Multi-point lock for plastic doors: what is it and how to install them

Locks, Accessories

The choice of a lock for a plastic door is far from the least important in terms of the service life of the entire structure and its reliability. The safety of the contents will depend on the level of burglary resistance, because plastic doors are often installed in offices or at the entrance to a store.

General features of castle structures

You cannot install a lock in a plastic door that is intended for a wooden or metal structure, as this can lead to disruption of the door’s functions, as well as to breakage of the door leaf itself.

Today, the building materials market offers a large number of models of locks for plastic doors, which are made from various materials and have different design features. Even designer ideas can be embodied in such simple products.

One option for installing a multi-point lock on a PVC office door

Typically, mortise mechanisms are installed in plastic sheets so as not to disrupt the tightness of the closure, as well as to maintain an attractive appearance. Although there are cases where additional padlocks or rim locks are installed to protect the premises from burglary.

Let's look at the features of built-in structures, including a multi-point lock for plastic doors.

Locks for plastic doors - how to buy them yourself

If a situation arises when you need to buy a lock for a door yourself, you need to know two characteristics of the lock so as not to make a mistake - the center distance and the backmass (Dornmaß)

Center-to-center distance is the distance from the center of the hole for the handle pin to the center of the profile cylinder (or rather, to the center of its round part). Most often these values are 85 or 92 mm

Dornmass - the distance from the front lock plate to the center of the profile cylinder. The thickness of the plank is included in this distance. For plastic doors, locks with backmass 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 mm are used.

Photo: backmass of the lock - the size indicated by the letter “D”, the center-to-center distance is indicated by the letter “E” To purchase a profile cylinder for a plastic door, you need to know two sizes: x - the distance from the center of the profile cylinder fastening screw to the inner wall of the profile + the thickness of the profile lining cylinder (most often this is 8 mm) and y – the distance from the center of the fastening screw of the profile cylinder to the outer wall of the profile + the thickness of the lining on the profile cylinder (most often this is 8 mm). The sum of x and y determines the overall length of the profile cylinder. It should be taken into account that the profile cylinder is allowed to extend beyond the protective and decorative overlay by no more than 3 mm - GOST requirement. Otherwise, the profile cylinder has increased vulnerability to an attacker.

Photo: profile cylinder (cylinder) of a door lock We often receive a question from customers: “Is it possible to replace a single-point lock with a multi-point one?” It is possible, if the center distance and backbone mass coincide, the replacement will not be difficult. But in order not to have to worry about replacing the lock, it is better to immediately buy a door with a reliable multi-point lock from well-known manufacturers.

Roto locks are manufactured in Austria by the world's largest manufacturer of window and door fittings - the ROTO FRANK company. The door and window fittings of this brand have gained worldwide popularity due to the high quality of their products in strict compliance with European standards.

Design features of locks on PVC doors

Despite the low strength of the plastic structure itself, doors with a lock can truly resist burglary. Reinforced structures can be divided into single-locking (short) and multi-locking (latt locks).

Single lock

Such structures have only one point of contact at the locking point, and therefore cannot provide high reliability, as well as a high level of tightness.

Such designs have a roller mechanism or latch. If you often use the door, then it is more advisable to use a roller, which during operation should fall into the groove on the opposite side of the frame. During installation, it must be taken into account that the lock and the plate must be parallel.

Important! If the web becomes skewed over time, difficulties may arise when locking the roller mechanism. Then it is necessary to adjust the blade.

Both locks are built-in, but they are very easy to replace.

Locks for plastic doors - pros and cons

The front door is not just an opportunity to enter the house. This is a pass into inner space, into private life. The door lock is responsible for restricting access. Not only the restful sleep of the owners depends on its reliability and functionality. Preservation of heat in the house, absence of blowing, convenient opening and easy closing of the door - all this is the responsibility of the door lock.

Locks for plastic doors are divided into 2 types - single-locking and multi-locking.

The single-point lock is the most familiar type for most users. Such a lock has only one locking point, approximately 1000 mm from the bottom of the door - a steel bolt (bolt), which comes out when the key is turned. The bolt outlet of locks for entrance doors, according to GOST, must be at least 20 mm. In the closed position, the door, which is not locked with a key, is held in place by a latch (“tongue” in the lock). There are two types of latch - cylindrical and halved.

Cylindrical (also called barrel or roller) does not depend on the operation of the handle; such locks are used with handle-brackets in doors with high operational load - shops, offices.

The latch has a beveled shape and is retracted inside the lock when the handle is pressed, so this lock is used only with a push handle. Locks with halyard latch are installed in places with moderate operational load, where there are not many people walking - residential buildings, interior doors.

Photo: single-point lock

Advantages of single-point locks:

Low cost from 400 rubles
Large selection of manufacturers
Can be purchased independently at any hardware store

Disadvantages of single-point locks:

The loose fit of the sash to the frame is the most significant disadvantage. Blowing through a door with such a lock is very likely. Single-point locks are not recommended to be installed on the only entrance door to a warm room, only as part of a vestibule.
The burglary resistance of the door structure will be very limited.
Loss of sash geometry during operation is a real scourge of plastic doors with single-point locks. To install the lock, holes are cut out in both the plastic and the reinforcing profile, which significantly weakens the structure. The sash, pressed to the frame at only one point, begins to bend in the cold and in the hot sun; the lower and upper corners of the sash are not pressed against the frame. It is almost impossible to eliminate profile deformation.

Multi-point locks are used to make the door warm, windproof and burglar-proof. The main part of the lock is absolutely identical to the single-point lock, but has additional pressure points, not only on the vertical part of the sash, but also on the horizontal ones. Thus, a door with a multi-point lock has tight pressure on all sides. But it is worth noting that the use of additional locking elements in the form of trunnions makes it possible to ensure only the initial break-resistant class - WK1. For truly burglar-resistant door designs, it is necessary to use combined additional locks, which include a steel hook and pin.

Photo: Roto Save C600 multi-point lock (2 images on the left are the central part of the lock, the other 3 are additional locking)* Advantages of multi-point locks:

The door is not blown through and retains heat.
The sash retains its shape and does not deform. Steel lock extensions located along the entire height of the sash act as additional reinforcement of the profile and compensate for the loss of reinforcement strength.
It is possible to make a door with high burglary resistance up to class WK3, using a combined lock (hook + pin).

Disadvantages of multi-point locks:

Higher price compared to single-point locks - the cost of multi-point locks made in Turkey starts from 1000 rubles, while locks of European brands have a retail price from 2000 rubles
The unusual algorithm for closing some models requires a little training for household members
Difficult to buy on the open market

Another important part of any lock is the profile cylinder (or cylinder). This is the removable part of the lock; in fact, there is a mechanism into which the key is inserted. It operates the entire lock, opens or blocks it.

There are two types of profile cylinder - symmetrical, when the key is inserted on both sides of the lock (key-key) and asymmetrical, when there is a small handle on the inside instead of a key (also called a thumb or pinwheel).

Multi-point

Such locks are a locking mechanism that is much more secure and consists of two or more locking points. They are designed to achieve a high level of burglary resistance.

The locking elements are separated from each other and are driven by a special movable tire. Thanks to the design features, a very tight fit of the canvas to the frame is achieved, and consequently, the level of noise insulation increases. This also helps save heat, since the room cools down more slowly and requires less heating intensity.

Schematic illustration of a lock with several locks.

Additional advantages of such a device include an increase in the service life of the entire canvas, since it does not sag and the structure does not become loose. A conventional multi-point or lever-type lock is mounted on plastic doors.

We also invite you to watch the general features of the operation of a multi-point lock in the video below.

Level version of a multi-point lock

This design consists of plates that have different sizes and must fit into the grooves opposite. If, when turning the key, at least one groove does not match, the door will not open.

This is what the internal structure of a lever lock looks like

Such a device has a high burglary resistance, since when you try to break into it, the secret component of the lock can be destroyed, and the bolt jams. True, this advantage against thieves gives a disadvantage to the owners: if you have lost the key, then a complete replacement of the door locking system is necessary.

Important! The level of protection of the lever lock depends on the number of plates used. Unlocking occurs by arranging the plates in a certain order.

Regular (cylindrical) version

The design of the lock using cylinders is different. The main element is the larvae, into which the pins must fall when opened with a key. When all the pins fit into the grooves when you turn the key, the door will open.

Section of the cylindrical structure of the lock

At the same time, the cylindrical lock has removable elements, so any cylinders can be replaced without purchasing a new lock, which is convenient to use, but significantly reduces the level of security.

Another version of the locking mechanism for plastic doors has been developed - electromagnetic.

Multi-point ROTO locks for plastic doors

The ROTO company is rightfully considered a professional in the production of door hardware - locks, hinges, thresholds. The new generation of multi-point door locks Roto DoorSafe 600 has expanded the range of locks - now high-quality locks are produced not only for entrance doors, but also for balcony doors.

Today, Roto DoorSafe 600 locks are the most technologically advanced development in the line of door hardware from the ROTO FRANK company - they guarantee high tightness and security.

Distinctive features of Roto DoorSafe 600 locks:

The combined pin + hook locking in combination with additional locking points ensures a tight fit of the sash and no blowing. The lock hook is the thickest and thickest on the market. When the door is locked, it is the first to enter the striker, securely pulling the sash to the frame, and a powerful pin presses the sash, ensuring reliable sealing.

Photo: hook-pin combination of Roto DoorSafe C600* lock

The shape of the additional locks can be changed because the Roto DoorSafe 600 locks have a modular design. The client chooses the configuration himself - additional locks can be in the form of a pin, pin, hook or combinations thereof. Depending on the configuration, the door can have a burglary resistance class from WK1 to WK3. One turn of the key is enough to protect the door from burglary.

Photo: various options for locking elements: anti-burglary pin, pin, hook (from left to right)

Tight, uniform pressure on the sash due to additional metal elements along the height of the sash protects the sash from deformation and loss of geometry and even compensates for them during operation. Doors with multi-point locks always close easily and comfortably.
Reinforced frame counter parts allow achieving the highest level of burglary resistance WK3 - the doors successfully resist burglary attempts using two screwdrivers and a crowbar for a regulated time.
A low-noise latch with a sound-absorbing insert ensures that the door closes quietly without an unpleasant metallic grinding sound.
The innovative three-layer anti-corrosion coating RotoSil Nano is environmentally friendly because does not contain Cr VI+ compounds. The top varnish layer gives the locks a premium look. Corrosion resistance exceeds GOST requirements several times. The locks are reliably protected from the negative influence of the environment - moisture, de-icing agents, cleaning products and city smog.
Innovators and connoisseurs of things with an extended service life will appreciate the stylish design of stainless steel locks.
The height of a door with Roto DoorSafe 600 locks can reach 3 meters, which is relevant in modern housing construction with panoramic glazing.
The minimum service life of locks is 10 years.
Locks can be integrated with Roto MVS sensors to control the opening and closing of the sash/lock.

Photo: Roto MVS sensor*

Roto DoorSafe 600 locks are used on single-leaf and double-leaf (shoulder) doors made of any material (plastic, wood, aluminum). For hinged doors, several options for convenient passive leaf opening mechanisms are offered.
The locks can be extended not only on the vertical, but also on the horizontal sides - even wide doors have full perimeter pressure and will not be blown out or deformed. But do not forget that the presence of a large number of pressure points can significantly increase the force when locking on a handle or key, which reduces the operating comfort of the door structure as a whole and exposes the main lock mechanism to increased wear and, as a result, premature failure. As a rule, in the vast majority of cases, pressing along the vertical area of the door leaf rebate is sufficient.

Electromagnetic locks for PVC doors

The advantage of this design is a small percentage of wear even with very frequent opening and closing of the door. And also such designs can be combined with an intercom, control unit or some kind of reading device, which increases the level of security of the premises.

Multi-lock and electromagnetic options

There is also a drawback to this development - the fastening feature. Magnetic locks are installed only in the upper or lower corner of the door leaf, so during use the door itself may become deformed and, consequently, the double-glazed window may be damaged.

In order to avoid disastrous consequences, it is necessary:

control temperature changes;
be sure to monitor the operation of auxiliary equipment;
monitor the serviceability of magnetic equipment;
monitor the voltage in the network.

In today's market, you can choose the option that suits you thanks to a wide range of such protective structures.

Multi-point lock

The transition from wooden doors to plastic and metal became an incentive for the emergence of a variety of multi-point locks. The new type of locking devices not only increased the level of protection against burglary, but also improved thermal insulation. The maximum effect against unauthorized opening is achieved by installing an end lock and a corner switch with an anti-burglary pin on the door. The multi-locking system performs another important function: by fixing the canvas at several points, it prevents it from sagging and deforming.

How to choose the best lock option

To make the right choice, you need to decide on the main purposes of use. First of all, start from the size, which should correspond to the type of door frame chosen.

If you need to divide the space inside a building with a door, then a single-lock design will cope with these functions perfectly. If you cannot install a closer, then it is better to opt for a door with a latch, and in addition install a push mechanism.

Design with closer

If you have installed a door closer for your plastic door, then a lock with a roller mechanism is more suitable for you. Then the push handle will not be required, since its function will be performed by the device for closing the door.

If you need to secure the entire building, then opt for the multi-locking option, as it can cope not only with the functions of resisting burglary, but will also withstand temperature changes and large sub-zero conditions.

Balcony door lock

Particular attention should be paid to the lock for the balcony door of apartments and private houses. Its structure and operating principle differ significantly from standard locks for plastic products.

The plastic balcony door is equipped with locks with latches, which characterize the operating principle:

Roller ones are installed in the metal part of the end of the balcony door. The roller is supported by a spring and when the door begins to close, the roller slides into the groove;
The halyard latch operates similarly to the roller latch. The only thing is that such a latch requires a rotary handle, which is attached to the balcony system;
The magnetic latch is attached via a magnet to the balcony door and its block. It is very convenient to use, due to the locking of the door position when going out to the balcony.

Features of lock installation

The best option for installing a lock would be to entrust the process to a specialist, since in case of an error it will completely cease to perform its functions and can even block the entire structure, especially when it comes to an external door. At the same time, in the future you can replace the locking system yourself, since this process is much simpler than installing it.

Thus, for the external structure, reliable protection will be a multi-point lock for plastic doors, the installation of which is best left to specialists.

Voted over 264 times, average rating 5

Comments

Unfortunately, there are no comments or reviews yet, but you can leave your...

Add a comment Cancel reply

We recommend reading

Locks, Accessories How to open a door if the lock is jammed There are no perfect locks, they can break, temporarily fail...

Locks, Accessories A simple scheme for creating a combination lock for entrance doors with your own hands. The entrance door is installed so that strangers and unwanted ...

Locks, Fittings Description, purpose and installation of the strike plate for a door lock Regardless of the cost and quality of the door, maintain good condition...

Locks, Accessories We reveal the intricacies of opening a combination lock. Sometimes when entering a combination of numbers, the combination lock can...

Lock maintenance and repair

Despite the fact that plastic door blocks are durable and reliable, it is almost impossible to avoid minor and major breakdowns over a long period of operation. As experience shows, adjusting or replacing locking elements are practically the only repair operations, which, by the way, can be easily carried out independently. Thus, the financial costs of repairing the lock of the balcony structure are minimized.

When the handle, the lock latch, or the entire locking mechanism fails, replacement of these elements is, of course, necessary. You can purchase any part of the locking hardware for plastic products at the construction market or in a specialized store.

After diagnosing the problem, you can easily decide what awaits your lock - replacing a small part of the mechanism or the entire system as a whole.

DIY installation

You can do the installation of mortise, cylinder and electromagnetic locks yourself. Only specialists can install a multi-point lock on a plastic balcony door.

To install an electromagnetic lock, you need to supply electricity. Installation diagram:

Funnels for fastening are marked.
According to the markings, recesses are drilled equal to the length of the fastening screw.
All elements of the mechanism must be inserted and secured to the surface of the structure.
Connection of electrical wires is carried out according to the instructions.

The final stage is to check the serviceability of the mechanism.