ERA SARACEN SURELOCK LAIRD FAB & FIX SURELOCK HOMESAFE WESTWARD 45mm Backset Split Spindle Centre Case / Gearbox / Mechanism 45 / 92. UPVC Door Lock Gearbox

Bought this in a hurry after our front door lock self-destructed.Very good value and delivered with a couple of days of ordering.One of the bolts fell out of our door lock and the mechanism then jammed (fortunately whilst it was open). Initially I was expecting to have to call out a locksmith (not cheap) as being a multi-point lock it seemed a bit complex to attempt DIY. However, having watched a couple of videos on YouTube I realised just how simple these locks are to take out and replace. As in most cases, my problem was the gearbox - which had worn out and fallen to bits. After £20 and a couple of days wait I now have a fully functioning lock. The new mechanism is sweet as a nut - don't know why I put up with the old one for so long.Replacing the gearbox took literally 10 minutes. First I removed the handles (the shaft obviously prevents the gearbox coming out). Next was the euro lock cylinder which is held in by a single screw on the edge of the door (you also need the key in so that the paddle can be moved slightly to allow the cylinder out). Next was the multi-point lock plate itself. This was just a case of removing the screws (not the star head ones) along the edge of the door and lifting it off, complete with the attached gearbox. The only marginally tricky bit is detaching the old gearbox from the plate as it is attached by special star head screws (fortunately I had the appropriate bit in the screw driver set). It's then just a case of attaching the new gearbox and putting it all back. A handy tip: ensure the top bolt (the angled sprung one) is the right way round for your door before putting it all back, as I found out it can be easily reversed but is a bit tricky when the gearbox is in the door.

Saved a lot of money from the professional quote to replace at £167 to £17 and a YouTube video + half an hour of taking it slow and replacing.

Ideal replacement for my door mechanism that had broken and 'locked' us in.Other "how to" web sites explained how to replace this unit, without the need of a locksmith and at a fraction of the cost of a complete 5 way locking system.So a dozen screws later and the strip unit is out of the door, with a new 'gearbox' being fitted. Then its all back in reverse order - simple.The above process is easy, if you can open the door - so my advice is consider a replacement if your handles start to 'droop', as mine did a couple of years ago.Ignore this and the job becomes harder and you soon find out that modern doors are actually difficult to open without a working lock and handle set (remember the days when a credit card could be used to open a latch type lock). We were lucky, as it failed whilst we were inside the house, so still able to use the back door - otherwise it would have been calling a locksmith.These doors lock top, middle and bottom, all linked to this dysfunctional lock mechanism and hinges have interlocking tabs for added security - so knocking the pins out and hoping to force the door open is a wasted task.I ended up smashing the euro lock barrel through the door and then used a variety of screwdrivers and blades to push all the locking parts away from the frame side of the door. Then had to get to diy store for a replacement lock barrel (£15 so not too bad).So I now have a door working, like new, with good resistance felt on the handles when lifting up to lock the door. Trouble is, it's only 10 years old and I can see me proactively changing the lock mechanism every 8 years to avoid total lockout.

As said by other reviews, I was unfortunately a victim of the failure of this crucial piece of hardware. It's worth pointing out that along with most of the people who need to buy a replacement, that we do not know whats involved until it's too late...so, people, if you have any issues at all with your ERA 3 point multi lock (ie, droopy or loose handle, intermittant issues with sticking etc)...BUY A REPLACEMENT NOW. The centre (main) locking part is all you need to buy, and most likely it's this that will cause you no end of grief, it takes around 5 minutes to replace, provided, like me you are lucky it fails when the door is unlocked and can be opened. I was on my way to work one sunday morning, when my door would not lock. Taking the whole multi locking device out of the door it became apparent what was needed. So, a standard mortice lock temporary replacement fitted (to allow me to get to work and lock my door) I was lucky to have a spare lock lying around, until I ordered and recieved 4 days later my new ERA replacement lock which was fitted within 5 mins, nice tight handle action. Just remember to check you order the correct size.The lock in question was around 10 years old, so, it looks as though it exhausted it's lifespan.Guys, It you want to avoid unessesary grief, CHECK YOURS NOW !!Very happy with this, and at £20....bargain.

Arrived within 48 hours...perfect!Reason for replacement - Door handle would only go up half way up therefore could not fully engage locking system. Some forums suggested that the gearbox was gubbed. I couldn't see how it was anything other than that as the door was all aligned and hadn't dropped. Sure enough when I removed the old gearbox it was shot to pieces inside with small pieces of metal falling out.Note, I was fortunate that my door could open. I have no doubt it would have been a different story if the door was in the locked position and the gearbox failed.Honestly, this saved me a fortune and is an absolute breeze to fit. Just order the right size, take your time and use the correct tools. An internet video will help you along the way and point you in the right direction if you need.Initially I was fearful of things becoming complicated but this was so simple. I had no idea it was as straight forward to fix door lock problems.