About G-U Multipoint Door Locks

Americans are mostly familiar with single-point door locks. Multipoint door locks typically have a hook, latch, or most commonly, a deadbolt or shootbolts, that secures the door in the frame, and which can be controlled either with a lever or a key. 

However, locks are diverse mechanical entities and there are many doors out there that sport what are known as multipoint door locks, which offer a number of considerable advantages over single-point locks. 

One of the premier brands that offers multipoint door locks is known as Gretsch-Unitas, also known as Ferco GU or G-U, which was one of the first entries into the American market. This short post will serve as a primer for some of these door locks. 

What Is a Multipoint Lock?

While there is more than one type of multipoint door lock, and more than one configuration, they all operate according to the same basic principle. 

Whereas a single-point door lock only engages the door at one point, a multipoint door lock engages the frame at multiple points. 

Multipoint door locks may use a combination of shootbolts, hooks, latches, or other latching interfaces to secure themselves. Typically these door locks engage the door at the top and bottom of the door in addition to the middle. 

As a result of the fact that they use multiple points of locking contact, they are harder to disengage without authorized entry. Breaking into a door that is secured with a multipoint lock is harder than breaking into one that has only a single-point lock, all else being equal. 

All in all, doors with multipoint locks are much more secure and offer better protection against unauthorized entry than those that have single point locks.

Is There a Reason to Replace a Single-Point Door Lock with a Multipoint Lock? 

As stated, the main reason to replace a single-point door lock with a multipoint lock is that the latter offers a better level of security, since these door locks are harder to disengage by force. Even if one locking point is disabled or forced open, there are several others behind it to back it up. That is not the case with single-point door locks. 

Even if it were not for the advanced level of security offered by multipoint door locks, it is the case that multipoint locks offer a better level of general durability than single point locks because they distribute the locking forces around the perimeter of the door. This makes them better able to tolerate abuses, and makes them longer-lasting locking systems (typically) than single point locks. This not only reduces the likelihood of lock failure, but it decreases the chances of lock misalignment over time, which would necessitate repair or adjustment, even if the lock itself was still in working order. 

Another considerable advantage of multipoint door locks is that they enjoy greater energy efficiency. Since they create a tighter seal around the door, they insulate the house better, which can reduce cooling costs in the summer and heating costs in the winter, if you hold all other factors in place. Of course, the insulative rating of doors and windows also matters here, but keeping them the same, a door with a multipoint lock is going to offer better energy efficiency than one without. 

Multipoint door locks are also surprisingly easy to use, especially on doors that require more than one feature to secure them. Rather than struggling with multiple security features in sequence, a user can simply engage the lock, unlocking all locking points at once; as stated, this increases security, but it does so without creating a headache for users. 

Also, with multipoint door locks such as GU multipoint door locks, homeowners and business owners don’t have to choose between security and aesthetics. Modern multipoint locks are available in a number of configurations and compatible with many door styles, creating a unique balance between operability, security and visual appeal.

GU Multipoint Locking Door Styles

In addition to manual multipoint locking doors, GU doors are also made with self-locking multipoint locks known as the automatic style to offer the highest level of security. 

Moreover, GU locks are available in fire-resistant configurations, ensuring a high-level of security even in the event the lock is exposed to high temperatures, such as those that would be experienced in a fire emergency. These are ideal for ensuring a high degree of security even in the event of a fire. 

GU multipoint door locks are even available in retrofitting configurations, which can be upgraded without removing the door, upholding a higher standard of security and tamper-resistance. 

What Doors Have Used GU Multipoint Door Locks?

Several brands of door are well-known for having used GU multipoint door locks. Among these are Atrium, Superior and Milgard doors, along with Pella doors, which are especially common. One of the primary features of these doors is that they have 35-inch handle heights. They’re also available in both American and European cylinder versions. 

Common Markings on G-U Multipoint Gear Boxes and What They Mean:

On the G-U multipoint door lock gearbox you see numbers engraved such as 50/92 or 35/92 ect. These numbers are the backset and handle PZ size.

A backset if from the face of the lock to the center of the key hole or square hole for the handle spindle. The handle PZ is the measurement from the center of the handle spindle to the center of the key hole. If you are unsure of these measurements, you can remove the gearbox and it will tell you what size gearbox you have engraved on the side.

GU Multipoint Door Lock Questions

• What’s the difference between a single point and a multipoint door lock?
  • Single point door locks typically have a short faceplate and only one locking point such as a deadbolt. Multipoint door locks have a longer faceplate and engage the door at multiple points. 
     
• What faceplates are available with GU multipoint locks?
  • GU multipoint locks are available with either flat or U-faceplates. With flat faceplates being more common. The are available in 16mm and some in 20mm widths. As for U-faceplates, they are compatible with U22x6mm and U24x6mm width faceplates.
     
•  What standards do GU Secury multipoint locks satisfy?
  • That is dependent on version, but many are certified according to prEN 16685. Fire resistant GU Secury multipoint locks satisfy DIN 18250.

GU Multipoint Door Locks and Replacement Parts

Here for GU multipoint door locks or replacement parts? We have what you need. If you need help finding a specific part or are unsure of what you’re looking for, or have questions about compatibility, get in touch with us at 727-386-4629 to speak with a real person who can help. 

Or fill out the G-U Multipoint Questionnaire and email to [email protected].