized pieces that you just hook together.

window latch: https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Line-Products-2620-Spring-Action/dp/B00DS4D5UM/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=window+latch&qid=1550700170&s=gateway&sr=8-7

table hinges for wings: https://www.amazon.com/Table-Hinge-And-Leaf-Support/dp/B0006L39JC

My table is two 4'x3' segments with 3 bumpers. Connected with the window latches underneath. This makes standard 6'x4' table. Each large segment has a wing that can be pulled out that locks into place. that provides more space for dice, measuring tools, a larger playing area, etc.

It takes 5 minutes top to get it out of the closet, set it up on the table and lock it into place all by myself.

I coated the entire top with a textured coating of black plastidip (although any kind of spray truck bed liner or flexiseal or whatever would work). I painted the sidelines, and painted very subtle deployment lines. Then I splatter painted with a wire brush to create a colorful cluster of stars. It looks awesome, and any game mat you put on it won't budge at all due to the texture. It's also easy to handle and put away/deploy.

I’m no expert, but I have these items and they make me feel a little safer. They’re well reviewed and won’t break the bank. Not sure how management will feel about installing hardware if it’s a rental but they may allow it given that someone broke in.

door armor - amazon

window locks - amazon

Additionally, your local police department may run safety seminars about how to secure your home against this sort of thing. Mine does.

And of course Wyze cams which may be good for your peace of mind, $25 each. Be safe.

If the ceiling is dry and firm (not wet, no soft spots), you should be able to just put up new drywall right over it, then paint it. There are lots of videos on youtube. If the ceiling is wet you need to rip it out and stop the leaks from the roof, then put up new drywall and paint.

If the walls are wet all the time, you need to figure out how to fix that. If they put masonry waterproofing on the outside, you could try to put more of that on the outside. You can also look for any cracks that might let water in and try to seal them up, or look for roof leaks. And look for where the water goes when it rains - you want the water to go away from the house, so you might need to work on drainage or other issues. If it is just condensation, you can run an air conditioner or dehumidifer to help with that.

You need to train your dog so she isn't freaking out when you aren't around. Look up "separation anxiety" for tips. Otherwise, put some bars over the inside of the the window so she can't break it.

For the walls, once you figure out the moisture issues you can decide what to do. You might just be able to put a nice bright white paint over the existing surface. Adding some baseboard might dress it up a little bit.

Also, put a nice light fixture in the ceiling and some bright light bulbs in it with a dimmer switch. That will help a lot. You can also get some floor or table lamps for softer light.

Good luck and have fun!

Visible camera's are a good deterrent but not a guarantee. A hoody and bowed head are all anyone needs to ensure their face is hidden on video.

I live near a methadone clinic. Unfortunately we have a lot of break-ins in our neighborhood. Addicts don't follow typical logic so we used several things to secure our property.

We use Xfinity home for our security. I didn't want a DIY as I wanted a system that is monitored and will call the police directly. I only have them monitoring our doors and windows. However, I think SimpliSafe is just as good and will likely switch to them after our 2 year deal with Xfinity expires.

I have my own cameras with Zmodo (you can buy on Amazon). For $49/year per camera I get 24/7 recording and cloud storage for up to 7 days. The cameras only require a power source.

We have 100 watt exterior lights on 24/7. This is probably the most effective and has kept our cars safer than our neighbors without lights.

We have a set of windows in the backyard to our basement that were vulnerable. So we added window bars from Amazon. If someone smashes the window, they'll still have to work to get in.

Honestly, it is completely unreasonable for the landlord to expect you to live with this. The situation creates risk around the clock. Risk to your person (especially when sleeping), your belongings, and your sense of security. I don't know where you are, but in my state there are very specific laws about how many/what types of locks must be on entry doors. Violation of these laws is actually considered justification for terminating the lease (in my state). Please look into your local rental laws. I know it can be uncomfortable pushing for your rights with a landlord, but this one is important. If she is unwilling to fix something so obviously inconvenient/dangerous, what will she do when the roof starts leaking or the heat stops working?

That being said, these exist. They are a minimal solution. However, as you seem to have an unreasonable landlord, I would caution you not to drill any holes yourself. You do not want to be on the hook for a botched job or a hole on the exterior of the door if/when she gets around to reversing it. Good luck OP, I hope you can get this worked out.

I am so sorry! We had a break in right after we closed on our house. Thankfully we hadn’t moved much in, but I totally understand that feeling of being violated.

We got ADT and Ring doorbell and flood lights. We’ve been very happy with ADT, we installed Ring ourselves.

We also got window and door bullies that I highly recommend. Links below:

Windobully Wndw Lock 2pk https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017RLSKSI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_6eH0CbGZHR7KZ

Master Lock 265D Door Security Bar, Adjustable from 27-1/2 in. to 44-1/2 in, White, Pack of 1, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002YUX8I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ehH0CbF2E3JM7

I use these on windows in my house downstairs. Just having a loud alarm sound will scare intruders, because it draws attention. They’re really inexpensive, and pretty darn loud.

These are also effective, and inexpensive as well.

You can also hang little bells, or wind chimes in the window that serve a dual purpose of relaxing sounds during the day when the windows are open, as well as an effective noise maker in case someone tries to go through the window.

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

Think this is it. It has been changed ever so slightly, but it looks like a good fit:

https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Line-Products-171924-R-Casement-Locking/dp/B000AXUNSG

I had the same problem a few years ago. Its called a Window Tilt Latch. They are easily available on Amazon, and pretty easy to swap out.

I got these as an example. But I would compare against the one you already have to make sure it will fit.

http://www.amazon.com/Prime-Line-Products-2749-Vinyl-Window/dp/B00DS4DGTC

If you are in the UK, I've found that many people don't know about the "hidden" vents that are often built into double-glazed window frames so that there can be air-exchange between indoors and out even with the windows securely locked. One can also retrofit those vents into many styles of existing window.

It sounds like you want an "energy recovery ventilator" if you are in a hot climate, or a "heat recovery ventilator" system if you are in a cold one.

No security risk from open windows.

Fresh air in the house without losing heat/cool or messing up indoor humidity balance.

Air filter so the outdoor air is free of pollen and smoke particulates.

On a busy traffic road, the ducted distribution blocks the traffic sound unlike an open window.

If you have already a ducted-air system for heat or air-conditioning, there are ERV/HRV models that can be retrofitted into those ducts.

If you are starting from nothing, something like the Panasonic models can be installed in a hallway ceiling and the ducts to outside and for distribution run within the ceiling joist space. But ceiling alterations in multifamily housing often have fire-code implications, so be aware that permits may be required.

Units are available that just mount through a wall

With more information about your region-of-the-world, what the outside walls are made of, what existing HVAC systms are already in place, and whether you are permitted to make changes to the outside appearance of the building, someone may give more specific suggestions.

Looks like an attachment for the end of a long pole to open tall sash windows of the sort you used to get in schools or art studios where good natural light was meant to be 'improving' - https://www.amazon.com/Window-Blind-Polished-Solid-Brass/dp/B007KQBUII

Well then, what are you thinking of trying? It seems to me that adding window locks might be the simplest solution. In old, all-wood windows, I wouldn't count on them for security, but putting in a couple of locks on each window should bear the weight well enough. And your local home improvement store should have any number of sash locks to look at, with instructions on how to use.

Example - http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Hardware-Narrow-White-819173/dp/B000FKDELW - Might not be a good fit for your particular window, but it'd be a place to start.

Uhm, really not the answer you're looking for, but if these are the sliding patio doors on rails, they're totally crap. Basically, a crowbar will open them, they're better than an open window... There is one good solution, but I don't think there's a smart version.

double latch for sliding glass door.

If you look at this lock, you'll notice it's basically like a "hinge" when it's closed up. That's what prevents the door from being popped off the rail with a crowbar, because it prevents both horizontal and vertical wiggle.

If your doors are not the sliding kind, you can ignore my comment. :P

I actually use the Wyze panning camera for my 2 bedroom apartment. They're a little over $30 each, I set up 3 of them, 1 is designated to face a window with a fire escape, and the other 2 are to watch my dog while we're out work. Since they pan, it makes it easy for me to turn the cameras and look for him if needed. Here are two pictures I took to show you the quality. I really like the camera so far. I have a micro SD card in them so I have continuous playback.

• https://imgur.com/a/kgcibas
  
  Also, just to be safe, I got these window locks for my windows. I didn't like the bars in case there is an emergency and we need to get out quickly. Bought these off Amazon and tested them, seems very sturdy right now.
  
  Let me know if you have any questions!

You could try these thumb locks. Probably works best if you put one on the top track and one on the bottom track. That way the vent glass can't be tipped.

So you wouldnt even need that 2nd set of screwholes right? So something like this but guessing you want more of a match to the original?

Yep, they can be removed. If you're strong, you lift the door up and out.

One way to prevent this is pin locks https://www.amazon.com/55201-Window-Guard-Sliding-Windows/dp/B0036UFTVQ/ref=asc_df_B0036UFTVQ/

We put in a privacy lock (only can be locked/unlocked from inside). We had the guy come in to spray for insects. Wife said he never knocked and came straight in. It's easy to remove when we leave and only cost $15. https://www.amazon.com/HardwareX-Supply-Reinforcement-Privacy-Construction/dp/B0777BL2T3/ref=sr_1_10?keywords=privacy+lock&qid=1555540370&s=gateway&sr=8-10

What was the wrench for?

I would need a drill for the screw holes into the window sash...

Anyway, it also helps to have a second pair of hands.

When I did use A/C or put one in for someone else I would put these things.

Takes some of weight of bracket and window sill and resists somebody trying to open the window.


And in fairness to the OP not everyone is handy. We all have different experiences, interests and thing we are proficient in.

Well, security in general doesn't have to be expensive. For example you can get some window track clamps ( https://www.amazon.com/Lot-Pcs-Sliding-Window-Lock/dp/B00K7IGKV8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1480886129&sr=8-2&keywords=window+lock ) for pretty cheap and that's at least something.


And that configuration wouldn't be out of the question, but typically the door and frame are made of the same material because they're purchased and installed together at the same time.

Definitely take the precautions that others are recommending. And invest in some window locks and a door wedge alarm.

You can buy these locks that prevent the window from being opened wide enough for someone to fit through:

1 X Lot of 4 Pcs Sliding Window Lock https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K7IGKV8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_BfYmzbBYPF1M7

Looks like a sliding aluminum window lock https://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Hardware-Aluminum-Sliding-Window/dp/B00KKUBENW

You can buy things like these so you can leave the window open but lock it so it's not enough for someone to get in.

Situation sucks. Be sure to advise your landlord that your screen and blinds need repaired, and that the neighbor was the one who damaged them. Landlord should hassle him about it. Also, call the cops every time something happens. I know it seems like an annoyance, but this guy needs a history so the cops will be more aggressive.

Consider a camera like the Logitech circle 2 (costs a bit to purchase, but you don’t have to pay a monthly subscription fee.) It can be put in a window looking outside, so he’d have to bust the window to break the camera.

Also, if you want to be able to crack your windows a tad without worrying about creeper pulling them open more, get some of these.

Why not use a sliding door rail with a lock?

I'm late but I did the same thing and used these. Albeit I'm in downtown JC.

http://www.amazon.com/Double-Bolt-Patio-Door-Lock/dp/B0039ONKFQ