Recommendations for secure window stays

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ghettomaster

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Topic # 201562 24-Aug-2016 12:22

Hi,

I have an old state house for which I want to get secure window stays for the top windows. I am looking to keep them open while I am at work for the house to breathe. The existing stays are old and stiff so they need to go.

So far all I can find are these two styles:

https://www.mitre10.co.nz/shop/securicraft-window-stay-brown/p/214204

https://www.mitre10.co.nz/shop/jaeco-quadrant-window-stay-white/p/214257

Question: How secure are these? I prefer the quadrant style from a visual perspective. I would look to keep the windows only just cracked, so putting fingers through wouldn't be too easy, but I would like to know that what I am putting in will do the job.

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Reply # 1616798 24-Aug-2016 12:33

None of the add on window stays are secure. Picture a big guy yanking them, or something with machinary. Small screws into possible thin wood won't win. However glass is also easy to brake. The ones that come with new windows have multipoint locking, but the glass is pretty easy to get out.

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wazzageek

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Reply # 1616799 24-Aug-2016 12:35

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I would go for the first style, they are able to be "unlocked", allowing for the window to be opened fully if you want that.

It used to be possible to lever them open, but with the addition of the clasp around the main body that's been prevented.

The second could be jimmied, given that its a wing nut that's going to hold the window open.

wazzageek

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Reply # 1616803 24-Aug-2016 12:40

Another option would be if you could get one of those "security fly screen" style windows, that would let the windows to be left open, but no gap to get into the house (Assuming someone will make them ..)

timmmay

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Reply # 1616806 24-Aug-2016 12:46

I just took some of the first style out of my house, they're probably still around somewhere, probably in good condition. Anyone wants them make me a reasonable offer - maybe half new cost. I suspect I have a set of new ones in original packaging as well. Wellington based.

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MikeAqua

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Reply # 1616808 24-Aug-2016 12:51

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They discourage lazy thieves, but anyone determined and smart enough will exert enough pressures to trip the screws out of their holes in the (presumably wooden) window frames.

Mike

ghettomaster

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Reply # 1616813 24-Aug-2016 13:05

I totally get the fact that they are never going to be too secure doe to the weaknesses of wood, but I also think if someone wanted to get into a house, they would.

@timmmay - definitely interested in purchasing and I am in Welly as well. What colour are they?

wazzageek

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Reply # 1616814 24-Aug-2016 13:05

Have you considered some sort of ventilation system?

ghettomaster

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Reply # 1616820 24-Aug-2016 13:16

wazzageek:

Have you considered some sort of ventilation system?

Ok I'll do PeterReader's job and say "Here we go..."

I have and I quite like the cleanaire system. The problem is a couple of window latches is a fair bit cheaper and they are all old and difficult to use and I want to replace them anyway.

Any recommendations for a ventilation system?

wazzageek

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Reply # 1616821 24-Aug-2016 13:21

ghettomaster:

wazzageek:

Have you considered some sort of ventilation system?

Ok I'll do PeterReader's job and say "Here we go..."

I have and I quite like the cleanaire system. The problem is a couple of window latches is a fair bit cheaper and they are all old and difficult to use and I want to replace them anyway.

Any recommendations for a ventilation system?

Yeah - I was half expecting that response :-)

Unfortunately when factoring in costs, I don't think anything is going to be cheaper than the windows latches ...

We tend to have the windows open when home, but all shut during the day. When in Auckland we would run the dehumidifier (part of the heatpump we had) whilst we were out which helped keep the house dry. Even that option isn't cheap.

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Reply # 1616835 24-Aug-2016 13:40

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Have you thought about a big dog instead, does the same job although there is an ongoing cost involved but way more fun!

timmmay

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Reply # 1616862 24-Aug-2016 14:35

ghettomaster:

I totally get the fact that they are never going to be too secure doe to the weaknesses of wood, but I also think if someone wanted to get into a house, they would.

@timmmay - definitely interested in purchasing and I am in Welly as well. What colour are they?

White. I'll have a look around this evening to see what I have.

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ghettomaster

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Reply # 1617191 25-Aug-2016 09:43

timmmay:

ghettomaster:

I totally get the fact that they are never going to be too secure doe to the weaknesses of wood, but I also think if someone wanted to get into a house, they would.

@timmmay - definitely interested in purchasing and I am in Welly as well. What colour are they?

White. I'll have a look around this evening to see what I have.

Just the colour I was after - happy to pay half the new price. Let me know how many you have and I might try get over there on the weekend if that suits.

timmmay

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Reply # 1617192 25-Aug-2016 09:46

I had a quick look last night but couldn't see them. I'll have a better look later today.

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timmmay

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Reply # 1617286 25-Aug-2016 12:01

Sorry @ghettomaster but I can't find them. I spent a while looking in the shed and in cupboards, but there's no sign of them. They'll probably turn up in summer when I do a big cleanout. I'll ask me wife, see if she's seen them, and let you know if she has any ideas, but I wouldn't hold your breath sorry.

I did find all kinda of other things. Squash balls, shuttlecocks, large sheets of PVC I used to use for double glazing (worked great), some old hinges, etc, etc. Not very helpful though!

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ghettomaster

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Reply # 1617340 25-Aug-2016 12:49

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timmmay:

I did find all kinda of other things. Squash balls, shuttlecocks, large sheets of PVC I used to use for double glazing (worked great), some old hinges, etc, etc. Not very helpful though!

Sounds like my shed. "Oh, there's the thread tape! Good thing I bought another roll yesterday." It's not the $2 roll of tape that bothers me, it's the time to drive to Mitre 10 and the $200 I spent on other crap!

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