HOW TO INSTALL
WINDOW SECURITY BARS
Complete DIY installation guide for SWB bars — from measuring to final tightening in 15–30 minutes.
Last updated: May 2026 · 8 min read · Reviewed by SWB Technical Team
What You Need
Step-by-Step Installation
Measure the clear opening — jamb to jamb for width, sill to header for height. Write both dimensions down. Do NOT measure the glass or frame; measure the empty opening space. Double-check with a second measurement.
Tip: Standard windows: 24"–36" wide. Wide windows: 37"–60". Use our Module Calculator to determine how many modules you need.
Extend the telescoping sections to match your window height. For width, add or remove modular extension pieces until the bar spans your window width. The bar should fit snugly in the opening — not loose, not forced.
Tip: Leave 1/8" clearance on each side to account for frame imperfections. Easier to tighten the mount than to fight a bar that's exactly flush.
Hold the bar against the frame or wall and use a pencil to mark all 4 mounting hole locations (2 top, 2 bottom). Use the drill bit template card included in the box for accurate spacing.
Tip: Use a level to verify the bar is perfectly horizontal before marking. A tilted bar is noticeable and difficult to correct after drilling.
For wood/vinyl frames: use a standard wood bit at medium speed. For masonry/concrete: use the included masonry bit at slow speed with steady pressure. Drill to the depth marked on the included template card.
Tip: Drill perpendicular to the surface. Angled holes reduce anchor holding strength by up to 40%.
Tap the included wall anchors into the drilled holes with a hammer until flush with the surface. For masonry, use the heavy-duty toggle anchors included with Model B. For wood frames, anchors are not needed — drive screws directly into the frame.
Tip: Anchors should sit flush or slightly below surface — never protruding. A protruding anchor will prevent the bracket from sitting flat.
Position the bar over the mounted brackets. Drive all 4 mounting screws until snug. Do not overtighten — hand-tight plus 1/4 turn is sufficient for most applications. Vinyl frames especially: snug, not tight.
Tip: Have a second person hold the bar while you drive screws, or use painter's tape to temporarily hold the bar in position.
Use a level to confirm the bar is horizontal. Grip the bar firmly and push/pull in all directions — it should not flex or move. For Model A/EXIT, test the quick-release mechanism 3 times to confirm smooth operation.
Tip: A properly installed bar should withstand 500+ lbs of lateral force. If the bar moves at all, check anchor depth and retighten screws.
Frame Mount vs. Wall Mount
SWB offers two primary mounting approaches:
Brackets attach directly to the window frame (wood or vinyl). Faster installation, cleaner look, slightly lower security rating for vinyl frames.
Brackets anchor into the surrounding wall. Stronger hold, especially on masonry. Required for masonry walls where frame mounting isn't feasible.
Common Installation Mistakes
Measuring the glass instead of the opening is the #1 sizing error.
A crooked bar is obvious from outside and reduces security effectiveness.
Drywall anchors in masonry will fail. Match the anchor to the substrate.
Vinyl compresses; overtightening cracks frames. Snug is sufficient.
For Model A/EXIT, test the mechanism before considering installation complete.