How to Remove and Replace a uPVC Multipoint Locking Mechanism

First you need to remove the handles, so locate how many screws are holding them in place and remove them, usually two or three but always double check, if the handle isn’t coming away freely there may be an extra screw you missed. Once the handles are off make sure to store them and the screws safely.

Next remove the spindle that goes through the doors that the handles were attached too (there may be one or even two spindles) but take note of how it is orientated before removing it.

The cylinder barrel is the next part that you need to remove. First locate the screw fitted in faceplate, it should be a crosshead screw (also known as a Philips head) and unscrew it; it’s a long screw so should be easy to spot. Now put your key in the door lock and unscrew and remove the long screw. The reason we have put the key in is that once you give it a quarter turn and give the cylinder a pull and it should come free; if it doesn’t the go a quarter turn the other direction (after returning it to its neutral position) and try again, it should come free now.

Now that the handles and the cylinder are safely removed the next step is to remove the multipoint uPVC locking mechanism. There should be several crosshead screws around the front faceplate that will need removing, pay attention to their positions as you remove them.

Note there will typically be several star shaped screws or torx screws around the central latch; these are there to hold the main lock strip and the gearbox together. These should not be removed while the main locking mechanism is still in the door and if you are changing the entire mechanism you will not need to touch them, the same is true is you spot other torx screws near the hooks.

After all the crosshead screws have been removed you will be able to remove the entire length of the locking mechanism including the centre gearbox. Be careful as you remove it as it is fairly flexible and may bend which can damage it; Lay it on a solid surface for safety (or the floor).

You can measure the unit once it is removed and it should help you sourcing a replacement. You may find you can get an exact replacement but if not you should be able to source a very close alternative that will do the job. It’s worth noting many lock sets are too long initially and will need cutting down with a hacksaw but this isn’t anything to worry about.

Assuming you are replacing the entire locking system, then once you have your new mechanism to fit it is literally the reverse of the removal procedure.
However it may be that you only need to replace the gearbox as this is the typical component that fails due to it doing most of the work regarding the lock. Fortunately most locking systems allow you to remove and replace the gearbox with a new one.

Remember those torx screws? Well to change the gearbox you will now need to remove them but as the mechanism is completely removed from the door it is safe to do so. Once they are all unscrewed remove the gearbox from the strip taking note of how it attaches; the new gearbox will need to be fitted in exactly the same way. Before replacing the whole mechanism, quickly attach the handles and give it a trial run, see if the hooks and rollers move as they should.

Now you can refit the entire mechanism reversing you removal method but be sure to check the mechanism during the refitting stages to make sure it works and fits as it should.

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