Window Locks: Types & Home Security Guide

Windows are one of the most common entry points for break-ins across Australia. A study by the Australian Institute of Criminology found that unlocked or poorly secured windows featured in a significant proportion of residential burglaries. Yet many homes still rely on the standard latch that came fitted from the builder, which offers very little real resistance.

Upgrading your window locks is one of the most cost-effective security improvements you can make. Whether you are in a terrace in Sydney, a suburban brick veneer in Melbourne, or a Queenslander in Brisbane, the right window lock depends on your window type, frame material, and how much ventilation you want to allow while keeping things secure.

Before looking at lock types, it helps to understand what professional installation will cost. Prices vary by city, time of day, and the complexity of the job. Here is a general breakdown based on current Australian data.

A Reddit user recently reported paying $680 for a new deadlock installation plus two rekeyed locks. For window lock upgrades across multiple windows, budget similarly if you are combining services. Always ask for the call-out fee and per-lock rate before the locksmith arrives.

Locksmiths with strong track records in Australia include Terry's Locksmiths (4.9 stars, over 3,000 reviews), Tas Mobile Locksmith (5.0 stars), and Express Locksmith Gold Coast and Tweed (5.0 stars). Getting at least two quotes before committing to a multi-window job is smart practice.

Sash Window Locks

Sash windows, common in older Australian homes particularly in Melbourne and inner-Sydney terrace houses, use a sliding mechanism. Sash stops and dual screw locks are the most practical options here. A sash stop from a brand like Whitco screws into the frame channel and prevents the window from being slid open more than a set amount, useful if you want ventilation without full access.

Casement Window Locks

Casement windows open outward on a hinge. They typically come with a standard espagnolette handle, but these can be upgraded to lockable handles with a key barrel. Roto and Whitco both manufacture lockable casement handles that suit aluminium and timber frames. Fitting takes around 20 to 30 minutes per window for a competent DIYer or about 10 to 15 minutes per window for a locksmith.

Sliding Window Locks

Aluminium sliding windows are extremely common in Australian homes built from the 1970s onwards. The standard latches on these are notoriously weak. A secondary pin lock or a key-operated sliding lock like the Whitco Maxim series adds meaningful resistance. For very cheap extra security, a charlie bar (a cut-down wooden dowel or aluminium rod) dropped into the track prevents the window sliding open even if the latch is defeated.

Louvre Window Locks

Louvre windows are a major security weak point. Individual glass slats can be lifted out of their holders without any tools. Louvre locks such as the Crimsafe louvre locking clip anchor each slat individually. If security is a serious concern, replacing louvre windows entirely is worth considering alongside adding locks.

Awning Window Locks

Awning windows hinge at the top and open outward. Lockable winder handles from brands like Roto or Yale are a straightforward upgrade and generally cost $30 to $60 per handle in hardware stores.

Many window locks are genuinely DIY-friendly. Pin locks, charlie bars, and secondary latches on sliding windows require only a drill and basic hand tools. Lockable handles on casement or awning windows usually involve swapping out a few screws and fitting a key barrel.

Where a professional locksmith adds real value is in assessing your overall window security, fitting high-security locks to timber sash frames without splitting the wood, and advising on lock grades. A locksmith can also supply commercial-grade hardware that is not available off the shelf at hardware stores.

Australian window locks do not carry a single mandatory rating system the way some door locks do, but there are a few markers of quality worth knowing.

Australian Standard AS 5039

This standard applies to security screen doors and window grilles rather than locks directly, but products tested to AS 5039 have been physically attacked and must resist specific forces. If you are adding a security screen to a window, look for this certification.

Key Control

For key-operated window locks, consider how easy it is for someone to get a copy of the key made. Restricted key systems, where blanks are only available to authorised locksmiths, reduce the risk of unauthorised copies. Brands like Lockwood and Abloy offer restricted key profiles.

Material and Fixing

A lock is only as strong as its fixing points. Locks screwed into thin aluminium extrusions with short screws can be pulled out with moderate force. Ask your locksmith or hardware supplier about the correct screw length for your frame material.

Here is a straightforward process for auditing and upgrading your home's window locks.

1. Walk around the entire property and test every window latch. Note which windows are on ground level or easily accessible from a fence, roof, or tree.

2. Identify your window types. Sliding, casement, awning, sash, and louvre windows all need different hardware.

3. Prioritise ground floor and accessible upper floor windows. A second-floor window that requires a ladder is lower priority than one next to a side gate.

4. For sliding and sash windows, fit a secondary pin lock or key lock in addition to the existing latch. This takes under 30 minutes per window with a standard drill.

5. For casement and awning windows, swap standard winder handles for lockable equivalents.

6. For louvre windows, fit louvre locking clips to every slat, or consult a locksmith about alternatives.

7. Get a locksmith assessment for any windows where you are unsure. A call-out during business hours typically costs $80 to $150, and a good locksmith will give you a written quote for any recommended work before starting.