Safety locks for windows are common, especially for high-rise buildings or homes in urban areas. They will typically protect against burglars and thieves who try to access houses through the window. Also, these locks will prevent mishaps when your children try to get out of the window.
However, there are times when you want to open the window. In this article, I will show you how to open window safety lock with these simple and easy steps.
Whether for emergency purposes or you just want fresh air to come into your house, you should know how to unlock it.
Table of Contents
Guide to Open Window Safety Lock
There are multiple ways to open a locked window rigged with different safety locks. That is why you need to identify what type of safety lock you have first before looking into how to open it.
Here are the types of window locks and how to open them:
Sliding windows are easy to access since they can be opened just by sliding the door horizontally or vertically, depending on the window’s mechanism.
That is why sliding window locks are attached to the tracks of the windows to either lock or unlock the mechanism.
To unlock it from the inside, you can just swing the level to the unlock position and swing it open.
However, to unlock a window from the outside, follow these steps:
1. Identify your sliding window.
Sliding windows can either be horizontal or vertical depending on how your window slides. Each type has a varied way of opening process.
2. Put your hands on the window.
To break into a locked house window, take both of your hands and press it on the window. Make sure your hands are not wet to create more friction.
3. Wiggle the window.
Move your hands up and down to wiggle the sliding window. Do these multiple times until the window-locking mechanisms will unlock.
4. Slide the window.
If you have a vertical sliding window, push the window upwards. If you have a horizontal window, push the window sideways. Now you know how to open a window from the outside.
1. Unlock the window.
Do this by turning the knobs on top of the sash. The knobs should be turned in a counterclockwise manner.
2. Lift the bottom sash.
Pull the bottom sash upwards and stop when the window is already halfway.
3. Slide the catch mechanisms.
The slide mechanisms should be located on both sides of the window near the window frame. Pull the mechanisms away from the frame.
4. Tilt the sash towards you.
Slowly pull the sash away from the window frame without breaking it. Let go of the sash until it is already on the ground.
For double-hung windows, follow steps one to four first and proceed to step five.
5. Lower the sash.
Pull the second sash down and stop when you are already halfway down the window.
6. Slide the catch mechanisms.
The two catch mechanisms can be located on both sides of the sash. Pull the mechanisms away from the frame.
7. Tilt the sash inwards.
Slowly lay down the sash on the ground to prevent it from breaking.
Since most keyed window locks have pin-tumbler mechanisms, opening it with the right key is easy. However, if you lost your key to your window lock, you might want to do lockpicking to open a sliding window.
To pick a window lock, follow these steps:
1. Slide the lock.
Make sure the lock is in the middle of the window. In this position, it will give you enough space to do lockpicking.
2. Prepare you picking tools.
You should prepare a hook/pick and a tension tool. The hook will pick the pins inside the lock while the tension tool puts pressure on the lock.
3. Insert the tension tool.
Position your tension tool on the top of the lock. Apply pressure in a clockwise manner.
4. Insert the picking tool.
Wiggle your picking tool inside the keyway. The up and down motion will set the pins inside.
5. Set all the pins inside the lock.
Make sure you set the pins one by one. If the pins are all set, the lock will automatically unlock itself from the pressure of your tension tool.
Casement windows are typically closed and opened with a hand crank, and usually open outwards with a hinge on its side. Casement window locks keep the window closed and secure from exterior forces.
To break into a window with a casement window lock that is broken, follow these steps:
1. Prepare a slender tool.
If you do not have a screwdriver or a scratch awl, you can make do with a knife. Make sure your tool will not break easily.
2. Insert your tool.
On the handle of your casement lock, you can see a hole. Carefully insert your tool inside.
3. Slide the locking mechanism.
With your thin tool, drag the mechanism down. Repeat this until the locking mechanism of the casement lock is disengaged.
Handle locks help to easily lock, unlock, and open the window. However, if it is broken, it might be hard to open the window with it.
To open a locked or broken window handle, follow these steps:
1. Get a thin sheet of metal. This can be a razor, a blade, or any metal as long as it is 0.009 inches.
2. Hold the handle. Grip the handle with your right arm.
3. Insert the thin sheet of metal. Locate the gap between the locking mechanism and the handle and insert the metal.
4. Rotate the handle. As you insert the metal, slowly rotate the handle until it goes all the way. You can now open your window.
Conclusion
When designing your house, security should always be one of the priorities you want to consider. Entry and exit points such as doors and windows should be secured to prevent internal and external mishaps.
Knowing how to open window safety lock will help you improve the security around and inside your home. Share these tricks and tips to your family and friends and help them become a more responsible house-owner.
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