Julian Cassell's DIY Blog

If you need to add some security to your wooden casement windows, the quickest and easiest way is simply by fitting casement stay locks. All it involves is replacing the existing stay pins with new locking ones. Clearly you need to try and get stay locks that match the colour and style of your existing window furniture. They are commonly supplied in brass or chrome effect, but you’ll need a specialist supplier for a larger range of stay lock colours and styles. read more »

Casement window locks are an excellent form of window security and can be fitted to most wooden windows, which have hinged opening sections (casements). Small windows may be fitted with one casement lock, but with larger ones it is best to use two – one near the top and one close to the bottom of the opening casement(s). Casement window locks are commonly supplied white but you can try a specialist supplier if you need to match the finish of your other window furniture. read more »

Home safes are becoming an increasingly popular option for storing valuables as they are very quick to install and have come down considerably in price compared to a few years ago. Designs and installation techniques will differ slightly between manufacturers, but the example below shows a typical system. Some home insurance policies will specify safes for your type of cover. You may also want to consider firesafes, which as the name suggests, will offer a fireproof option. read more »

Door viewers, or peep holes as they are often called, simply allow you to check who’s on the other side of your front door before you open it. As security systems go, they are incredibly effective whilst also being a very cost effective option. You can buy door viewers in different finishes to match your other door furniture – brass or chrome are the most common door viewer finishes available. read more »

As the name suggests, hinge bolts are fitted on the hinging edge of a door. Hinge bolts are most commonly used on front doors, but they can also, for example, be used on back doors or patios doors. They are normally used in pairs with one slightly below the top hinge and another just above the bottom hinge. They offer excellent additional security to the main locks on a door. read more »