A former customer in Stanwell Moor got in touch because he could no longer open his front door with the handle. He could hear the multipoint mechanism retracting, but the door still refused to open. Fortunately, the other door I had repaired previously for a very similar problem was still working correctly, so he was not locked outside.
I arranged to attend the following day, which was more convenient for him.
Once on site, I managed to open the door without needing to damage the cylinder, sparing the customer the cost of replacing it. Interestingly, two identical multipoint gearboxes at the same property had failed in different ways. I fitted a replacement gearbox, made a few adjustments and got the door working correctly again.
Multipoint locking systems and the doors they are fitted to need servicing, adjustment and lubrication; they are not designed to last forever. An older system lasting 30 or 40 years without a hiccup is not the rule, and replacement mechanisms can need more attention than the originals, even if the part used is still a genuine part and not some replica.
I can’t stress this enough, if the handle feels rough when lifted or the key is difficult to turn, it is best to deal with it before the mechanism breaks and leaves you locked out.
