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A multipoint lock is a locking system that secures a door at several points along its frame, usually at three or more points, offering maximum security and better sealing compared to a traditional single lock. These locks are most commonly fitted to uPVC and composite doors, such as on front and patio doors, to provide added protection and durability for homes. Multipoint locks distribute pressure across the door, reducing warping and sagging over time.

There are various multipoint door lock types available, all with their own set of benefits. The best option for your door depends on its specific needs, including the door’s material, frame design, and the level of security required. Understanding the different types available will help you to make the right choice.

Lever-operated multipoint locks use a handle to engage multiple locking points simultaneously for a secure finish. This lock type is ideal for doors that require frequent opening and closing with smooth locking. Commonly used on uPVC, composite, and patio doors, they deliver reliable security and weather-sealing.

Key-operated multipoint locks rely on a key to lock and unlock multiple points along the door frame, providing strong security. Typically used for external doors where controlled access is important, they eliminate the need for a lifting handle and allow a traditional, key-only operation.

Automatic multipoint locks engage multiple locking points automatically when the door is closed, enhancing convenience and security without requiring manual operation. Used for busy entrances or high-traffic areas, they’re popular due to their convenience and consistent sealing.

Smart multipoint locks integrate with digital systems, allowing remote control and monitoring via devices such as smartphones. These locks offer advanced security features like keyless entry, alerts, and user access management, perfect for modern homes and properties needing flexible entry.

Split spindle multipoint locks feature two separate spindles, allowing for independent operation of different lock mechanisms within the same system. They’re often used on doors where two separate handle operations are needed, such as ones with an internal lever handle for everyday use.

Dual spindle multipoint locks have two spindles that control both the handle and a separate locking function. They’re often found on doors that require both a lever handle and a key cylinder to operate separate locking actions. For example, front doors where the handle needs to be lifted and a key turned to lock or unlock the door. This allows the inside and outside handles to operate separately while maintaining multipoint security.

When choosing a multipoint lock, there’s several features that should be considered to ensure it fits and functions properly for your door, including the lock’s reliability and the level of security it provides.

Different locking mechanisms, such as hooks and deadbolts, offer varying levels of security and functionality. The type chosen affects how the lock engages with the door frame and the ease of operation. For example, a deadbolt typically slides a solid rectangular bolt directly into the door frame, providing strong resistance against kicking or forced entry, whereas hooks latch onto a strike plate with a curved or hooked bolt, making them effective against prying and lifting.

Considering the door’s material, thickness, and style is important to ensure you choose the right lock. Incompatible locks can result in fitting issues or reduced security, so it’s essential to confirm whether your door is wood, metal, or uPVC before installation.

The backset and PZ measurements must align with the door’s specifications for the lock to fit properly and operate smoothly. The backset is the distance from the door edge to the lock’s centre, and PZ is the distance between the keyhole and handle spindle. Taking accurate measurements ensures proper fit, functionality, and security.

Security certifications such as PAS 24 or EN 12209 indicate that a multipoint lock has been tested for strength and reliability. Choosing a certified lock provides peace of mind by ensuring a higher level of protection against forced entry.

If multipoint locks aren’t chosen or installed properly, they can compromise both their functionality and safety. We’ll explore the common multipoint lock mistakes to ensure these are avoided.

Selecting the wrong backset or lock size can result in a poor fit, making it difficult to operate the lock, or even resulting in a non-functional system. Always measure your door accurately before purchasing.

Ignoring door requirements, such as the door’s material, thickness, or opening style can lead to compatibility issues. For example, uPVC and wooden doors often need different lock types or mechanisms.

Overlooking security certifications can leave your door vulnerable to break-ins. Choosing locks with proper ratings ensures the product meets tested standards for strength and durability. You can check this with your manufacturer.

Improper installation or misaligned components can prevent the lock from engaging correctly, reducing security and causing premature wear. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines carefully or hiring a professional installer will ensure the process runs smoothly.

Discover multipoint door locks at IronmongeryDirect

This guide has explored the different types of multipoint locks, key features to consider when choosing your lock, and common mistakes to avoid. Find the right door lock for your next project with our wide range of multipoint locks from IronmongeryDirect.

What’s the difference between a multipoint lock and a single point lock?

A single point lock secures the door at only one point, while a multipoint lock secures it at multiple points along the frame, usually three or more. This makes multipoint locks more secure and resistant to forced entry compared to standard single-point locks.

Are multipoint locks suitable for all types of doors?

Multipoint locks can be used with a wide range of door types, including uPVC, composite, timber, and aluminium doors. Always ensure compatibility with the door’s thickness, material, and design, as this could affect its functionality and fit.

While you can install a multipoint lock yourself, it requires precise measurements and alignment. Hiring a professional is recommended to prevent damage to the door lock or mechanism.

How many locking points does a multipoint lock have? 

Most multipoint locks have three main locking points. These are commonly at the top, middle, and bottom of the door, and some models have even more.

Having the right lock is essential to ensure the safety and protection of your property. Understanding the different options available will help you to determine the best choice for your needs. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of multipoint buying locks, where each type is commonly used, and what to consider when selecting one for your space.

Multipoint Lock Buying Guide: What to Look for and Why It Matters

A cabinet door hinge is a mechanical device, typically made of metal hardware, that connects the cabinet door to the frame, allowing it to open and close smoothly. These hinges come in a variety of styles to suit different cabinet constructions and door layouts, and they also offer features such as soft-closing or full overlay.

There are various cabinet door hinge types available, and choosing the right one depends on your cabinet construction, door style, and functionality needs. Some hinges are designed to be hidden for a sleek look, while others offer specific opening angles or soft-close features for convenience and durability.​​ Below, we will explore the main types of cabinet hinges.

Concealed hinges, also known as European hinges, are hidden from view when the cabinet door is closed, creating a clean and seamless look. They’re commonly used in modern or minimalist kitchens and offer adjustability for perfect alignment. These hinges are ideal for frameless cabinets and are available in soft-close options for added convenience.

Overlay hinges allow the cabinet door to rest on top of the cabinet frame, partially or fully covering it when closed. They’re commonly used in both framed and frameless cabinets in modern kitchens for a sleek and discreet look. Overlay hinges are available in full and half overlay styles to accommodate various door positions.

Inset hinges are designed for doors that sit flush within the cabinet frame rather than over it. This creates a traditional, built-in appearance and requires precise alignment during installation. Inset hinges can be visible or concealed, depending on the aesthetic you want to achieve.

Soft-close hinges feature an integrated mechanism that slows the door’s movement, allowing it to close gently and quietly. They can help reduce wear and tear and are ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Many concealed hinges also include a soft-close feature, combining a clean, streamlined appearance with the added benefit of quieter, more durable operation.

Pivot hinges are mounted at the top and bottom of a cabinet door. They are an ideal choice for larger or heavier doors, allowing them to swing smoothly along a central axis. Specialty hinges, such as piano, bi-fold, or corner hinges, serve unique purposes for specific cabinet designs or configurations. These hinges are often used in custom cabinetry or for space-saving solutions.

What to consider when choosing cabinet hinges 

Choosing the right cabinet hinge depends on several practical considerations, from the type of cabinet to how often the door will be used everyday. This section will explore key factors like construction style, door movement, and durability to help you make the best choice for your space.

The structure of your cabinet can affect the hinge type and positioning. Framed cabinets feature a front frame, requiring hinges that attach to both the frame and the door. Frameless cabinets, on the other hand, use hinges mounted directly to the cabinet sides, which often need specific concealed or European-style hinges.

How wide the door needs to open will determine the choice you make. Standard hinges typically allow a 90–110° opening, while others offer extended angles of up to 165° or more for full access. Choosing the right angle depends on cabinet placement and how much clearance is needed.

Choosing cabinet hinges based on frequency of use and load-bearing needs is important. Heavily used cabinets, like those in kitchens or offices, benefit from high-quality, durable hinges made from robust materials. Soft-close or heavy-duty options are ideal for larger or frequently accessed doors.

The hinge style and finish can impact the overall look of your cabinetry. If your hinges are visible, selecting a finish that matches your cabinet hardware, such as brushed nickel or matte black, can create a cohesive look. Concealed hinges offer a more minimal look, while decorative ones can complement classic or rustic interiors.


Discover cabinet hinges at IronmongeryDirect 

This guide has helped you to choose the right cabinet hinge for your space, detailing the various styles and what to consider in the decision-making process. Find the right hinge required for your next project with our wide range of robust cabinet door hinges from IronmongeryDirect.

What is the difference between inset and overlay cabinet hinges?

Inset hinges are used when the cabinet door sits flush within the cabinet frame, while overlay hinges allow the door to rest on top of the cabinet frame. Your choice can affect both the appearance and functionality of your cabinet doors.

Which cabinet hinges do I need for my kitchen units?

The hinges you need for your kitchen units depend on your cabinet type, door style, and how much of the frame you want the door to cover. Modern kitchens typically use concealed or soft-close hinges to create a sleek look and quiet close.

No, standard inset hinges won't work properly on overlay doors. They are specifically designed for doors that sit within the cabinet frame. Using them on overlay doors would cause misalignment and improper function. It’s important to ensure you’re using the right hinges for your door type.

Soft-close hinges can reduce noise and prevent doors from slamming, which helps extend the life of the cabinet by minimising stress on the door and frame. They’re ideal in high-traffic kitchens or bathrooms, where doors are opened and closed frequently. While they cost more than standard hinges, their durability and convenience make them a worthwhile investment.

How do I know which hinge overlay size I need?

To find out which hinge overlay size you need, you must measure how much of the cabinet frame the door should cover when closed. This will help determine whether you need a full, half, or inset hinge. You should always check compatibility with your cabinet's construction.

What’s the difference between a half overlay vs a full overlay hinge?

A full overlay hinge allows the cabinet door to fully cover the cabinet side or frame, creating a seamless look. In contrast, half overlay hinges are used when two doors share a cabinet partition and partially cover the frame, allowing both to operate independently.

Cabinet hinges play a crucial role in both the function and appearance of your cabinets. There are several types available, and selecting the right hinge depends on your cabinet construction, door style, and how you want the door to operate. This guide will help you understand the options available, so you can choose the right hinge to meet your needs.

For fire doors to work safely and properly, they must be installed and maintained correctly. Common failures often come down to competence, so it’s important that fire doors are up to standard. The Building Safety Act reinforces SKEB (skills, knowledge, experience, behaviours) and acts as a reminder that not only product choice, but also competent installation and proper maintenance are key. Understanding standards such as BS 476 Part 22 and BS EN 1634-1, and prioritising safety and compliance over speed and convenience, will help ensure doors operate as designed.

For example, using the wrong size, type, or configuration of a seal, even if it looks similar, can risk invalidating certification and compromising safety. Paint build-up, damage, or wear can also reduce performance so it’s essential to complete regular inspections and make correct replacements. Combined smoke seals are particularly critical, as smoke inhalation can be just as life-threatening as flames. These seals are tested as part of a complete fire door set, restricting smoke spread in the early stages of a fire, making the correct specification vital. Third-party certification schemes, including Certifire and BM TRADA Q-Mark, provide assurance that all necessary standards are met.

While replacing entire fire doors helps to ensure compliance, it isn’t always a practical or affordable option. Retrofit solutions bridge the gap. These smart and effective products maintain and restore compliance, reducing the risk to safety and avoiding regulatory penalties.

What Are Retrofit Solutions for Fire Doors

Retrofit products for fire doors are designed to provide alternatives to making a complete door replacement. Products including intumescent strips and fire door seals are a less costly option, providing an effective solution for protecting people and property in the event of a fire. Norseal’s retrofit range provides fast and reliable fixes for common fire door issues, such as:

NOR710 – A fast retrofit smoke and acoustic seal

The Norseal NOR710 is an ideal retrofit solution for fire-rated doors that need immediate smoke containment and improved acoustic performance. Thanks to its self-adhesive backing, it can be surface-applied cleanly and quickly without invasive cutting or disruption. Once installed, the seal delivers certified performance: smoke testing to BS 476-31.1, acoustic performance (up to around 48 dB) using dual air-pocket technology, and proven durability through one million cycle tests.

NOR820 – A face-fixed drop seal design for easy retrofitting without routing.

Framefit – A system designed to close excessive gaps between the door and frame.

All products are fully tested to BS 476 Part 22 / BS EN 1634-1 and are a practical and effective option to ensure fire doors are brought back to compliance.

Retrofit products only achieve compliance when they’re fitted and maintained correctly. Norseal supports installers with the Norseal Academy, offering training and resources to ensure everything is done as it should, and fire doors perform as intended.

Inspect seals regularly for wear, damage, or paint build-up

Look for third-party certification such as Certifire or BM TRADA Q-Mark

Keep records of inspections and maintenance

Use the manufacturer’s specified seals and replace seals on a like-for-like basis only

Discover Retrofit Solutions for Fire Doors

Retrofit solutions play a vital role in fire door safety. With competent installation, proper maintenance, and the right retrofit solutions, compliance can be achieved without the cost of a full replacement. Explore Norseal’s high-performance range for maximum fire door safety.

Seals play an important role in fire door compliance, from intumescent seals which expand in heat to smoke seals which block smoke in the early stages of a fire. Without properly working seals, a fire door may fail to perform as tested when needed.

Can fire door seals be replaced with any similar seal?

No, fire door seals must always be replaced like-for-like, with the exact type, size, and configuration specified by the manufacturer. Using the wrong seal can hugely compromise safety.

What does competence mean in fire door installation?

Competence is essential when referring to fire doors. It involves having the skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviours (SKEB) to ensure fire doors are installed and maintained correctly. A competent installation is just as important as the product itself.

What should I do if seals are missing or damaged?

Plain intumescent fire seals can sometimes be painted over, but combined fire-and-smoke seals or smoke-only seals must not be painted over. Any seals that are missing, damaged, or painted incorrectly must be replaced on a like-for-like basis to ensure they work as intended in the event of a fire.

Yes, retrofit products allow existing fire doors to be repaired and upgraded, avoiding a costly and disruptive replacement.

How often should fire door seals be checked?

Fire door seals should be checked regularly (at least once every 6 months) to ensure they work as they should. Look out for wear, damage, or paint build-up and if there are any issues, these should be addressed promptly so the fire door remains compliant.

Fire doors play a vital role in keeping people and properties safe, controlling the spread of smoke and flames in the event of a fire. Keeping fire doors compliant is essential for meeting important standards, but according to the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS), three-quarters of inspected fire doors fail compliance tests. The most common reasons are gaps, poor installation, and missing or damaged seals. This demonstrates the importance of competent installation and reliable retrofit solutions to maintain fire door safety.

Fire Door Compliance: The Importance of Competence and Retrofit Solutions

Fire doors can present common challenges that affect both safety and usability. These include:

A heavy weight that makes them difficult to open

Accessibility concerns in care homes, schools, and other facilities

Hardwiring required, which is expensive and disruptive

Noise disruption caused by slamming doors

These issues are important to address, and smart door closers that simplify operation and improve safety are the ideal solution. Noise disruption from slamming can be reduced with high-performance closers. Heavy doors and accessibility concerns can be solved with free-swing modes, and costly hardwiring can be avoided with wireless installation.

Fireco's innovative Freedor device is designed with these challenges in mind, offering solutions to ensure fire doors remain compliant, providing reliable protection and safe access in everyday use and emergency situations. Their benefits include:

Wireless installation – wire-free devices eliminate the need for hardwiring, reducing installation costs and servicing needs. This low-maintenance design leads to long-term savings.

SmartSound technology – this technology listens for and identifies fire alarms, even in noisy environments, and triggers the door to close. This makes them incredibly effective in emergencies, while also allowing doors to stay open without compromising on fire safety.

Free-swing mode – their free-swing design removes the heavy resistance of fire doors so they can move freely and stay open at any angle for ease of access. In the event of a fire, the door closer automatically closes the door to maintain fire safety. The quiet operation makes it ideal for care homes, schools, and other areas where inclusive access is essential.

Assembled in the UK – 96.5% of components are sourced locally, ensuring reliability and quality assurance.

Eco-conscious design - everything on Freedor SmartSound closers, apart from the velcro strap, can be recycled. There is also a recycling programme available, ensuring safety standards are met while reducing environmental impact.

Smart closers improve compliance with fire safety regulations and enhance building accessibility, which is especially important for high-traffic areas, such as care homes, schools, hospitals, offices, and other busy environments. For a sustainable option with low installation costs, high-quality smart closers are an effective choice, reducing disruption while maximising safety.

Discover Freedor Fire Door Closers at IronmongeryDirect

You’re now aware of the important role fire door closers play in ensuring maximum compliance and safety, and all that’s left to do is invest in a smart and user-friendly option. Explore our selection of Freedor SmartSound fire door closers at IronmongeryDirect to transform the fire safety and accessibility of your building today.

What is the purpose of a fire door closer?

The purpose of a fire door closer is to ensure the door automatically closes after opening, maintaining fire safety, and protecting people and property.

Yes, door closers are required on fire doors, ensuring the door automatically closes in the event of a fire, helping to prevent the spread of smoke and flames. 

Fire doors are needed in buildings where fire containment is critical, including care homes, schools, and offices. They’re used to control the spread of fire and provide easy accessibility in these high-traffic areas.

How to adjust fire door closers depends on the model, and it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Generally, regulating the closing speed, latch action, and backcheck will ensure the door closes fully without slamming.

Fire doors shouldn’t slam; they should close fully without obstruction. This creates a safe exit, ensuring the door seals properly to maintain fire resistance.

How can smart door closers improve fire door safety?

Smart door closers, like Fireco's Freedor SmartSound, allow doors to stay open safely for accessibility and then automatically close when a fire alarm is detected. In high-traffic environments, this creates an effective solution for maximum safety and compliance.

Fire doors are essential for safety in high-traffic buildings, but without effective closers, they can create common challenges that impact cost and compliance. If you’re looking to maximise protection and ensure your fire doors work as they should, here are some smart and easy solutions, including innovative options from Fireco.

How to Solve Common Fire Door Closer Challenges with Smart, Easy Solutions

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The UK's biggest range.
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Rated excellent by 96,389 customers

Very fast delivery and excellent…

Quick delivery of door lock

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From the trade blog

Multipoint Lock Buying Guide: What to Look for and Why It Matters

How To Choose The Right Cabinet Hinge

Fire Door Compliance: The Importance of Competence and Retrofit Solutions

How to Solve Common Fire Door Closer Challenges with Smart, Easy Solutions

The UK's biggest range. Chosen for you.

The UK's biggest range.Chosen for you.

Rated excellent by 96,389 customers

Very fast delivery and excellent…

Quick delivery of door lock

Good company but awful delivery

Stocking the best ironmongery brands

It pays to refer

Multipoint Lock Buying Guide: What to Look for and Why It Matters

How To Choose The Right Cabinet Hinge

Fire Door Compliance: The Importance of Competence and Retrofit Solutions

How to Solve Common Fire Door Closer Challenges with Smart, Easy Solutions

The UK's biggest range.
Chosen for you.