When it comes to providing security and safety for your home, choosing the right locks and fastening hardware is essential. Window casement locks and fastening hardware are both designed to keep your windows secure, but they do so in different ways. 

In this article, Paddington Hardware offer some guidance to help you understand the key differences between window casement locks and fastening hardware, so you can make an informed decision when selecting these items for your home.

What are Casement Windows?

Casement windows are hinged frames that swing out on a side hinge, almost like a door. This type of design is popular because it provides excellent ventilation and natural lighting, as the entire length of the window can be opened to allow more air in. Casement windows also have a tight seal when shut due to the pressure created by their hinges when closed.

What is a Casement Window Lock?

A lockable casement fastener is a type of window hardware that provides additional security for your windows. Functioning the same as a standard casement fastener, it makes it an ideal choice for providing extra protection against potential intruders, as well as preventing children or pets from accidentally opening and falling out of the window.

What Are Some Types of Casement Window Hardware?

Different types of hardware for casement windows can typically consist of hinges or friction stays, offset barrel bolts, offset handles, casement fasteners and casement stays. This type of hardware ensures that casement windows are securely held, even when fully open or closed.

What are the Key Differences Between Window Casement Locks & Fastening Hardware?

1. Security

Window casement locks are designed to provide a greater level of security than fastening hardware. 

Lockable casement window fasteners are designed to keep the window closed and locked, providing an extra layer of security for your home. These fasteners typically have a latch mechanism that can be locked with a key.

Casement stays, on the other hand, are designed to hold the window open at a specific angle. These stays typically have a fixed length, and they may have a friction mechanism or a locking mechanism to hold the window in place.

2. Functionality

Traditional casement windows don’t have locking mechanisms, and instead rely on fastening hardware. Functioning similar to handles, the fastener holds a short arm at the end that falls into a slot or hook. In contrast, a wedge fastener has a gap in the handle that is pulled down onto a wedge, which then fixes the window firmly in place.

With more modern designs, window casement locks are typically mounted on the window sash and engage with the window frame to keep the window closed and locked. They are designed to be easy to use and provide a secure hold on the window. 

3. Cost

Window casement locks are often more expensive than fastening hardware due to their increased security and functionality. 

Contact Us at Paddington Hardware for More on Casement Window Security & Components

If you would like to learn more about your various casement window components, the added security measures you can introduce, and the differences between locks and fasteners, please do not hesitate to contact us at Paddington Hardware today.