Multi Point Locking Doors, your opinions?

[crito]

Can I have your thoughts on what you think (or have seen) in the multi lock doors?

I see that Masonite and Therma-tru have made doors with this lock.

I was thinking about buying one, to skip the buying of a commerical deadbolt, re-enforcing the jamb, etc.

I believe one of the makers stated that his product can have different keys/key cylinders installed in the lock.


Thanks for your input!

[EmCee]

Hi crito

I am not sure what you want to know. I presume you are talking about multi-point locking (MPL) systems. In the UK they are common in uPVC doors, although they are also available for fitting to timber doors.

The MPL secures the door to the frame at several points, but all those hooks and bolts are only kept in place by the single lock (in the UK this is usually a Euro or Oval cylinder). Some people just pull the door closed and do not engage the MPL; some engage the MPL but do not double lock the cylinder. In either of these cases, the door is only held closed at a single point by the latch in the keep.

I have a uPVC door with MPL. There are many of these in the UK. However, traditionally we had wooden doors and in most cases there were two locks - a cylinder lock plus a lever lock. In my personal view, a well-made and properly fitted solid hardwood external door, with a deadlocking cylinder plus a BS five-lever lock and perhaps hinge bolts (and reinforcing London/Birmingham bars for the jambs if needed) is more secure.

Security is a balance between cost, convenience and security. It is rare for a burglar to pick a lock. There is no point fitting an expensive lock to a weak door or frame. The more secure you make the door, the more likely it is that any burglar will look for an easier way - back door (often less secure) or windows.

If you fit a new uPVC door you will fit a complete doorset as well so you won't have to worry about reinforcing the existing jamb. If you fit a modern Euro cylinder (anti-snap and anti-bump) you will have reasonable security.

If you have an existing timber door and fit a quality deadlocking cylinder and a BS lever lock and perhaps hinge bolts, you will have reasonable security.

I doubt that buying a new uPVC door/doorset will be cheaper than buying a deadbolt and reinforcing the jamb. If you want to fit a timber door with MPL then you'll still have to reinforce the jamb it if is weak.

In either case (uPVC or timber), you can choose from a wide range of locks with a wide range of prices, and you can have the locks keyed alike so that one key fits all doors or keyed differently.

Cheers...

[Rickthepick]

unless they are well maintained they are prone to jamming and breaking but on the whole pretty good at what they do especially when fitted in a wooden door.
Security wise, a lot depends on the cylinder fitted.

[weerwolf]

Here in mainland Europe we see a lot of multi point locks. How secure they are depends on the method used for locking. A lot of MPL use deadbolts or pins. MPL for PVC doors can also have hooks.
Try to avoid MPL with taps that slide up and down. These add very little to security , and like Rick said are prone to jamming.

There are models available that can be used with 2 cylinders. But most work with just 1 cylinder.

[crito]

I have a tough choice.

I am going to keep my front door. The other two entry doors, I am going to replace them with a pre-hung door combo.

For a MPL door I can go with a Therma-Tru fiberglass door. MPL is a stainless steel Hoppe 9000 series. (supplied and installed by the door company) I was thinking of buying an Abloy harden steel profile double cylinder. (I will come up with a way to strengthen the hinge side of the door).

For the deadbolt door I was thinking of the Therma-Tru impact fiberglass door with a Abloy Protec Single Cylinder w/ Lockable Thumbturn Deadbolt with expanding bolt. I will also install the door jamb armor.

I planned on keeping my front door and going with the Abloy Protec Single Cylinder w/ Lockable Thumbturn Deadbolt with expanding bolt and fitting it with the door jamb armor.

Which option is the best? I know I am going overkill with the locking system. I like to feel safe at night. hehehe. I am going to put the special film on my windows in the future. I already have a monitored security system.


I do not know if the MPL is all hype or if one is better then the other. I do not know, so I am asking your opinion. Everyone here on this board has been real helpful. Thank you for your help.

I live in a big city in Texas. Break-ins do happen. So, I know I am not wasting my money on a lock system that will last me a long time.

[Rickthepick]

dont waste your time on fitting a protec in that door its simply overkill and bypassed as easilly as a £3 cylinder.

Invest the rest in some sleeping pills that should solve your sleeping problems

[crito]

Protec locks are easily picked or bumped?

I don't get what you are saying.

[Rickthepick]

no but id unlock every deadbolt on that door with one 8mm drill hole and a bent wire regardless of any cylinder that was fitted.

likewise you wouldnt put a £100 padlock on a chain that could be cropped

All its not worth wasting your money on as its only going to stop lock picking thieves... not ones with destructive tools and a bit of info

[crito]

Yeah, but if the door cannot be picked, kicked or jimmy. Then if someone would have to resort to using a drill or anything like that... This is a good protection for me.

Considering that the thief tries to break-in and cannot (easily). He will go to another house with a kwikset on it.

Maybe in the future I would buy a Drumm Security Geminy Shield Deadbolt Guard /euro cylinder. (after I do more on securing my windows).

Which one is better, the deadbolt/door armor setup or the MPL setup?