MULTI-POINT LOCKS & uPVC DOORS
uPVC Doors which utilise a multi-point locking system have been around for more than 30 years. Most houses today have one or more of these doors due to their relatively lower price and ease of installation.
Composite Doors also mostly utilise multi-point locking systems and have been around since the late 90s. They have been growing popular, especially in recent years as they provide a much nicer and sturdier appearance to their uPVC counterparts.
​But as the old saying goes "nothing lasts forever" and with general wear and tear, problems may arise with the Multi-
point locking system. This can be easily fixed for a fraction of the cost of a full replacement by the experienced team of locksmiths at Pronto Locksmiths.
Below we have listed some of the most common uPVC door and multi-point lock problems, so you can quickly identify what is wrong and what action needs to be taken. Additionally, we have also listed the significant parts of the Multi-point lock door so you can locate it effortlessly.
• Euro Lock - This is the part you insert the key in for locking and unlocking. In most cases, the lock will have a circle where the keyway is and a narrow oval underneath. Some older doors may have an oval-shaped cylinder.
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• Multi-point Locking System - This is the part of the lock that engages when you lift the handle* and is only visible when the door is open. It will consist of a door latch, door bolt/hook and between two to four hooks and/or sliders that increase the security of the door.
*Some modern models may not require you to lift the handle and have an auto-deadlocking system
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• Door Keep - This is fitted inside the frame and can be either individual parts or a one-piece strip that the multi-point locking system engages with.
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Common problems :
Upvc Door issues:
A very common problem with Upvc doors is when the door catches on the frame and it is difficult to lift the handle to lock. This happens due to the misalignment of the door in the frame and can be caused by a variety of factors. However, the two main causes are worn hinges and incorrectly packed door panels or glass.
If the keep and the multi-point locking system are not aligned, when you lift the handle to engage to engage the lock, more force is needed which increases the wear-and-tear of the parts.* In most cases, re-alignment is a quick fix and will solve the problem. However, in more serious cases, the gearbox and/or the hinges may have to be replaced.
*IMPORTANT TO NOTE
We have found that forcing the handle up to lock the door is the main cause of parts getting damaged. This can lead to jammed doors and potentially expensive repairs.
-Euro lock cylinder problems
The most common problem is either the key won't turn to unlock the door (this could also be a sign that the multi-point mechanism has failed), or you cannot remove the key after locking or unlocking.
In both cases, the lock will have to be removed and either repaired or replaced.
-Multipoint Lock problems
Is it hard to lift/engage the multipoint lock? Do your handles droop down slightly? These can be signs that the multi-point is being overworked or the gears are worn.
In most cases, you will not know that there is a problem until the lock fails on you. It will either jam your door stuck in the locked position or you will be unable to lock the door. Once failed the multi-point mechanism will need to be removed and replaced.​
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Give us a call today! Our experienced team of locksmiths will be happy to help
call on 0207 118 3737