Multipoint locking front door

[RichA]

I am looking at getting a new front doorset; it comes with multilocking locks with 3 options

• Handle inside/out
• Key turn on inside
• Thumbturn on inside

I am not very keen on handles on front doors.
I am not very keen on requiring a key to exit the main door.

Which leaves the thumb turn. Is this ok from an insurance & security perspective?

Multilocking seems to be coming more popular, so this must come up a lot?

 

[Iamchamps]

Without a handle how would you open or close the door?

I have the thumb turn on mine which is fine.

 

[RichA]

The thumbturn is used instead of the handle on the inside. The key is used on the outside.

Both for engaging the multi-point and for locking.

 

[Iamchamps]

The thumbturn is used instead of the handle on the inside. The key is used on the outside.

Both for engaging the multi-point and for locking.

Maybe I have misinterpreted the word handle. My door has a handle inside and out, below the handle inside is a thumbturn which is used to lock the door outside below the handle is the key.

I have never seen a front door without a handle. Maybe someone can enlighten me with a picture?

 

[RichA]

Think it is reasonably normal.

 

[Iamchamps]

How does the multi locking system come into effect with only a key as pushing up the handle is what engages them? A turn of the key won’t be strong enough to do that I would imagine.

 

[RichA]

I think it is about 4 key turns to engage/lock.

 

[crank39]

How does the multi locking system come into effect with only a key as pushing up the handle is what engages them? A turn of the key won’t be strong enough to do that I would imagine.

Times are a moving along, when I chose and fitted my composite front door, I decided on a brushed stainless 1200mm pole handle in and out which doesn't operate the mech, its just a push/pull handle, the mech is a Winkhaus AV2, google it and watch the videos, basically as you shut it too a little snib rides onto the lock keeps and automatically throws the hooks, I was sceptical at first and thought it would be a bit clunky but it works seamlessly, to unlock you insert the key and turn a 1/4 turn away from the lockside, for this it was fitted with a 3*** diamond lock with a proper thick key similar to an ultion, with a bigger key it unlocks effortlessly, effectively this works just like a yale lock on a wooden door - you will be locked out if it slams shut unless you press the snib to throw the hooks so it can't slam shut. When leaving you can after closing also insert key and double lock it

 

[Iamchamps]

Ok looks quite interesting it is not the battery operated version you have is it? There are quite a few different models. The good thing is you can’t really forget to deadlock your door as it automatically does it. Personally I love a handle not just for use but also look.

 

[Gazman16]

As Crank says it sounds like you want a door with a "slam lock" adds about £80 to the cost of a door plus any additional fancy handles. (bar handles can add about £100 each)
Inside you could just have a key escutcheon though.

As for the thumbturn its not good practice to have one if you have a letterbox as there are tools that can reach through to open it. You could possibly upgrade to a high security letterbox with an internal cowling but I think a tool with a camera on the end could still bypass that. I don't suspect many burglars carry that sort of equipment though.

 

[crank39]

Mines not battery operated, just uses the key. The internal IS thumbturn though but with the letterbox at the bottom I figured it was pretty safe. The 1200mm brushed stainless pole handle in and out was an eye watering £200 though, as much as the rest of the door, grey on white £400.....good price that, didn't ask price for an 1800mm

 

[God]

Heritage av2. Key and finger pull outside with optional Victorian pull and thumb turn inside. Coolio

 

[RichA]

Are there any euro cylinders that are thumbturn on the inside; but have ability to double lock from outside with key. ie If you are out then the double lock means an intruder can’t access via window and open front door to exit?

 

[Gazman16]

I don't think so.
To be honest if they are already in your house how they plan to get out is the least of your problems

 

[God]

If you went out and double locked someone in how would they get out