Duffells leverages over 65 years of experience supplying locksmiths, glaziers, and maintenance professionals. Our distribution centres in Croydon and Leamington Spa hold extensive stocks of multipoint gearboxes, ensuring rapid next-day dispatch. Whether for affordable repairs or security upgrades, Duffells has a solution for every job.

At Duffells, we’ve got trade customers covered with great prices, a huge range of stock, fast delivery from two main distribution centres, and expert support just a phone call or email away — all to help make your installs quicker and your customers happier.

Multipoint gearboxes are the core mechanism of a multipoint lock. They activate and operate the locking and unlocking mechanisms along the multipoint lock strip. Multipoint locks secure doors at multiple points, significantly reducing forced entry risk and improving sealing. 

• Backset Measurement: Commonly 35mm, 45mm, or 55mm.
• PZ Centre Distance: Typically 92mm, 68mm, or 70mm.
• Locking Points: Hooks for anti-separation, rollers for sealing, deadbolts for robust security.
• Spindle Setup: Single spindle (uniform) or split spindle (extra security).
• Brand vs. Copy: Genuine gearboxes can offer warranties; copy gearboxes are suitable for obsolete models if measurements align correctly.
• Door Material: Gearboxes suitable for UPVC, composite, or timber doors.

• Compatibility: Copy gearboxes match the original specifications closely.
• Warranty: Genuine brands sometimes offer comprehensive guarantees; copies have can have varied warranties.
• Cost Considerations: Copy gearboxes offer budget-friendly replacements.
• When to Choose Copy: Ideal for discontinued models or budget-sensitive projects.

The gearbox is the heart of a multipoint lock — it connects the handle, spindle, and locking points. Over time, it can wear out or fail, especially with frequent use or if the door isn’t aligned properly.

Here are the most common signs to watch out for:

 
1. Handle Feels Loose or Floppy
The door handle doesn’t spring back to its original horizontal position. This usually points to a broken return spring inside the gearbox. It can cause further wear on the mechanism or make the door harder to operate.
 
2. Stiff or Difficult Handle Operation
Lifting the handle feels unusually stiff or jams. This could be due to worn internal cams or misalignment causing extra strain on the gearbox.
 
3. Key Won’t Turn or Feels Stuck
If the key turns halfway or feels like it's grinding, the problem could be in the locking mechanism inside the gearbox. This is sometimes caused by damaged internal components or debris inside the lock.
 
4. Handle Turns but Nothing Happens
Turning the handle doesn’t retract the latch or engage the locking points. Often this means the spindle mechanism inside the gearbox has failed or snapped.
 
5. Door Won’t Lock or Unlock
You can’t lift the handle fully or the key won’t complete the locking cycle. This may indicate a broken gearbox cam, internal jamming, or even a split spindle failure (if applicable).
 
6. Crunching, Clicking, or Grinding Sounds
Any strange noises when operating the handle are signs of worn gears or components inside the gearbox.
 
7. Intermittent Operation
Sometimes it works fine, other times it doesn’t. This suggests internal wear, loose parts, or early-stage failure that could soon become permanent.

• Measure Precisely: Check backset, PZ, spindle configuration, and locking points.
• Faceplate & Rod Check: Replace the entire strip if heavily damaged.
• Door Alignment: Align properly to avoid gearbox strain.
• Latch Reversal: Gearboxes often feature easy latch reversal.
• Test Operation: Verify complete engagement after installation.

When it comes to insurance requirements for doors with multipoint locks, most UK home insurance providers have specific expectations for main entrance doors (like front and back doors). These expectations are based on the type of locking mechanism, how it operates, and whether it offers adequate protection against forced entry. 

PAS24

PAS 24 (short for Publicly Available Specification 24) is a UK standard that sets the minimum performance requirements for doors and windows to resist unauthorised entry by intruders. It’s mainly used in the context of domestic properties and is closely linked to security regulations in building standards, especially Approved Document Q for new builds in England and Wales.

TS007

TS 007 (short for Technical Specification 007) is a British security standard focused specifically on cylinder locks and associated hardware, such as door handles and security escutcheons, used in uPVC, timber, aluminium, and composite doors.
It was developed by the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) and the Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF), in partnership with Secured by Design and the British Standards Institution (BSI) — largely in response to growing threats like lock snapping.

Central locking mechanism driving multiple locking points.

Measure backset, PZ, and identify brand, spindle type, and locking points.

Yes, if faceplate and rods are intact.

Yes, when matched precisely, copy gearboxes are reliable alternatives.

Stiffness, alignment issues, or difficulty locking/unlocking.

Standard Euro cylinders fit; TS007 recommended for high security.

Split spindle provides additional external security.

Yes, orders placed before cut-off receive same-day dispatch for delivery next working day. However we cannot guarantee next day delivery 100% of the time.

Gearboxes alone aren't insurance-certified; full door systems need compliance.

Every six months, using PTFE or graphite lubricants.