Zenith Multipoint Gearbox – Lift Lever or Double Spindle

This Elite Standard multipoint door lock features 1 Roller, 1 Hook, 1 Deadbolt & 1 Latch.

Elite multipoint door locks cover a wide range of different applications. They are made in Europe and feature a “Silbear” coating which offers 480 hours salt spray protection.

Identifying an Elite lock starts with the faceplate, which should be stamped with an Elite logo. This gearbox features a slot and a small hole below the slot appearing above the top spindle which is a piercing for bolt through handles.

If these locks look familiar, that is because they are. Elite took over the manufacturing of these locks from Roto-Frank when they discontinued the range. They use the same tooling, with the exception of the new Silbear coating, they are made to the same specification as the original locks. You may recognise them from our catalogues as the MVD range or “Roto mark 2” locks. Gearboxes cannot be changed with the original locks but they do offer a relatively simple complete lock swap.

Many Elite locks are available in standard and compact versions designed for shorter doors. They feature the same 950mm handle height but a shorter overall length of 1810mm.

Elite gearboxes are available as a 35mm single spindle lock or with a 35mm or 45mm double spindle. Gearboxes measure 200mm high x backset + 19mm. Be sure to account for 2mm for the faceplate when measuring the backset.

Gearbox deadbolts project 20mm and are 32mm high. The latch is 30mm high and projects 10mm. The distance between the bottom of the latch and the top of the deadbolt is 63mm.

Centres are positioned at 62mm and 92mm with the top spindle being 122mm from the bottom of the case. Single spindle locks have a round hole where the second spindle would usually be located. The gearbox is pierced to accept a bolt through fixing 19mm from the top spindle, and the slot above for fixings is 42mm above the spindle.

Elite hooks can throw in either opposite directions, or upwards, depending on the model. They feature the same Silbear coating as the rest of the lock, which offers up to 480 hours salt spray testing.

Rollers are used for compression, to pull the door against the frame, to help prevent dust or water ingress. They do little for security, but they also have the added benefit of helping to prevent the door from becoming warped as it is supported across its full height. This is dependent on the rollers being engaged into their keeps.

Elite rollers are normally adjustable by +/- 1.2mm to help achieve optimum weather sealing.

This Avocet multipoint door lock features 2 Rollers, 2 Hooks, 1 Deadbolt & 1 Latch.

The original Avocet 2 hook, 2 roller lock features unique locking positions.

Often known as the silver version and shouldnt be confused with the yellow AVO352HB which has different roller positions.

Avocet multipoint door locks are easily identifiable once they are removed from the door. Faceplates are usually stamped with the Avocet logo, although older locks may have the “WMS” logo stamped. Gearboxes are uniquely shaped, with the cut out extending below the latch, which is unique when identifying multipoint locks.

Avocet multipoint door locks were originally available in a wide range of different configurations featuring hooks, rollers, deadbolts and an Affinity Bastion lock with opposing hooks. Earlier versions of Avocet multipoint locks were made in yellow passivated steel, which have a distinctive brassy colour. Recently, the locks have changed with faceplates made from a stainless steel or a Trivalent silver finish.

When these locks swapped from yellow passivated to silver, the majority of variations were replaced. Notable exceptions include the 2 roller and 2 mushroom lock as well as the shorter version of the 3 deadbolt lock designed for use on caravans. Please contact us if you would like assistance finding the best replacements for these locks.

Also, it’s worth noting some Avocet multipoint door locks feature a “sash lifter” device. This device was designed to help ensure the correct sash to frame alignment but these are no longer available so we would recommend replacing these locks with the standard version.

Most Avocet locks are only available in a 35mm backset, but the Affinity Bastion lock is designed for composite doors and feature a 45mm backset.

Although some original Avocet multipoint 4 roller door locks feature a single spindle and lift lever functionality, all current locks are only available in a double spindle nightlatch configuration. The centres are at 62mm and 92mm, but if the nightlatch functionality is not required, the lock can still be used as a lift lever version using the top spindle.

All Avocet locks which are designed for PVCu with a flat 16mm faceplate have the ability to accept shootbolts.

Avocet gearboxes measure 218mm high x backset + 15mm. It’s the large cut out in the top corner, that extends below the latch which makes them unique. This feature can assist with the fitment of handles as the screws are located above the lever.

Avocet gearboxes feature a latch that is 29mm high and a deadbolt that is 34mm high with a distance of 82mm between the top of the deadbolt and the bottom of the latch.

These gearboxes are not attached to the strip using conventional screws or rivets. Instead, the gearboxes are held by arms which connect using circlips. While it’s possible to remove a gearbox from a full Avocet lock, we would advise replacing the full unit. Also, it’s worth noting the design of the arms have changed over time and older gearboxes have a flat clip. Newer versions have a slightly curved connecting arm located lower down making gearbox swaps with newer for older versions impossible.

When measuring the backset, allow 2-3mm for the faceplate, so a 35mm backset gearbox will measure 32mm when not fixed to the strip.

Avocet hooks throw in opposing directions, with the top hook going upwards, and the bottom hook throwing downwards. Hook boxes are 123mm high and doors that are normally prepared to 150mm will accept the hook case.

Avocet deadbolts feature a 20mm throw made from nickel plated brass. The deadbolt gearboxes feature a distinctive chamfered design, in contrast to the square design of Avocet hook cases.

Rollers are manufactured from nickel plated brass. They are used for compression, to pull the door against the frame, to help prevent dust or water ingress. They do little for security, but they also have the added benefit of helping to prevent the door from becoming warped as it is supported across its full height. This is dependent on the rollers being engaged into their keeps.

Operation: Double Spindle

To lock the door

1. On closing the door, the latch is automatically engaged.

2. Lift the handle up to engage the locking points.

3. Lock the system by turning the key.

To unlock the door

1. Unlock the system by turning the key.

2. Push the handle downwards to disengage the locking points.

3. A further quarter turn of the key will retract the latch.

• Corrosion resistance: BSEN1670:2007 Grade 4
• Tested to 100,000 cycles.

We stock a range of associated products for Avocet multipoint door locks, including keeps, spindles, handles and accessories.

Latch Reversal: Depending on date of manufacture either – Undo hexagonal screw on side of lock case to remove latch. Reverse, reinsert and replace screw. Or undo screw in centre of latch, reverse, reinsert and replace screw.

You may find this lock used as an UPVC door lock or an aluminium door lock.