Studies have shown that a vast amount of home invasions are committed by criminals that enter through the windows. The sound of breaking glass might alarm the neighbors or even you if you’re at home but if you don’t have a lock on your window, a thief might get in without being noticed at all.
Having a good, strong, and well-functioning lock on your vinyl windows is very essential as it not only keeps out intruders but also makes sure that you can keep your little one or pets safe inside from going out into the dangers of our world today.
Some locks only work to prevent people from opening the window from the outside while other locks prevent anyone from opening the window if they don’t have the key for it.
Of course, the keyed locks work better for preventing children from opening the window when they shouldn’t. The locks that don’t require keys are more suited to keep out criminals and not keep the children in as they can simply twist a lever and get through.
We’ll be covering 7 window locks for vinyl windows that can help you have this security in your home so you can rest assured that this part of your home security is 100% covered and secure.
Last update on 2023-10-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
U 9809 Sliding Window Locks for Vinyl Windows
This is a vise-like lock that can be placed in different positions on your vinyl windows. Placing it in different positions allows you to set different limits as to how far you want the window to open.
You don’t need any tools to attach this to your windows, just follow these three simple steps:
- Place the lock on the desired location of the window rail.
- Unscrew the cam until the lock fits over the rail.
- Push the cam (lever) down into place to secure the window.
It fits vinyl windows that have a frame rail thickness from 1/16” to ½” thick. That covers most vinyl windows but just measure yours before you make the purchase just to be sure they’ll fit. They’ll fit both horizontal and vertical vinyl window frames.
Prime-Line F2646 Sash Keyed Lock
This vinyl window lock unlocks with a key so you can be certain that children can’t open the windows and put themselves in danger. It’s a really tough lock that’s constructed of heavy-duty zinc diecast.
To install this lock you’ll need an electric drill for drilling pilot holes and drilling in the screws.
- Remove the old lock and place the new lock into the same position.
- If the holes line up, screw the screws in and check if everything fits into place.
- If the holes don’t match up, drill new pilot holes through the lock into the frame.
- Screw the lock down with the screws included.
NB: Be careful not to drill through the frame and into any glass.
These are one of the more secure locks in this article mainly because it has the key lock and because it’s screwed deeply into the frame for stability.
The U.S. Patrol Sliding Security Bar
These window stoppers work very well to lock vinyl windows into place. They’re adjustable so you can even set it with enough room to be able to open the window partially for fresh air.
These window locks have a very good looking design that will blend in with the most elegant of environments. It’s made of iron for ultimate strength and durability.
Steps for installation:
- Place the bar into the window frame.
- Adjust the bar by widening it partially or fully depending on how far you want the window to open.
- Remove whenever you like.
Maxdot Adjustable Sliding Window Lock
This vinyl window lock is similar to the U9809 lock at the beginning of the article.
The design of the Maxdot is slightly different in that it has two screw bolts that fasten down the frame and window together. This design fits vinyl window frames of 0.6” and a maximum track thickness of .63”
How to install the Maxdot Adjustable Sliding Window Lock:
- Place the lock anywhere on the window rail.
- Unscrew the rotating keys until the lock fits over the frame.
- Tighten the keys firmly to lock the window in place.
Double Hung Window Locks
If you have double-hung windows installed in your house we have you covered as well, here is a compiled list of three locks that can help you secure the double-hung windows.
Burglabar by Rishon Enterprises Inc.
This is a type of self-locking hinge that offers safety by keeping children in and burglars out. This product is made in Canada, easy to install without tools, and it’s transparent so that it’s almost invisible.
These locks can withstand 300 to 400 pounds of dynamic shear. It’s extremely strong as it was designed for sliding doors but using these on vinyl windows will work extremely well.
The only thing we don’t like about this locking mechanism is that once you stick it into place on your window, you can’t remove it and put it back as you please. You can only stick it one time and replacement adhesives aren’t available.
Designers Impressions 53621 Window Sash Lock
This Lock is highly recommended by existing customers and has a good track record. It’s very easy to install with four screws. Simply unscrew the old lock and replace it with the new one using the hardware included with the lock.
If you’re installing it in a brand new, fresh frame, remember to place the lock where you want to install it, holding it in place, and marking where you need to drill pilot holes for the screws. So the two pieces of the lock line up perfectly the first time.
This lock is known to be a very sturdy lock as the steel is of very high quality and does not easily bend under pressure.
Amazon offers these locks in packs of ten, here is an example for you to have a look.
Prime-Line F 2763 Window Sash Lock
This cam action lock is very easy to install and can be used on both aluminum and vinyl windows.
It is made of a heavy-duty diecast material which is very strong and will give you that sense of security that the window is securely in place and will not move when it is locked.
I’d install two locks for the bigger windows for a tighter seal and extra security just to make sure that anyone outside would have a difficult time trying to pry them open.
On smaller windows, one is usually sufficient. It often just comes down to personal preference.
It also comes in a variety of colors like bronze, silver, and white to easily match up with the color scheme you already have and blend the lock with the window.
Here is an example of the bronze-colored lock on Amazon and you can click through to see the other colors offered as well.
Conclusion: Window Locks for Vinyl Windows
Depending on whether you want to keep people out or keep children in will determine which lock will be best for you. Of course, if you want to cover both bases you could just go straight for the keyed locks as they’ll serve both purposes.
If you don’t have children or pets to keep in, I’d opt for the lever-action locks as they’re easy to operate and you don’t have to worry about looking for a key whenever you want to open the window. These will offer the same amount of protection from intruders on the outside with more convenience for you on the inside.
If you have really big double hung vinyl windows, using two locks can give the big window a nice, tight seal to keep you warm in those winter months. It will also give a little added strength to the window as a whole.
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