Why This Matters
A poorly installed window bar is worse than no bar at all—it creates a false sense of security. These mistakes can make bars easy to remove, violate fire codes, or damage your windows. Take 5 minutes to review these before you start.
Measuring Only Once
Taking a single measurement and assuming the window is square.
Bars don't fit properly, leaving gaps or requiring forced installation.
Measure width at top, middle, and bottom. Measure height at left, center, and right. Use the smallest dimension.
Anchoring Into Drywall Only
Drilling anchors into drywall without hitting studs or using proper wall anchors.
Bars can be pulled out with moderate force, defeating their purpose entirely.
Use stud finder to locate wall studs. If studs aren't available, use heavy-duty toggle bolts or masonry anchors rated for 200+ lbs.
Skipping the Level
Installing bars by eye without using a level.
Crooked installation looks unprofessional and may affect telescopic mechanism operation.
Always use a level when marking mounting holes. Check level again after installation.
Over-Tightening Screws
Cranking screws too tight, especially in wood frames.
Strips the wood, weakens the mount, or cracks the frame material.
Tighten until snug, then stop. The bracket should be firmly seated but not crushing the material beneath.
Ignoring Window Operation
Installing bars without checking if the window can still open and close.
Window becomes inoperable, or handles/cranks are blocked.
Before drilling, hold bars in position and test window operation. Ensure handles, locks, and cranks remain accessible.
Wrong Model for Bedroom Windows
Installing standard bars (without quick-release) on bedroom windows.
Violates fire code, fails inspection, and creates safety hazard during emergencies.
Always use Model A/EXIT with quick-release mechanism for any window designated as emergency egress (typically bedrooms).
Not Pre-Drilling Pilot Holes
Driving screws directly without pilot holes, especially in hardwood or masonry.
Splits wood, cracks masonry, or causes screws to go in crooked.
Always drill pilot holes slightly smaller than screw diameter. For masonry, use carbide-tipped bit.
Forgetting to Test Quick-Release
Installing EXIT model without testing the release mechanism.
Mechanism may be faulty or installed incorrectly, creating false sense of security.
Test quick-release mechanism 3+ times before finalizing installation. Verify it opens smoothly every time.
Installing at Wrong Height
Mounting bars too high or too low on the window opening.
Leaves gap at top or bottom that could allow entry, or blocks window operation.
Bars should cover the entire glass area with brackets mounted on solid frame or wall material.
Using Wrong Anchors for Material
Using wood screws in masonry, or masonry anchors in wood.
Poor holding strength, eventual failure, bars become removable by intruder.
Match anchor type to material: wood screws for wood, Tapcons for concrete, toggle bolts for hollow walls.
Quick Pre-Installation Checklist
Before You Start:
What If I Already Made a Mistake?
Don't panic. Most mistakes are fixable:
- Stripped holes: Fill with wooden toothpicks + wood glue, let dry, re-drill
- Wrong anchors: Remove and replace with correct type
- Crooked installation: Unscrew, fill holes, re-install level
- Wrong model: Contact us about exchanging for EXIT model
Need Help?
If you're unsure about any aspect of installation, use our AI chat assistant (bottom right) or contact our support team. It's better to ask before drilling than to fix mistakes after.