What If Your Multipoint Lock Fails

Multipoint Locks

Almost all homes in the UK nowadays are fitted with multipoint lock systems. These are normally operated by lifting the handle and turning the key to secure the door. Most people would take the assumption that theses systems are all the same but I believe there are in excess of 160 varieties with differing backsets, centres, hooks, bolts, deadbolts with various combinations. Additionally, the cylinder has varying lengths and offsets - complicated or what!!

If your home is fitted with a multipoint lock your home Insurance policy may specify the need for a minimum of 3 points of locking but all insurance policies vary so take the time to read through to ensure you comply. However, they will not specify the length of cylinder which should be fitted. how to delete documents and data on iphone 6sIt is very important that the correct cylinder is fitted and that it does not protrude out of the door more than a couple of mm otherwise it will be very simple to snap off and break in if you are a burglar.

When multipoint locks are fitted correctly they work well, but they do have a rather delicate inner mechanism which can get damaged and jam the lock, if put under pressure. For example, if you find you are having to force the handle to get the key to turn. If you are having this type of problem using the door give Locksmith Southampton a call to re-align it, as this will be much easier and cheaper than waiting until it fails and having to purchase and replace the whole mechanism.

Assuming the worst happens, it is possible on the newer versions to replace only the gearbox/centrcase, which will save you money over the cost of replacing the whole mechanism. Locksmith Southampton keep a range of the most popular gearboxes in stock with prices starting from £39.00.

Recently I was called to a job where a multipoint lock had failed, jamming the door in the locked position. After opening the door and removing the damaged locking mech, I was able to replace the gearbox/centrecase with a new one, re fit the strip and adjust the striking plates on the door frame ensuring the lock can be used without the need to force the handle, which had been the cause of the original failure. With parts and labour the job cost the customer £95.00, had they called before the failure I could have realigned the striking plates and the cost would have been halved, and the old mechanism would have been less likely to break as would not have to have been continually forced.

 

If in doubt call a locksmith!!

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Stay Safe

 

 

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