Understanding Multipoint Locking Systems
How your uPVC door's locking mechanism works.
Specialist Service Available Now
uPVC Doors Need Specialist Care.
Multipoint locking systems, euro cylinders, gearboxes—uPVC and double glazed doors are complex. Generic locksmiths often don't understand them. We do. Specialist uPVC door lock replacement and repair that actually solves the problem.
from £79 No Call-Out Fee
1,500+ uPVC Doors Fixed
All Mechanisms
Same Day Parts
Specialist Knowledge
Speak with us Tap to speak with us
DBS Checked
Fully Insured
8am - Midnight
Card & Cash
Insurance Docs
Warranty
Multipoint specialists. See how we diagnose ↓
Common Problems
When Your uPVC Door Won't Behave
uPVC door won't open? Door sticking? Handle won't lift? These symptoms are frustrating, but they're not mysterious. Each one points to a specific component issue—and each one is fixable.
Door Won't Lock Properly?
Handle lifts but the lock doesn't engage. Hooks not catching the frame. Shootbolts stuck. You're going through the motions, but you're not actually secure. The mechanism inside isn't doing its job.
Key Turns But Nothing Happens?
The cylinder spins freely instead of engaging the lock. This usually means gearbox failure or a stripped mechanism. The cylinder itself is probably fine—it's the internal connection that's broken.
Door Dropped or Misaligned?
Hinges worn, door sagging, frame shifted. The lock is fighting against misalignment, putting stress on components that weren't designed for it. Every lock operation causes more wear.
Handle Floppy or Broken?
Handle droops uselessly. Spindle snapped. Springs worn out. You're still locking the door, but for how long? A broken handle is often the first sign of bigger mechanism problems.
Only Sticks in Certain Weather?
Summer heat or winter cold makes the door impossible. uPVC expands and contracts—if your door is borderline aligned, seasonal changes push it over the edge. Proper adjustment accounts for this.
Can't Lift Handle Anymore?
The handle used to lift smoothly to engage all the locks. Now it's stiff, resistant, or completely stuck. The gearbox is seizing or failing—and it's getting worse every week you ignore it.
Multipoint Lock Jamming?
Hooks, rollers, or shootbolts not moving smoothly. Partial engagement. Having to force the handle. The multipoint mechanism is seizing up—and forcing it will only make things worse.
Strange Noises When Locking?
Clicking, grinding, scraping sounds from inside the door. These are warning signs of internal wear—components rubbing where they shouldn't, gears struggling to engage. Don't wait for failure.
Why Choose Us
Not All Locksmiths Understand uPVC
Multipoint locking systems need specialist knowledge. We've fixed thousands.
| What You Get | Trulox | General Locksmith | Door Company |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multipoint Mechanism Expertise | ? | ||
| Same-Day Repair (Not Just Quote) | ? | ||
| Parts in Stock | ? | ||
| Competitive Pricing | |||
| DBS Checked | ? | ? | |
| Door Alignment Check Included | |||
| No Call-Out for Quotes | ? |
Our Process
How We Fix Your uPVC Door
Proper diagnosis before any repair. We find the actual problem—not just the obvious one.
Describe the Issue
Tell us what's happening. Won't lock? Handle floppy? Sticking in weather? We'll ask a few questions to understand the problem and give you an idea of what might be involved.
~2 minutesOn-Site Diagnosis
We inspect the door, frame, hinges, and complete locking mechanism. Is it the gearbox? The cylinder? Door alignment? We find the root cause—not just the symptom you can see.
~10 minutesComponent Identification
Once we know what's failed, we check parts. We carry common gearboxes, handles, cylinders, and hardware. If we need to order, we tell you the timeline honestly.
~5 minutesProfessional Repair
Gearbox replacement, cylinder fitting, hinge adjustment, handle swap— whatever's needed. Quality parts, proper fitting, thorough testing. We don't leave until it works perfectly.
30-90 minutesFully Functioning Door
Handle lifts smoothly. All locking points engage. Door closes without forcing. Key operates cleanly. Your uPVC door works the way it was designed to—finally.
Problem solved Our Expertise
What We Fix on uPVC Doors
Every component of your multipoint locking system—diagnosed and repaired properly.
Multipoint Gearboxes
The heart of your locking system. When the gearbox fails, nothing works properly. We stock common types and can order specific ones—often same-day replacement for standard mechanisms.
Euro Cylinders & Barrel Locks
Stiff, seized, or broken cylinders. Anti-snap upgrades. Keyed-alike options. Our barrel lock replacement service fits quality cylinders that work smoothly with your existing mechanism—no forcing required.
Door Alignment & Hinges
Dropped doors, worn hinges, misaligned frames. We adjust or replace flag hinges, realign doors, and ensure the lock operates without mechanical stress. Often the real fix, not just more force.
Handle Replacement & Spindles
Floppy handles, snapped spindles, broken springs. Our uPVC door handle replacement service covers all common finishes and split spindles for thumbturn configurations. Quick fix for a frustrating problem.
Hooks, Rollers & Shootbolts
The locking points that engage with your frame. When these don't extend properly, you're not secure. We repair, replace, or adjust individual components without replacing the whole mechanism.
Keep Plates & Strike Plates
The frame-mounted parts that hooks and rollers engage with. Worn, damaged, or misaligned keeps prevent proper locking. We reposition, replace, or reinforce as needed.
Full Service
What's Included in Your Lock Repair
Whether you need a lock repair, lock change, or complete lock replacement—we diagnose properly and fix it right.
Full Mechanism Inspection
Complete check of gearbox, cylinder, handles, hinges, and locking points. We find everything that's wrong, not just the obvious problem.
Accurate Diagnosis
Clear explanation of what's failed and why. No jargon, no mystification— just honest information about your door.
Quality Replacement Parts
We use proper components, not cheap alternatives. Parts that fit correctly and last—no bodge jobs.
Professional Fitting
Proper installation by someone who understands multipoint systems. Alignment checked, mechanism tested, everything working smoothly.
Full Function Testing
We test locking, unlocking, multipoint engagement, key operation— everything before we leave. It has to work perfectly.
Adjustment Included
If your door needs alignment or hinge adjustment alongside the lock repair, we include it. One visit, everything sorted.
What Our Customers Say
Real stories from people whose uPVC doors finally work properly.
"Three locksmiths couldn't fix my front door. One even said I needed a new door! Trulox identified a gearbox issue in minutes and had it sorted same day. Wish I'd called them first."
Verified customer
"Back door hadn't locked properly for over a year. We just got used to wedging it. Finally called Trulox—turns out the rollers were worn. Quick fix, works perfectly now. Should have done it ages ago."
Verified customer
"Composite door drooped a few months after installation. The installer said it was "normal settling." Trulox adjusted the hinges and realigned everything. Closes like new now—and they guarantee their work."
Verified customer
Common Questions About uPVC Door Locks
Understanding your door's locking system.
Why won't my uPVC door lock even though the key turns?
Common Issue
This usually means the multipoint gearbox has failed. The key operates the cylinder, but the mechanism that moves the hooks and rollers is broken. The cylinder is fine—it's the gearbox that needs attention.
What's a multipoint lock and how is it different?
Understanding
Unlike traditional locks with a single latch, multipoint systems engage hooks, rollers, and bolts at multiple points along the door edge. This provides superior security but creates more potential failure points and requires specialist knowledge to repair.
Can you repair a broken gearbox or does it need replacing?
Repair Options
It depends on the failure. Some gearbox issues—like stripped gears or broken springs—require replacement. Others, like jamming from debris or lack of lubrication, can sometimes be freed up. We diagnose properly before recommending anything.
Why does my door only stick in certain weather?
Seasonal
uPVC expands in heat and contracts in cold, causing the door to shift slightly relative to the frame. If your door is borderline aligned, seasonal changes push it over the edge. Proper adjustment accounts for this movement.
Is it the lock or the door that's the problem?
Diagnosis
Often both. A dropped or misaligned door puts stress on the locking mechanism, causing premature wear. We check door alignment, hinges, and the lock itself to find the root cause—not just the obvious symptom.
How do I know if I need a new mechanism or just adjustment?
Assessment
If the mechanism is physically broken—stripped gears, snapped components, severe wear—it needs replacing. If the door and frame have shifted, adjustment may restore function. We'll tell you honestly which applies.
Can you get parts for my specific door brand?
Parts
In most cases, yes. We stock common gearbox types and can source parts for major brands. Some older or obscure mechanisms may need ordering, but we'll give you a realistic timeframe upfront.
Why does my handle feel floppy?
Handle Issues
Usually a broken spindle (the bar connecting handle to mechanism) or worn internal springs. Sometimes the handle fixings have loosened. All are repairable—we carry replacement handles and spindles.
Should I replace the whole lock or just the cylinder?
Decision
If only the cylinder is damaged or you're upgrading security, just the cylinder is fine. If the multipoint mechanism is failing, you'll need the gearbox replaced too. We advise based on what's actually broken.
How long do uPVC door locks typically last?
Lifespan
With proper maintenance, 15-20 years is reasonable. High-use doors, poor alignment, or cheap components shorten this significantly. Most failures we see are from neglected maintenance or doors that were never properly adjusted.
Should I repair or replace my uPVC door lock?
Replacement
If the lock mechanism is physically broken—stripped gears, snapped components—uPVC door lock replacement is the right choice. If the issue is alignment or minor wear, a lock change may not be necessary. We diagnose honestly and only recommend replacement when repair isn't viable.
Do you fix double glazed door locks too?
Double Glazed
Yes. Double glazed doors use the same multipoint locking mechanisms as uPVC doors—they're essentially the same system. Whether your double glazed door won't lock, the handle is broken, or the gearbox has failed, we repair them all.
Our Guarantee
Repairs You Can Rely On
When you need a uPVC door locksmith near you, trust matters. Specialist knowledge, quality parts, and work we stand behind.
Specialist Knowledge
We've fixed thousands of multipoint locks. We understand the mechanisms, the common faults, and the right way to repair them. No guesswork.
Quality Parts Only
We don't fit cheap copies that fail in six months. Genuine components and quality equivalents that fit properly and last. Your door deserves better.
Full Testing
We don't leave until the door works perfectly. Locking, unlocking, multipoint engagement—every function tested and confirmed before we go.
Workmanship Warranty
If our repair develops a problem, we come back and fix it at no extra cost. We're confident in our work because we do it right first time.
Expert Advice
Learn More About uPVC Doors
Helpful guides for understanding your door's locking system.