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More backsets means more solutions
»»It seems that, in
recent months, the hardware
market has really woken up
to the need for the repair and
maintenance of window and
door security and hardware. It
is proving to be a fast growing
market, as consumers tighten
their belts and elect to repair
rather than renew, and a
potentially lucrative area that
should not be overlooked.
Fortunately, for locksmiths
there are products currently
on the market that will allow
them to take full advantage of
this trend.
Yale’s Doormaster was
the first to recognise this
opportunity with a multipoint
lock that can be adjusted
to fit 90% of existing locks
on the market. The Yale
Doormaster paved the way
for other manufacturers that
launched their own ranges
of repair locks, converting
more tradesmen to the idea of
repair rather than complete
replacement.
More recently, VERSA has
launched its V-MPL range,
which features the usual
35mm and 45mm backsets but
also covers, 25, 28, 30, 40 and
55mm backsets. “We spoke
to lots of customers who told
us how difficult it is to replace
locks with more unusual
backsets,” explains Frankie
Baker, Sales Manager at
VERSA. “Changing the backset
on a lock is time consuming
and often leaves unsightly
scars on the door so fitting a
lock with a different backset
really isn’t an option. The
VERSA range has a complete
range of backsets so that our
customers have a solution
regardless of the specification
of the failed lock.”
Both the Doormaster and
V-MPL operate in similar
ways; where two extension
pieces are cut to size and
then connected to a central
gearbox section, allowing
almost any lock to be replaced
in a few minutes. There are
locks to suit both PVCu and
timber doors in both ranges
and both supply replacement,
non-profile specific keeps to
ensure good compression and
a perfect fit. Both also feature
hooks and rollers, however,
the Doormaster has a hook in
the central gearbox compared
with VERSA’s deadbolt. “The
V-MPL can accommodate
hook centres from 724mm
to 1724mm, which when
combined with the range of
backsets means that we’ve got
pretty much any eventuality
covered” Frankie concludes.
As this market sector
continues to grow, it will
no doubt give rise to more
innovation that will help to
make the replacement of door
and window hardware even
easier. If you’d like to know
more about this relatively
new business opportunity for
locksmiths, Duffells is able
to offer impartial advice and
a range of products to suit,
including VERSA, which is
exclusively available from
Duffells, and Doormaster,
which is available from
most wholesalers (including
Duffells).
Axis extends its physical access
control products to Europe
»»Axis Communications
enters the physical access
control market in Europe
by offering a network door
controller with built-in
web-based software and
complementary door reader.
Axis physical access control
products are a complement
t