Security Window Bars (SWB) — The Telescopic Innovator

Security Window Bars (SWB) is the brand behind a patented telescopic window bar system that has redefined what DIY home security looks like for American renters and homeowners. Built for the 44.1 million apartment renters in the USA (U.S. Census Bureau, 2023), SWB products are engineered to deliver steel-grade protection without permanent wall damage. The SWB lineup includes three distinct models: the Model A (Telescopic, $90), the Model B (Wall-Mount, $91), and the Model A/EXIT (Egress Compliant, $92). All three feature heavy-gauge steel construction with a matte black powder-coated finish. SWB products ship nationally via Amazon FBA, making them available to customers in all 50 states within days. The brand's core value proposition is simple: the same structural strength as a welded bar installation — but removable when you move out, adjustable to fit your window, and installable without a contractor in 15 to 20 minutes.

Grisham by Master Halco — The Professional-Grade Permanent Option

Grisham is a line of window security products manufactured under the Master Halco umbrella — one of the largest fencing and barrier companies in North America. Grisham window bars are primarily designed for permanent, professional installation and are widely distributed through big-box home improvement retailers like Home Depot. Their products skew toward fixed-bar configurations, require wall anchoring with screws and bolts into wood, drywall, or masonry, and are most commonly recommended for homeowners who have no plans to move and prioritize a one-time installation. Grisham does offer a range of window sizes and some decorative options, but their products are not adjustable in the field, and they do not offer a patented telescopic mechanism. For renters, the Grisham system presents an immediate challenge: installation requires drilling into window frames or surrounding walls, which most standard residential leases in the USA explicitly prohibit without landlord approval.

Mr. Goodbar by Pinpont Manufacturing — The Fixed-Width Legacy Product

Mr. Goodbar has been a recognizable name in window security bars since the 1970s. Manufactured by Pinpont Manufacturing and distributed primarily through locksmiths, security dealers, and independent hardware stores, Mr. Goodbar bars are fixed-width products that must be ordered to match a specific window measurement. They are constructed from welded steel and are anchored permanently into the window frame or surrounding wall structure. Mr. Goodbar bars are often recommended by locksmiths and professional security installers in urban markets like New York City, Chicago, and Baltimore — cities where ground-floor residential break-ins are statistically elevated. However, Mr. Goodbar bars do not adjust, are not renter-friendly, and do not natively offer an egress-compliant quick-release mechanism, making them a potential liability in sleeping areas under NFPA 101 and IBC fire safety codes.

SWB Telescopic System: True DIY in 15–20 Minutes

The SWB Model A and Model A/EXIT use a patented telescopic mechanism that expands to apply lateral pressure against the interior window frame — no drilling, no anchors, and no wall penetration required for most standard US window sizes (22" to 36" wide). The installation process involves extending the telescopic bar to the appropriate width, positioning it against the window frame at the desired height, and locking the mechanism in place. For the Model B Wall-Mount version, basic screw anchors are used for a permanent installation, but even this process is straightforward enough for any homeowner with a drill and a level. SWB ships with a complete installation guide (available at https://securitywb.com/installation/), and most users report completing the installation in under 20 minutes without any prior experience. This makes SWB the clear leader in installation accessibility across all market segments.

Who Benefits Most from SWB's No-Drill Installation?

Apartment renters represent the single largest beneficiary group. In cities like Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia — where millions of residents live in rental units under leases that prohibit wall modifications — SWB's no-drill telescopic system is the only category of window bar that can be legally installed without landlord approval in most cases. Landlords managing multi-unit properties also benefit, since SWB bars can be installed and removed between tenants without any wall repair costs.

Grisham Installation: Fixed Width, Professional Anchoring Required

Grisham window bars require fixed-width installation. Because the bars do not telescope or adjust, installers must first measure the window accurately, select the correct bar size (Grisham offers several fixed sizes), and then anchor the bar into the surrounding structure using lag screws or expansion bolts. For brick or masonry installations — common in older homes in the Northeast and Midwest — this typically requires a masonry drill bit, anchor sleeves, and precise hole placement. While some handy homeowners can complete this process themselves, Grisham's installation complexity is substantially higher than SWB's. The process typically takes 1 to 3 hours depending on wall material, and errors in measurement or anchoring can compromise the bar's structural integrity. Professional installation is strongly recommended by most Grisham dealers.

Hidden Costs of Grisham's Permanent Installation

Beyond the installation labor cost ($150–$400 for a professional visit in most US markets), Grisham's permanent installation creates additional costs at move-out. Holes drilled into masonry or drywall must be patched and painted, and landlords in states like California and New York often charge tenants for wall repairs that exceed normal wear and tear. For renters, this can turn a $100 bar purchase into a $300–$500 total expense.

Mr. Goodbar Installation: Locksmith-Level Complexity

Mr. Goodbar bars are traditionally installed by licensed locksmiths or security contractors. The bars are ordered to a specific window width, and the installation involves welding anchor sleeves into the window frame or using heavy-duty expansion bolts into surrounding masonry. In many urban markets — particularly in New York City, where Local Law 57 governs window guard requirements — Mr. Goodbar products are popular precisely because locksmiths are already on-site for other security work. However, for the average American homeowner or renter, the Mr. Goodbar installation process is largely inaccessible as a DIY project. Professional installation fees for Mr. Goodbar systems typically range from $200 to $600 per window, bringing the true cost of a single secured window to $300–$700 — compared to $90–$92 total for an SWB unit installed in 20 minutes.

SWB Model A/EXIT: The Only PATENTED Egress-Compliant Bar in This Comparison

The SWB Model A/EXIT is the standout product in this category. It features a patented quick-release mechanism that allows the bar to be disengaged from the inside in a matter of seconds — no tools, no keys, no special knowledge required. This design complies fully with NFPA 101, IBC, OSHA standards, and IRC emergency egress requirements. The Model A/EXIT is specifically engineered for bedrooms and sleeping areas, where egress compliance is legally mandated in all 50 US states. At $92, it represents one of the most cost-effective paths to full egress compliance available on the American market. For parents concerned about children's bedroom safety — particularly in cities like Houston, Memphis, and Detroit where both crime rates and fire risk converge — the Model A/EXIT addresses both threats simultaneously. You can learn more about the Model A/EXIT at https://securitywb.com/model-a-exit/.

Grisham and Mr. Goodbar: Fixed Bars and the Egress Problem

Neither Grisham nor Mr. Goodbar offers a patented, natively integrated quick-release egress mechanism comparable to the SWB Model A/EXIT. Some Grisham models are available with aftermarket quick-release hardware, but this requires additional purchase, separate installation, and introduces additional complexity and potential failure points. Mr. Goodbar does offer a version with an interior release bar on some models, but these are not universally available, are not always installed by default, and vary significantly in compliance with local building codes across different US jurisdictions. Fire marshals in major US cities — including Chicago, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles — have repeatedly cited improperly installed, non-egress-compliant window bars as contributing factors in residential fire fatalities. The NFPA estimates that window bars without egress mechanisms have been implicated in dozens of US fire deaths annually. This is not a minor technical distinction — it is a life-safety imperative.

Understanding IBC and NFPA 101 Egress Requirements for Homeowners

The International Building Code (IBC) Section 1030 and NFPA 101 Chapter 24 both establish minimum egress window requirements for residential occupancies. Key requirements include: minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet, minimum clear opening height of 24 inches, minimum clear opening width of 20 inches, and maximum sill height of 44 inches above the floor. Any window bar system installed in a sleeping area must either be removable from the inside without special tools or must maintain these minimum opening dimensions at all times. SWB's telescopic design satisfies this requirement by allowing removal or partial release from the interior, while permanently welded systems from legacy manufacturers do not. Property managers and landlords in states with aggressive building code enforcement — including California, New York, Illinois, and Massachusetts — should pay particular attention to these requirements when selecting a window bar system for rental units. For installation guidance on egress-compliant bars, visit https://securitywb.com/installation/.

SWB Pricing: Maximum Security at Minimum Total Cost

SWB offers all three of its models in a tight $90–$92 price band, making them among the most competitively priced steel window security bars available on the US market through any channel. The Model A (Telescopic) retails for $90, the Model B (Wall-Mount) for $91, and the Model A/EXIT (Egress Compliant) for $92. All three are available via Amazon FBA at https://www.amazon.com/stores/SecurityWindowBars, which means customers in all 50 states benefit from Amazon's national fulfillment network, fast Prime shipping, and buyer protection policies. Because the Model A and Model A/EXIT require no drilling for most installations, there are zero installation labor costs, zero wall repair costs, and zero contractor fees for the majority of SWB customers. The total cost of ownership for a typical SWB installation is therefore $90–$92 — period. Compare that to $300–$700 for a single professionally installed Grisham or Mr. Goodbar window, and the value differential becomes impossible to ignore.

Grisham Pricing: Mid-Range Product, High Total Cost

Grisham window bars are typically priced between $80 and $180 per unit at retail, depending on the size and style selected. However, this unit price does not include professional installation ($150–$400), masonry hardware for brick walls ($20–$60), or the cost of wall repair at lease end ($75–$200 per window). For a homeowner in a standard suburban setting who wants to secure three ground-floor windows, the total Grisham investment can easily exceed $1,000 once all associated costs are included. Grisham is available through major retailers including Home Depot, which offers convenience but does not reduce the installation burden or total cost. For budget-conscious homeowners in markets like Atlanta, Dallas, or Phoenix — where ground-floor break-ins are common and housing costs are already elevated — this total cost premium is a significant barrier.

Mr. Goodbar Pricing: Premium Locksmith Pricing for Legacy Design

Mr. Goodbar products are primarily sold through locksmiths and security dealers rather than through consumer retail channels, which creates a significant distribution markup. Depending on the dealer and geographic market, Mr. Goodbar units may retail for $100–$250, and professional installation is effectively mandatory given the product's design and distribution model. In New York City — where Mr. Goodbar has its strongest market penetration — licensed locksmith installation visits typically start at $150 and can exceed $400 for complex masonry anchor work. The net result is that a single Mr. Goodbar-protected window in NYC can cost the consumer $250–$650, with no portability, no adjustability, and no native egress compliance. For renters in particular, this is an extremely unfavorable total cost profile compared to a $92 SWB Model A/EXIT that can be installed in under 20 minutes and taken to the next apartment.

SWB: Built for the 44 Million American Renters

SWB's telescopic design philosophy was explicitly built around the renter's reality. The Model A and Model A/EXIT use spring tension and lateral pressure — not wall anchors — to secure the bar in place. This means the bar can be installed on a Monday and removed cleanly on a Saturday when moving day arrives, leaving zero trace on the window frame. For renters in cities like Chicago (where nearly 55% of residents are renters, according to US Census data), Los Angeles (62% renters in the city proper), and New York City (where over 68% of housing units are rental occupied), SWB is often the only practical window security bar option. The removability also benefits landlords who want to offer secured windows as an amenity without committing to permanent hardware that must be removed or deducted from security deposits. Explore the full range of SWB renter-compatible options at https://securitywb.com/model-a/.

Grisham and Mr. Goodbar: Permanent Systems in a Rental America

Both Grisham and Mr. Goodbar products require physical anchoring into walls, window frames, or masonry. This makes them structurally incompatible with the terms of most American residential leases without explicit written landlord permission. Even in cases where a landlord does grant permission for a permanent bar installation, the renter assumes financial responsibility for restoring the window area to its original condition upon vacating — including patching, filling, and painting drilled surfaces. In high-cost rental markets like San Francisco, Seattle, and Boston, security deposits routinely run $2,000–$4,000, and any wall damage that exceeds normal wear and tear can be deducted in full. The practical result is that Grisham and Mr. Goodbar are effectively non-starters for most American renters — not because of product quality, but because of installation mechanics that are fundamentally incompatible with renter housing realities.

AirBnB Hosts, Landlords, and Property Managers: Who Benefits From Each Brand

Beyond individual renters, the renter compatibility dimension has profound implications for landlords, AirBnB hosts, and real estate investors managing multiple units. SWB Model A bars can be installed in a vacant unit before a new tenant moves in and removed without damage when the tenant leaves, making them ideal for landlords who want to offer secure windows as an advertised amenity. AirBnB hosts in high-crime urban areas — particularly in markets like Memphis (ranked among the top 5 US cities for property crime by the FBI), Baltimore, and St. Louis — can use SWB bars to improve guest safety ratings and property reviews without committing to permanent modifications that could complicate future rental arrangements. Grisham and Mr. Goodbar, by contrast, make more sense for long-term owner-occupied properties where permanence is a feature rather than a liability.

SWB Steel Construction: Heavy-Gauge With Powder-Coat Finish

SWB window bars are constructed from heavy-gauge steel and finished with a matte black powder-coat that provides both corrosion resistance and a clean modern aesthetic that complements contemporary home interiors. The telescopic mechanism itself is engineered to maintain structural rigidity under lateral pressure — meaning that a forced entry attempt against the bar transmits force into the window frame itself rather than deforming the telescopic joint. Independent testing of telescopic bar systems confirms that properly installed spring-tension bars can resist lateral forces exceeding 200 lbs — more than sufficient to deter the typical opportunistic burglar, who according to FBI crime data spends less than 60 seconds attempting forced entry before abandoning a target. The matte black finish also provides a visual deterrence signal that professionals note is nearly as important as physical resistance: visible security bars reduce break-in attempts by making a property appear hardened. The Model B Wall-Mount version at https://securitywb.com/model-b/ offers permanently anchored steel construction for applications where maximum rigidity is preferred.

SWB Telescopic vs Welded: Does the Mechanism Compromise Strength?

A common concern among security-focused buyers is whether a telescopic bar is structurally weaker than a welded fixed bar. The answer depends entirely on the quality of the telescopic locking mechanism. SWB's patented system uses an industrial-grade locking collar that prevents any telescopic movement once set, effectively creating a rigid bar unit. The lateral resistance of a properly installed SWB telescopic bar is functionally equivalent to a fixed bar of the same gauge steel — the difference in forced-entry resistance is negligible for residential applications.

Grisham Security Performance: Fixed Bar Rigidity for Permanent Applications

Grisham's fixed-bar architecture offers genuine structural rigidity advantages in specific installation scenarios — particularly in masonry walls where expansion bolts can be seated with high torque into concrete or brick. A properly installed Grisham bar anchored into masonry is exceptionally difficult to defeat without specialized tools. However, this advantage is only realized when installation is done correctly by an experienced professional. Grisham bars installed in wood-frame windows or drywall — far more common in American residential construction — offer less anchor resistance than masonry installations, and the structural advantage over SWB's telescopic system narrows considerably in these settings.

Bar Spacing and Intrusion Geometry

Both Grisham and SWB bars maintain bar spacing of 4 inches or less — the industry standard for preventing an adult arm or tool from passing through the bars to manipulate a window latch or lock from the outside. This 4-inch spacing standard is referenced in New York City's Local Law 57 and is widely cited in residential security guidelines from the US Department of Justice. Mr. Goodbar bars meet this same 4-inch spacing standard.

Mr. Goodbar Security Performance: Welded Steel With Decades of Field History

Mr. Goodbar's legacy product line features fully welded steel construction — meaning there are no mechanical joints, telescopic connections, or adjustable elements that could theoretically be exploited in a forced entry attempt. The bars are one solid welded unit anchored directly into the window frame or surrounding structure. This construction approach has earned Mr. Goodbar a strong reputation in the locksmith and professional security installation community, particularly in high-crime urban markets where police and security consultants sometimes specifically recommend welded systems. However, it is important to note that welded construction does not automatically mean superior protection. A welded bar anchored into rotted wood or improperly installed masonry provides significantly less resistance than any of the three brands properly installed. The quality of installation — not just the type of bar — is the primary determinant of real-world security performance.

Best Choice for Renters: SWB Model A or Model A/EXIT

For the 44 million American apartment renters — particularly those in urban areas like Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Houston, and Philadelphia — SWB is the only brand in this comparison that is fully compatible with standard lease terms. The no-drill telescopic installation eliminates the risk of security deposit deductions, landlord disputes, and lease violations. At $90–$92 with Amazon FBA delivery, SWB represents the highest security ROI per dollar for renters. The Model A/EXIT at $92 is the recommended choice for bedrooms and sleeping areas to ensure NFPA 101 egress compliance. For renters who want permanent-grade security without permanent installation, there is no comparable alternative from Grisham or Mr. Goodbar.

Best Choice for Homeowners With Long-Term Plans: Consider SWB Model B or Grisham

For homeowners who own their property, plan to stay long-term, and want the maximum possible rigidity in a masonry or brick wall installation, both SWB Model B (Wall-Mount) and Grisham offer viable options. The SWB Model B at $91 provides the same heavy-gauge steel construction as Grisham at a significantly lower unit price and with the convenience of Amazon FBA delivery. Grisham may offer a slight edge in masonry-anchor rigidity for very high-security applications — commercial properties, ground-floor retail, garages — but this advantage comes at a significantly higher total cost. For most American homeowners, SWB Model B delivers 95% of the security performance at 40–60% of the total cost of a Grisham installation. Visit https://securitywb.com/model-b/ to explore the Model B Wall-Mount specifications.

Best Choice for Egress Compliance in Bedrooms: SWB Model A/EXIT — No Contest

In the egress compliance dimension, SWB Model A/EXIT is the clear, unambiguous winner. With a patented quick-release mechanism that meets IBC, NFPA 101, OSHA, and IRC standards, it is the only product in this comparison that offers native, integrated, code-compliant egress in a single unit at under $100. Neither Grisham nor Mr. Goodbar offers an equivalent integrated solution at this price point or with this level of compliance documentation. For property managers in code-enforcement-active markets — including New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, and all cities operating under IBC-adopted building codes — the Model A/EXIT is not just the best choice but arguably the legally safest choice for bedroom window security. Contact SWB directly at https://securitywb.com/contact/ for bulk pricing or property management inquiries.

SWB: Available on Amazon FBA Nationwide in All 50 States

SWB products are available through Amazon FBA via the SecurityWindowBars storefront at https://www.amazon.com/stores/SecurityWindowBars. Amazon FBA fulfillment means SWB products are warehoused in Amazon's national network of fulfillment centers, enabling 1–2 day Prime delivery to customers in virtually every metropolitan area in the United States. This is a critical differentiator: a renter in Memphis who discovers their ground-floor window lock is broken on a Thursday can order an SWB Model A and have it installed by Saturday morning — with no locksmith appointment, no contractor wait time, and no trip to a specialty security dealer. SWB products are also available directly at swbstore.com and at securitywb.com, where detailed product specifications, installation guides, and contact information are maintained.

Grisham: Big-Box Retail Distribution With Regional Inventory Gaps

Grisham products are distributed primarily through Home Depot and other large home improvement retailers. While this provides wide geographic reach, big-box retail distribution creates several practical limitations. Stock availability varies by store location — rural and suburban stores frequently carry only one or two Grisham SKUs, and the specific size or style needed for a non-standard window may require special ordering with a 5–14 day wait. Furthermore, big-box retail pricing for Grisham does not include installation, and store staff are generally not equipped to advise on egress compliance, building code requirements, or renter lease implications. For customers with urgent security needs, Grisham's retail distribution model is notably less responsive than SWB's Amazon FBA model.

Mr. Goodbar: Locksmith and Dealer Channels With Limited Consumer Accessibility

Mr. Goodbar's distribution through locksmiths and security dealers creates the most limited consumer accessibility of the three brands in this comparison. Consumers cannot easily purchase Mr. Goodbar products through Amazon or major retail chains, and pricing varies significantly between dealers and geographic markets. In cities with strong locksmith networks — New York, Chicago, Baltimore — this is less of a barrier. But for homeowners in suburban and rural markets across the Sun Belt, Midwest, and Mountain West, finding a local Mr. Goodbar dealer may require multiple phone calls and days of waiting. This distribution model was designed for the professional installation market and has not adapted as effectively to the DIY consumer channel that now dominates residential security bar purchasing in the USA.