Staying up to date on your home security can be hard, especially with the variety of tools and devices out there. However, did you know that there are security solutions that won’t break the bank? Crime can be an issue in just about anywhere, so it’s a great idea to be proactive about your protection.
Sash jammers are lock devices that are cheap, effective, and extremely easy to install yourself. Today, we’ll be breaking down what are sash jammers and why any professional emergency locksmith recommends every homeowner or renter invest in them.
What is a Sash Jammer?
Sash jammers are small devices that can be placed on top or the sides of a door or window. It’s one of the staple tools that locksmiths recommend for homeowners to add an extra layer of protection to their homes.
They consist of a small base with two screw holes, a couple of screws, and a lever that can sit flush with the device or turn at a 90-degree angle. When installed and turned perpendicular to the door or window, the sash jammer provides a physical block, preventing you from opening the entrance from the outside. They’re typically made of plastic, but some models are constructed with a metal frame.
Do Sash Jammers Actually Work?
Despite what you may think about the price and simple design of sash jammers, they certainly punch above their weight when it comes to security. No wonder why it’s often recommended by locksmiths for homes especially after burglary incidents.
They use leverage to apply a strong barrier against the door or window. Sash jammers aren’t 100% immune to force, but by placing a sash jammer in a strategic area on your door or window frame, you’ll be significantly more protected from burglary attempts.
Sash Jammer Pros
Sash jammers are incredibly cheap compared to more advanced home security solutions. Most can be found for under £20, and the security you receive for this price makes the purchase quite cost-efficient.
The physical barrier that sash jammers create can protect your home even if a burglar picks your lock. These jammers are also known for being visual deterrents, as burglars tend to be less interested in breaking into a house with multiple layers of defence.
They are also incredibly easy to install on your own. No need to call out a handyman, these jammers can be screwed directly into your door or window frame. They work on virtually every uPVC door and window, and they can be engaged with a simple flip of the device’s lever.
Sash Jammer Cons
In terms of downsides, sash jammers don’t tend to have long lifespans. Their simple plastic designs can get worn down over time, and you might find that a replacement is necessary after a few years. Sash jammers are also no replacement for actual locks, and they can certainly be bypassed by determined criminals.
Sash jammers may be easy to install, but poor installations can result in damage occurring to the door or window. Sometimes, entrances can be opened because multiple sash jammers are needed.
These devices can only be used from the inside of the home, which is needed to protect your property, but it also means that you can lock yourself out with them. It’s necessary to have a backup plan in case you find yourself on the wrong side of a sash jammer.
Can You Install One Yourself?
Yes, absolutely! Most sash jammers can be installed with just a handheld screwdriver. They often have two screw holes (with screws provided), allowing you to place them anywhere you’d like on a door or window frame.
The main thing to consider is the placement of the sash jammer. You don’t want to install them below the lock or anywhere that’s hard to reach, but it’s best to install them on the same side of the door as the lock to ensure maximum leverage.
Of course, power drills can make the installation faster, but the overall process of installing sash jammers can be completed in under 10 minutes.
If you have any questions regarding a sash jammer installation, don’t hesitate to reach out to a local locksmith. Companies like Lock & Key can send someone to your door to help advise and assist you with your sash jammers.
Sash Jammers are for Additional Defence Only
Again, it’s critical to remember that sash jammers are not a replacement for door locks. Most of them are made from hard plastic and can be snapped off in high-tension situations.
If a burglar tries to open an unlocked door with a sash jammer engaged, they can kick down the front entrance with enough force. Sash jammers work wonderfully but only provide protection when used in combination with other locking devices.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why sash jammers are praised and recommended by locksmiths. Their simple, cheap, and effective design allows them to be deployed on virtually any uPVC door or window. They can be installed by anyone in minutes using a handheld screwdriver. Sash jammers combine physical deterrence with visual deterrence, potentially dissuading burglars from attempting a break-in.
Additional enhancements like sash jammer packers can be added to the mix to create a well-rounded defence system for your doors and windows. As long as sash jammers aren’t solely used to protect your house, they’re sure to make criminals second-guess their decision to target your home.
