Multipoint Door Locks

Offers

Multipoint Door Locks Repaired, Replaced & Upgraded

Commonly referred to as 3-point locking systems, or 5-point locking systems, multipoint locks are locks that have multiple locking points such as compressions rollers, bolts, and or hooks, attached to a long metal strip that runs the length of your door. By lifting a lever handle and turning a key, all locking points are securely locked into place. This offers the convenience of locking just one lock instead of multiple locks on your door.

Multipoint locks come in a variety of styles, but generally most multipoint locks will have a centre lock consisting of a (deadbolt or hook bolt) & spring latch. This centre lock or (gearbox) is located midway on a door, and is operated by a set of lever handles to engage/ disengage all locking points, and a key cylinder to secure the locking points from retracting, & on some models to further retrace the spring latch to gain entry. This centre lock is attached to a long metal plate that runs the length of the door, and additional locking points are attached above and below the centre lock.

The additional locking points available for multipoint doors lock are: standard compression rollers, mushrooms, deadbolts, small & large hook-bolts, locking pins, & shootbolts.

multipoint lock gearbox — Centre Gearbox

multipoint lock mushroom cam — Mushroom Cam

Centre Gearbox. The main mechinism of a multipoint lock. Operated by lever handles to engage all locking points, and a euro profile cylinder to lock.

Roller Cams. Compression roller cams pull the door tight to the frame in the upper and lower area of the door, creating a weather tight seal.

Mushroom cams, Mushroom cams, together with special steel strikers (numbers and positions may vary), increase resistance against attempted break ins. The mushroom cam slides behind the steel striker which is mounted to the door frame, when the door is locked. This prevents the door leaf and frame from being pulled apart.

Deadbolts, Deadbolt are straight block of metal that upon locking, protrudes into a metal keep mounted to the door frame.

Hook bolts, Hook bolts work in the same way as deadbolts, but with the hook shape, levering the door out is efficiently hampered by the bolt “hooking” into the metal striker.

Some multipoint locks may only have basic compression rollers & centre latch points, where more high security multipoint door locks can have all types attached. Older uPvc doors will usually have either roller cam or mushroom cam multipoint locks, which offer a very basic security. These locks can be upgraded to high security multipoint locks that meet with insurance requirements.

Solid Spindle Vs Split Spindle Locks

Multipoint locks are available with two spindle options, solid spindle version and split spindle version.

Solid Spindle Version

With the solid spindle option, the locking & unlocking functions of the multipoint door lock are as follows:

To lock – (From both sides of door)

Lift the lever handle to engage all the locking points, then turn the key fully to secure the door.

To unlock – (From both sides of door)

Turn the key in the opposite direction and push the handle down to open

Split Spindle Version

A split spindle lock works in the same way as the above solid spindle lock, but with an additional nightlatch function which requires an extra turn of the key to open the door. The locking & unlocking functions of the split spindle multipoint door lock are as follows:

To unlock – (From inside)

Turn the key in the opposite direction and push the handle down to open.

To unlock – (Outside)

Turn the key in the opposite direction and push the handle down, then turn the key a further half turn to retract the spring latch & open the door.

The advantages of a solid spindle lock are:

With a solid spindle lock, if for example a gust of wind closes the door on you while you’re out in the garden, by pushing the lever handle down, the spring latch will retract and the door is open again. This function is handy if you’re going in and out a lot and don’t want to be using keys all the time to let you in.

With a split spindle lock, if a gust of wind closes the door on you while you’re out in the garden, you will need a key to gain entry. This option is useful when you enter your property and for example get side-tracked and forget to lock your door. Once the door is closed you need a key from the outside to open it, as pushing the handle down will do nothing. The handle is only used on the outside to move the locking point only, and will not retract the spring latch.

The split spindle option can be an issue if a key is left on the inside, as it will prevent a second key from going in fully on the outside. And you may need to call a locksmith to get you back in.

by pulling the lever handle down the door is open again. This function is handy if you’re going in and out a lot and don’t want to be using keys all the time

To secure the door you must lift the handles and turn the key, otherwise anyone can simple pull the handles down to enter your home.

Are you using your Multipoint Lock Correctly?

With either the solid or split spindle option, to utilise the full security the multipoint lock, you must lift the lever handle and turn the key to secure your door fully. You will know the lock is fully engaged as you should not be able to push the handle down.

If you’re in doubt about how to use your multipoint lock correctly, contact us and we will be more than happy to explain it to you.