Retrofitting window locks

Bodkin64

Hi, I just discovered that a clause has appeared in our home insurance stipulating that all our “accessible” windows must have “a key operated multi-point locking system” or “at least one key operated locking device”. Unfortunately we have a couple of fairly old (outward opening) uPVC windows that aren’t currently lockable. I asked our insurance company how I can ensure any locks we fit are acceptable and they unhelpfully said they need to be to a “British standard” without saying which one. I see most DIY stores sell various types of cheap window locks which sound like they are simple to fit however so far none of the listings have mentioned any BS so I’ve no idea whether they’d be OK. Has anyone any pointers to window locks they know are of the required standard, or ways of finding out? As a last resort I could contact a locksmith but don’t want to shell out a fortune for something that should be so easy. Thanks.

FreeBear

Depending on the mechanism inside the window frame, it may be just a case of replacing the handles - Most modern handles will have a key operated barrel built in. An indicator of the age of the windows plus a picture or two of the catch plates, and we can advise further.

If it is just a case of replacing the handles, it is generally a very simple job. Just one screw to undo, slip the old handle out, reverse the process to put the new one in.

Ectophile

Read what the policy actually says, not what some customer service person on the phone thinks it should say.

morhen

A good video here for you to follow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHTAJgCEDlQ

plumb1_2

FreeBear said:

If it is just a case of replacing the handles, it is generally a very simple job. Just one screw to undo, slip the old handle out, reverse the process to put the new one in.

They have 2 screws, 1 is usually hidden under a plastic/metal cover, but as you say very simple job to change.

Bodkin64

Ectophile said:

Read what the policy actually says, not what some customer service person on the phone thinks it should say.

What I put in the original post are the words verbatim from the policy. It makes no mention of anything else. With hindsight I think you’re exactly right - I’ll just get some from a reputable DIY store such as the one in the YouTube video. They can’t have me over a barrel that isn’t in black-and-white in the policy.

Bodkin64

morhen said:

A good video here for you to follow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHTAJgCEDlQ

Thanks that’s an excellent video - looks like a good channel, I’ve subscribed to it. These were the kind of locks I had in mind and in fact I’ll just go and get these exact ones, I think even my limited DIY skills will see me through. I’ll leave the existing handles in place and add them elsewhere on the frame.

Bodkin64

plumb1_2 said:

FreeBear said:

If it is just a case of replacing the handles, it is generally a very simple job. Just one screw to undo, slip the old handle out, reverse the process to put the new one in.

They have 2 screws, 1 is usually hidden under a plastic/metal cover, but as you say very simple job to change.

The handles aren’t of a type to replace with lockable ones so I’ll just fit extra locks, see above.

Be_Happy

Have a look at Jacklocs, sold by numerous companies.  We had these in our previous house and found them very good.

Bodkin64

Be_Happy said:

Have a look at Jacklocs, sold by numerous companies.  We had these in our previous house and found them very good.

Thanks for the tip however looking at their website the entire range seems to consist of window restrictors, which isn’t want I want. I’ve got no reason to want to limit the opening of the window when it’s not locked (e.g. child safety), just want it fully locked or unrestricted.

casper_gutman

Whenever I've seen anything on an insurance policy requiring locks to a particular standard, i.e. "British Standard locks" it's been in reference to door locks. I bet the customer service rep was talking at cross purposes and didn't understand you meant window locks.

I've seen similar requirements for "key operated window locks" myself and wondered what exactly they meant. The window locks we have are operated by a small square "key" which isn't really secure in any way. It's more of a tool than a key. I wouldn't bet on anyone in a customer-facing role at the insurer in question being able to tell me whether this meets their requirements!