Multi-point locks are considered to be those that allow several bolts placed on the edge of a front door to be closed and opened at the turn of the key. They are considered to be carpentry equipment that provides an excellent means of protection against break-in attempts. Also known as a “high security lock” or “defense lock”, this carpentry equipment has a minimum of 3 locking points. However, it is possible to find multi-point lock models that offer 5, 7 or 9 locking points. What information do I need to know about this safety equipment?
Talking Points
- What are the different elements of a multipoint lock?
- What are the different shapes of a multi-point lock?
- What are the different shapes of a multi-point lock?
- What protections should I have after installing a multipoint lock?
- Some tips for choosing the ideal multi-point lock for your front door?
- What are some tips for installing the multipoint lock?
Contact Doors Center locksmiths for your multi-point lock:
You will also find on our site several other more interesting articles such as the fire door
What are the different elements of a multipoint lock?
The multipoint lock is the one that guarantees optimal protection for your homes. Its particularity is to reinforce the lock of each entrance door into the home. It provides more security compared to other locks available on the market. This is due to the fact that the multi-point lock has multiple closing points. To install a lock of this size, you must necessarily call on a locksmith expert. In this way, the professional locksmith will install the multipoint lock in the best possible conditions.
Today, multi-point locks can be closed up to 6 points in one go. However, the lock mode varies depending on the type of lock purchased. In addition, multi-point locks are designed to be installed on solid doors. These joinery accessories are usually made up of several components, namely:
- The chest: it usually houses the cremone and the cylinder, 2 elements that make up the closing and locking of the multipoint lock.
- The bolt: this is a movable metal part that is lodged in the strike plate to ensure that the door locks. Today, it is possible to find a deadbolt or a latch bolt. All multi-point bolt locks provide a more efficient locking system. So don’t hesitate to opt for a deadbolt lock for more security.
- The strike: this usually accommodates the bolt (latch or frame) when the user activates the locking system of the multipoint lock. In the case of surface-mounted multi-point locks, the strike plate is installed on the wall. On the recessed lock side, the bolt engages the headrest installed on the door frame.
- The cremone or rod: this is a metal part that guarantees the level of security of the multipoint lock. For optimal safety, the cremone or rod must be strong enough.
According to studies carried out by locksmiths, the multipoint lock remains one of the safest locks available on the market. Thanks to its level of security, it significantly optimises the closing and locking of the front door. Similarly, the multipoint lock is the ideal carpentry equipment to secure the entrance to your homes due to the presence of the rod, the safety cylinder and the bolt. This type of lock is ranked among the best and helps to limit burglaries in homes.
What are the different shapes of a multi-point lock?
Multi-point locks are available in different types of locks. Today, you can choose either the pull lock or the handle lock. Whatever your preferences, you should know that the type of lock you choose can be combined with any style of front door. Similarly, multi-point locks are easy to use and offer effective access control.
In terms of shape, the multipoint lock can be:
- Vertical: the lock can fit doors with wide jamb moldings;
- Horizontal: Multi-point locks of these shapes are specifically designed for exterior doors with narrow jambs.
The choice of shape varies depending on the front door you have. It is therefore important to take into account a few criteria before choosing the multi-point locks that will be perfect for your installations. If you encounter any difficulties, it would be ideal to contact a professional locksmith so that they can provide you with the necessary clarifications.
You will also find on our site several other more interesting articles such as the one about the armored door
Recessed or surface-mounted multi-point lock
Today, there are several models of multipoint locks sold on the web. The installation of the lock can be surface-mounted or recessed. On the other hand, the number of points your woodworking equipment will determine how secure it is and how resistant it is to burglaries. Regardless of the model you choose, your front door must be of excellent quality in order to be able to benefit from the advantages of this type of lock.
This is because the design of recessed multi-point locks is made with the aim of fitting high-quality entrance doors. On the other hand, surface-mounted locks are designed to be ideal for heavier and more robust entrance doors.
Contact Doors Center locksmiths for your multi-point lock:
The multi-point recessed lock
Recessed multi-point locks tend to fit into the thickness of the front door in order to be discreet. Possessing a flat cremona, the lock is installed along the field of the door. However, be aware that the recessed lock does not have good resistance to intrusion and burglary. The bolt of the lock fits only at the level of the front door frame. No bolt locks will therefore be recorded at ground level. If you want to replace your multipoint lock, be sure to use an identical model to simplify the installation of the lock. Thus, the installation does not require any modifications to the wooden door.
Surface-mounted multi-point lock
As for the surface-mounted multi-point lock, it is installed on the front of the front door. Indeed, the installation of this type of lock is done on the inside side of the house. Its rod has a round woman and is visible. The cremone will be operated over the entire height of the front door. It is locked at the top of the door and also at floor level. The installation of the surface-mounted multi-point lock is easy to achieve, especially for a professional locksmith.
In addition, the installation of the surface-mounted multi-point lock brings aesthetics to your interior. By buying this type of lock, you can be sure that it will fit your door. This is due to the fact that this carpentry equipment can be adapted to any type of entrance door (armored door, garage door, gate, etc.).
What protections should I have after installing a multipoint lock?
Whether it’s an armored door, a garage door or a gate, the installation of a multipoint lock guarantees you an optimal level of security. Here are some protections to benefit from the installation of this carpentry equipment:
- Burglary protection: Multi-point locks are particularly strong and can effectively resist breakage, drilling and picking of cylinders. By installing this type of lock, you bring more security to your interior.
- Protection against breakage: Multi-point locks are particularly durable, as they are equipped with anti-breakage technology. These include those that consist of increasing safety at the cylinder level. Even if burglars manage to grab the cylinders using a large pair of pliers, they will hardly be able to break them.
- Drill protection: Today, many burglars tend to use lock picking techniques to unlock front doors. By installing a multi-point lock, you are certain that you will not be faced with such a situation. This is due to the fact that the integration of a rotating element in the lock cylinder will only allow the pins to rotate in a vacuum in the event of a drill.
Some tips for choosing the ideal multi-point lock for your front door?
To take advantage of the high level of security offered by multi-point locks, you need to comply with a few criteria to make the right choice. Here are some of them:
Know the direction of opening of the front door
Although the majority of multipoint lock models are reversible, be aware that some ranges still need a specific opening direction to work. Here are some explanations you need to know:
- Push straight: the lock is on the right when the user pushes the door;
- Left push: the lock is on the left when the user pushes the door;
- Straight Pull: The lock is on the left when the user pulls the front door;
- Left Pull Tab: The lock is on the right when the user pulls the front door.
Determine the number of points for better security
On the market, you will find multi-point locks with 3.5 or even 9 points. It is therefore up to you to determine the level of security you want to bring to your home. However, special attention must be paid to this level. Anyone who wants to take full advantage of the advantages of a multipoint lock must equip themselves with a modern and quality door. Whether the front door is shielded or not, strikes must be installed carefully. To have more security with a multipoint lock, you should not think in terms of elements, but rather in terms of the whole.
Contact Doors Center locksmiths for your multi-point lock:
La certification A2P
If you want to be sure of the quality of the equipment to be installed, it is important to check the A2P certification of the multipoint lock to be purchased. To have the greatest resistance, the ideal would be to choose the 3-star model. Locks of this size can withstand up to 15 minutes of picking attempts and burglaries.
Also, be aware that the A2P standard determines the resistance time to lockpicking, percussion and drilling. Here is a classification that should not be overlooked when choosing your multipoint lock:
- A2P*: 5 min burglary resistance;
- A2P**: 10 min burglary resistance;
- A2P***: 15 min burglary resistance.
The different types of keys
In addition to the direction of opening, the number of points and the A2P certification, the type of key that opens and closes the multipoint lock also has a considerable impact on the level of security to be put in place. Anyone who wants to opt for enhanced security should use a reversible ball and pump wrench. Keys of this size are usually sold with a personal ownership card. The latter is particularly essential for the reproduction of the key.
For people who want to benefit from greater security, they can opt for multi-point lock keys whose ownership cards are only allowed from manufacturers. Specifically, any professional locksmith cannot reproduce these keys. However, some people like to adopt a standard level of security. If you are one of them, then the ideal would be to use a toothed key. The latter is particularly easy to reproduce.
What are some tips for installing the multipoint lock?
To install a multipoint lock, you must necessarily follow a few tips. If, for example, you want to carry out renovation work, surface-mounted multi-point locks may be preferred. Similarly, the number of points should not be neglected since it contributes to the proper installation of the strikers that house the bolts. For example, it would be useless to have armoured doors, A2P*** rated locks and strikers that are placed on plasterboard walls.
Do not hesitate to protect the cremone of your surface-mounted multipoint lock by using a strip or a rod cover. Such a practice will allow you not to let the linkage show and to bring aesthetic care to your interior.
There may be times when you need to replace recessed multi-point locks for PVC or aluminium patio doors. At this level, you need to be quite vigilant on the sides of the various closing points. If you don’t, you may not be able to install the cremone on your recessed multipoint lock.
Contact Doors Center locksmiths for your multi-point lock:
We recommend that you check out several other articles on our site, if you are looking for a locksmith outside of Ixelles, such as in Waterloo
