How to adjust a uPVC Door Locking Mechanism

Why isn’t my multipoint door lock working?  

 There are several things which could have caused your multipoint door lock to malfunction. Here are the most common issues:

·         There could be a mechanical fault with the lock itself, preventing it from turning or drawing the bolts across.

·         If the door handle is drooping, this usually indicates that the door has been harshly used, or the cam lock is broken.

·         Can’t turn the key? This is bad news – and might mean there’s a problem with the locking system as a whole. In this situation, you’ll need to call a locksmith, or uPVC door fitter.

·         When the door is misaligned, it isn’t in the right position relative to the frame, so the bolts will be unable to slide smoothly across into position. This is most likely to happen on older doors with worn hinges.

How to Adjust a uPVC multipoint door lock

There’s a fairly straightforward method for adjusting a uPVC multipoint door lock, but if you don’t feel confident doing it yourself, you can always call in an expert.

First of all, you’ll need a few tools to hand…  

-          Flat-head screwdriver

-          Philips head screwdriver

-          Allen key (5mm)

Adjusting a Misaligned uPVC Multipoint Locking System  

Keep in mind that a misaligned door can’t always be fixed – for example, if the hinges are in poor condition, or the issue is beyond repair. That said, most uPVC doors can be realigned with these simple, step-by-step instructions:  

1.       To get access to the hinge, you’ll first need to remove the protective plastic cover. You should be able to manage this using a screwdriver.

2.       Now you can check whether the hinge itself is running parallel to the base of your door. If it doesn’t line up, you’ll need to adjust the position of the hinges.

3.       Look for a small hole in the main part of the hinge, slot in your Allen key and turn it half a rotation. You should notice the door pulling back towards the hinge – but if it’s still not parallel, try another half turn.

4.       Now check the handle of the door again, and see if the mechanism feels improved.

5.       Repeat this process on the other two hinges, and try the handle again. Remember to check the alignment of the door after every adjustment, by attempting to close and lock it.

6.       Once you’ve adjusted all three hinges, you should find that there’s less resistance in the multipoint locking system, with the bolts sliding neatly into position again.

It’s worth noting that one measure you can take to try and prevent your doors from getting misaligned in the first place is regularly lubricating them with an appropriate grease or spray. This simple maintenance tip could save you time, money and hassle in the long run. 

If you’ve attempted this repair, but your multipoint locking system is beyond saving, finding a replacement is quick and easy with IronmongeryDirect. We offer a wide range of quality multipoint door locks from industry-leading brands, as well as a selection of door hardware and closers