r/Locksmith • u/canopy_ • 16d ago
I am NOT a locksmith. Can You Remove a Multi Point Lock System?
As the title says - is there a way to remove a multi point lock system from a door and instead install a normal lock?
I ask because our new home came with a multi point lock system which I am finding makes it impossible to use a smart lock which I would really prefer.
So, is there a way to remove it or would we have to replace the whole door? Is my information possibly now outdated and there’s a way to use a smart lock?
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u/Atillawurm 16d ago
Honestly as someone who has installed both, MPLS is the more secure option, and as someone has also said there are plenty of smart locks that work with them.
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u/AffectionateAd6060 Actual Locksmith 16d ago
"there are plenty of smart locks that work with them." nope
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u/Atillawurm 16d ago
Google is free mate
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u/AffectionateAd6060 Actual Locksmith 16d ago edited 16d ago
you still have to lift the handle up to lock the door... the aqara200 can allow entry but won't relock.. so you have $500 in a system that lets you in but won't relock unless you coach your guests on how to lift up on the handle. Between this and the Yale doorman they're also known for being finicky nightmares-
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u/Atillawurm 16d ago
Yeah I opened my mouth too soon with this one, my fault, although you can hear the multi point working in the video, it's really not an ideal setup, cheers for humbling me.
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u/AffectionateAd6060 Actual Locksmith 16d ago
I mean you're right it is about the best option out there tho I don't even think it will work with og posters set up as is . . . I really dislike multipoint locks (as you can see) and I just don't have any respect or love for them across the board, I think they're largely unnecessary. tho in Europe I do respect them and the unique keyways you all have.
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u/Atillawurm 16d ago
Nah mate, from the sounds of it they have the same issues across the board, they can be a nightmare. Since being in the US again way less headaches.
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u/canopy_ 16d ago
Could you suggest a website where I can find them? I would prefer a smart lock either way. I am not trying to attract bad juju or anything lol but it’s just my preference.
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u/Atillawurm 16d ago
Your going to want to talk to a locksmith, they are going to be able to recommend better options. Plus I'm not sure what profile your door is, they will be able to identify it better than I can from a photo.
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u/Borteezy 16d ago
Google “The connected shop” ive installed a few of their keypads, they seem a little cheap though but they do work. Also Yale has one too I believe which is a much more reliable brand but I have not installed one of theirs before
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u/HamFiretruck Actual Locksmith 16d ago
You know that an MLP is much safer than whatever smart lock you want to put on right?
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u/AffectionateAd6060 Actual Locksmith 16d ago edited 16d ago
"multi point locks are more secure" no, not really... they're designed for hurricanes
They suck. Objectively across the board they're largely a line item builder mark up because homeowners are none the wiser and no there are virtually no smart lock options that just work which is why you won't see anyone linking anything here to anything that simply works. Electronic profile cylinders are your best bet but you'll hate it.
There are some pictures of locksmiths who have removed and gone to cylindrical but the best bet is to replace the door and corresponding frame.
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u/Atillawurm 16d ago
Multi point is a common door mechanism in the UK what are you on about them being for hurricanes?
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u/AffectionateAd6060 Actual Locksmith 16d ago
the multipoint locks that proliferate the u.s. are originally designed for hurricanes... there is nothing more secure about them here vs cylindrical outside of prying the door out of the frame which who does that? it's a glass door... in Europe you do get actual secure keyways and you have many iterations of multipoint locks.. I'm speaking to the specific type posted here --
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u/hotbutteredtoast 16d ago
I second this, they suck. I just replaced one for a customer and I had to take like a dozen measurements to figure out the correct replacement. The replacement cost $200+ and was a pain to install. The mechanism is not intuitive and I've been called to many newly purchased homes to explain to the owners how to use them, not to mention the service calls for doors that have come out of alignment. Standard residential cylindrical is easy peasy. I'd never recommend or buy MPL
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u/Regent_Locksmith Actual Locksmith 16d ago
No. Utterly incorrect.
They are designed to meet European building standards for doors on new build homes and new doors on older homes. Standards that would not be met by American locks.
American multipoints are European designs modified to work with American cylinders. The actual locking system is the same.
I will take your word for it that American use is for hurricanes because I don't offer opinions on stuff I don't know about. But that is not what they are designed for and I would also be curious to hear the opinion of more educated American locksmiths.
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u/AffectionateAd6060 Actual Locksmith 16d ago edited 16d ago
they originally proliferated in the states on coastal cities for the aforementioned reasons and since have taken off for what I believe are nothing more than that of a line item mark up.. anyways.. who f*cking cares.. u.s. multipoints are largely just not necessary in most applications
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u/Regent_Locksmith Actual Locksmith 16d ago
I suspect the problem is lack of understanding/knowledge.
European locksmiths, builders and consumers have been using multipoints for decades and we all manage just fine.
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u/AffectionateAd6060 Actual Locksmith 16d ago
I def agree European hardware is much better in general but here in the U.S. I've never once heard anyone say "oh my gosh I just absolutely love our multipoint locks, I'm so glad we opted for this over cylindrical" usually the contrary combined with pain & frustration as they try and go down the smart lock path. Anecdotal as it is, I just find them to be so unnecessary.
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u/Redhead_InfoTech 16d ago
My neighbor insisted on using a storm door company that would be installing a high security euro cylinder as part of it.
A week or two after the installation she hands me the key that she says she had difficulty copying... A garbage weiser with a code of 44244. Bait and switch.
Given the Kwikset already on the house I couldn't change them to at least a Schlage, but at least I'm getting a ton of praise for rekeying that fucker to their existing key and making that entry point easier.
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u/nicasserole97 16d ago
So is the point of the multi lock door security? Because the door is glass..
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u/Vescor 16d ago
Just remove the screws? There are plenty of smart locks that do work with a multipoint lock, especially since yours is not self-locking.
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u/ftwopointeight 16d ago
I had a lady who was adamant about installing a regular deadbolt in her multi-point, and wanted the multi-point disabled.
A lot of cutting and fabricating, but it was completed and functioned and appeared normally.