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Era Vectis - looks interesting but flawed

European hardware -lever locks, profile cylinders specific for European locks. European lock picks and European locks.

Era Vectis - looks interesting but flawed

Postby workstation » 30 Nov 2008 8:04

The new Era Vectis looks interesting:

http://www.era-vectis.co.uk

It's a multipoint lever lock that can be used with the same handles as typical euro multipoints and with the same method of operation i.e. lift handle then turn key to lock, turn key then lower handle to unlock. It reminds me rather of the Murray Locks three-point lock that was available a few years ago, except that that lock threw the bolts with the key, and this one uses the handle.

The designers seem to have done a lot of things right. For instance, the keyholes have shutters to make the lock airtight, and you can use either their special handles or ordinary euro handles with an adaptor. It seems a shame they haven't added sensible secondary bolting or knobset-like front door functionality; they had the chance while designing their own handles. But this is minor.

Come to think of it, the nightlatch front door version use is presumably compromised by the keyhole. But maybe that's not a big issue. I don't know much about bypass methods like that.

I am concerned about the basic security of the lock, however. See:

http://www.era-vectis.co.uk/downloads/V ... uctory.pdf

Looking at the picture here, it appears the lock has no inbuilt resistance to primary or secondary drilling. (Unless this is provided by some secondary anti-drill plate not illustrated. Behind the handle maybe? That might be OK. Anyone know?)

It also seems to have no pick resistance. I don't see any false notches in the levers. Maybe there's a hidden detent and anti-pressure device I don't see. But I doubt this. :-)

While better than a cheap euro, this lock seems like a backward step in security compared to a couple of average 5 lever British Standard locks, which is quite a bizarre situation when you think about it. This puts me off the whole product. If they can't design well in the area I know about, I would assume they have designed badly in every other area too.

Does anyone have any experience of these locks or any other information about them? Is there more to it?
workstation
 
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Location: United Kingdom

Re: Era Vectis - looks interesting but flawed

Postby lockey1963 » 30 Nov 2008 18:33

i have to agree that the vectris multipoint is very dissapointing, you are correct it picks very easily due to no anti picks, and no hard plate protects the levers.

The idea is a sound one, but surely building as if a bs lock with anti picks and hard plate would have been a sensible option, another blatent thing they have forgot, is currently in a lost key situation the entire gearbox will need to be changed as era havnt yet advertised or released the lever packs, so this will work out to be an expensive option, coupled with ERA current quality issues is a concerning product to be fitting.

good idea badly executed at present.
Nottingham auto locksmith
www.nottinghamcarkeys.co.uk
lockey1963
 
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Re: Era Vectis - looks interesting but flawed

Postby toomush2drink » 30 Nov 2008 19:57

Its flaw is its made by era, poor quality control meaning crap products.
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Re: Era Vectis - looks interesting but flawed

Postby greyman » 6 Dec 2008 11:24

Agreed. A cheap shot at the market for euro-profile multipoint locking door hardware by Era.
Image
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Re: Era Vectis - looks interesting but flawed

Postby workstation » 2 Oct 2009 14:30

Sorry to resurrect my thread like this, but why oh why oh why didn't they just make a typical multipoint lock into which one of their standard B.S. locks fits as a component?

It's ridiculous.
workstation
 
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Re: Era Vectis - looks interesting but flawed

Postby workstation » 2 Oct 2009 14:31

Someone has posted video of this lock on Youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kl8ePm0s7k
workstation
 
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Location: United Kingdom

Re: Era Vectis - looks interesting but flawed

Postby Solomon » 2 Oct 2009 15:19

workstation wrote:Someone has posted video of this lock on Youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kl8ePm0s7k

The curtain pick in that vid is funky! As for the lock, I'll reiterate what's been said already... it's an ERA, nuff said. 99% of criminals don't pick locks though, so in that sense it's probably a decent quality lock. Apart from the fact that it can be bypassed with a drill and screwdriver just like any other curtained mortice. :roll:
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Re: Era Vectis - looks interesting but flawed

Postby dogsbollocks » 21 Oct 2009 16:58

dogsbollocks
 
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Re: Era Vectis - looks interesting but flawed

Postby Rickthepick » 22 Oct 2009 3:44

iv been told its the same method as youd pick an invincible or profit as the levers are similar, however a shorter pick is required as the levers are lower lifting.

Still waiting to get a go but im sure its another overated lock design
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