Identifying and Measuring a UPVC Multipoint Lock for Replacement

This is the main locking mechanism that runs up the edge of your door. All multipoint locking mechanisms come with a variety of locking points such as deadbolts, hooks, rollers and these often come in a variety of combinations, such as rollers on their own, hooks and rollers etc.

Multipoint locks or locking systems are the main locking mechanism that is located on the inner edge of your door. It is important to know that multipoint locking systems can have a variety of locking points including hooks, rollers or deadbolts and they can come as set types (for example deadbolts only) or a combination such as a roller and hook system.

Multipoint locks can come in a variety of colours such as silver, bronze, gold, white and even brown.
A typical multi point lock will run the entire length of your door with a lock mechanism at the centre near the handle, one near the top and another near the bottom for added security. Some may not have both the top and bottom locks, but typical models will.

You can buy replacement central locking mechanisms for most multipoint lock system if for any reason it becomes damaged, rather than requiring the replacement of the whole system.

If you need to replace a multipoint lock, especially if you are replacing the entire mechanism, then it is important to know exactly what type of lock you are using. Make sure you look for the branding on the faceplate, typical brands include Avocet, ERA, Fullex and Millenco as this will help you identify the lock you are using, many will also include a string of letters and numbers which is the serial number and this can help you pinpoint the exact lock type.

It is also important to take note of the locking type and what mechanisms are used be it roller, hooks or deadbolts so your replacement will fit correctly.

You should measure from the centre of the spindle to the centre of the locking mechanism (hook, roller or deadbolt), and do this for to the upper and/or lower mechanisms and take note of the results.

Next measure from the front edge of the lock to the centre of the spindle hole, this is called the backset; you are measuring depth as opposed to the width or length of the lock. This is typically 25mm, 28mm, 35mm, 45mm or 55mm.

You will now need to measure the ‘centres’ or PZ which is the measurement from the centre of the keyhole on the main mechanism to the spindle; typically this will be 68mm, 70mm or 92mm though some less common locks use 48mm, 95mm or 117mm.

The last measurement is the width of the locks faceplate that sits inside the doorframe which should be 16mm, though 20mm or 24mm are not uncommon widths.

With all the measurements of your current multipoint lock as well as (hopefully) the brand and model number you should be able to source you the right replacement door locks for your UPVC door.

For a huge range of door locks and Multipoint UPVC door locks visit www.doorfit.co.uk