Home Security - Securing Your Windows

Sometimes we need more than a window latch to secure our windows. Yes, if a thief really wants to get through, the window will be shattered and entrance is inevitable; however, have a simple security lock as an extra precaution will deter the majority of your common thieves. Some thieves are quick yet lazy but with some smarts. There are some locking mechanism out there that may deter home break-ins through your sliding or double-hung windows.

Home Depot has the following locks for your Sliding Windows.



Casement windows can be closed with a door-bolt-like device that operates with a key. Screw the lock to the window and slide the bolt into a metal cup that mounts in the sill.

Key lock



Drive a screw into the top of the upper track to keep thieves from lifting a gliding window out of its track. To keep the window from sliding, drive a screw horizontally through the track.

Screw lock


A stop slip over the window track where you turn the lever one way to lock the window is out there as well.

Key track stop


This is a key track stop that you can attach anywhere on the track, even if you want to have the window cracked for some safety or ventilation (good for those with swamp coolers to include Master Cool systems).

Stop Slip over Window Track Lock












Home Depot has the following locks for your Double Hung Windows:



The lock pin. This has the lock pin go through on sash and into the next to keep thieves from lifting the sash. There are some that screw though a hole you drill. There are others that you drive in and out with a special key that comes with them.

Lock Pin Lock











Ventilating locks. They screw to the side of the top sash an inch or so above the meeting rail.

Ventilating Lock Screw












Hinge wedge lock. It nails in the window track of a double-hung window. Choose a position for the wedge that lets you open the window to your liking. When in place, the window will only rise up to it. When you swing the wedge out of the way, the window opens freely.

Hinged wedge lock












Key turnbuckle. This can be use to replace your normal latch with a key lock one. A child safety latch also replaces the original latch. It is similar to the childproof medicine caps, but easier to use. In order to open the window, a child has to be able to squeeze a lever while turning the latch.

Keyed turnbuckle lock