Should I use a split or solid spindle in my multipoint door lock?

1. Coastal Joinery Hardware
Should I use a Split
or a Solid Spindle?
Multipoint Door Locking Solutions
Valid on: 8-14-2014

2. Coastal Group Industry Knowledgebase
The information and material contained on the Coastal Knowledgebase is presented for informational purposes only, and
in no way forms part of any contract of legal obligation. Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the
accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the information, all materials are provided “as is” with no warranties of any
kind. It is the readers’ responsibility to verify the accuracy and completeness of information found on the Knowledgebase
website and any related documents.
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Split or Solid? That is the question
Multipoint locks are available in a variety of designs, but generally include a centrally located deadbolt and
a live bolt (latch), at least two hook bolts and possibly a pair of compression bolts. The bolts are normally
operated by lifting the door handle from either side of the door leaf and are locked in place by the turn of a
key from either face of the door or, if the door is the only means of escape, by an internal thumbturn. The
compression bolts, if fitted, and or the hook bolts pull the door tightly into the weather seals in the frame
to keep it weather tight. Some versions have additional bolting into the top and bottom frames and even
into the hinge side of the frame. Others automatically engage all the bolts as the door closes such as the
Vogue or Heritage locks.
The difference between solid and split spindle operation
For a long time, there has been a debate about whether multipoint door locks should have a solid or split
spindle operation on the outside handle. The police initiative for new homes, Secured by Design, does not
recommend either way, but there are advantages and disadvantages with both.
Split spindles
If your multipoint lock has a split spindle, it means that when you go outside and close the door you will
need a key to get back in. This is because if you push down the outside handle it will not operate the latch
bolt in the door. It is in fact the key that turns the latch bolt. Conversely, the handle on the inside of the
door will operate the latch bolt.
Advantages
If you go out and forget to engage the multipoint locks, at least the latch is holding the door, so thieves
cannot just walk in
When you walk in and close the door behind you thieves cannot just open the door and walk in behind you
Disadvantages
If you go to bed at night and forget to throw the multipoint locks, a thief can force his way in by levering
the door close to the latch or by putting a stick through the letter plate to knock down the internal handle
(If you haven’t got a letter plate deflector). This is a very common method used by burglars at night and
during the day - even when people are at home!
Solid spindles
If your multipoint locking door has a solid spindle it means that when you go outside and close the door you
will not need a key to get back in. This is because if you push down the outside handle it will operate the
latch bolt in the door. The handle on the inside of the door will also operate the latch bolt. If you live in a

3. Coastal Group Industry Knowledgebase
The information and material contained on the Coastal Knowledgebase is presented for informational purposes only, and
in no way forms part of any contract of legal obligation. Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the
accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the information, all materials are provided “as is” with no warranties of any
kind. It is the readers’ responsibility to verify the accuracy and completeness of information found on the Knowledgebase
website and any related documents.
Coastal Group www.coastal-group.com
Industry Knowledgebase support.coastal-group.com
block of flats you are very likely to have this type of spindle so that you do not accidentally lock yourself
out, which could be extremely dangerous if, having investigated a possible fire, you need to retreat into
your flat to escape the flames or dense smoke. (This is why the flat door will be fire resistant).
Advantages
When you go to bed at night you will know that a burglar can simply open your door from the outside using
the handle and, if you haven’t done so already, you will remember to engaged the multipoint locks
When you go out you will know that you have to engage the multipoint locks as otherwise a thief can just
open the door and walk in
It is unlikely that you will lock yourself out accidentally
Disadvantages
You have to remember to engage and lock the multipoint locks each time you use the door
The first two advantages rely on your memory. Police in London and the South East counties have reported
incidents where elderly people in particular have forgotten to engage the multi-point locks during the day
and have suffered burglary and robbery as a result
Conclusion
Except for flats that are above ground floor level, which have to have solid spindles for legitimate fire
safety reasons, I marginally come down in favour of the split spindle for houses for three reasons:
If the multi-point locks have not been engaged, but there is a deflector on the back of the letter plate then
a daytime entry into an occupied dwelling is unlikely
Many elderly people suffer from arthritis in their hands and it can sometimes be very difficult (and painful)
to have to operate the handle on numerous occasions throughout the day
Some older people (and some younger ones!) have poor memories and it is better to have something (the
latch, which cannot be opened by the outside handle) than nothing – providing there is a hood over the
letter plate
However, in spite of all the above, it is fundamentally about one’s memory. For no matter what the spindle
arrangement might be, the doorset is not properly secure unless the multipoint locks have been engaged
and locked into position. I think your insurance company might take the same view.