Guide to Trimming HOPPE Multipoint Locks

Your lock is too tall?

There are two different types of lock trims you may need to make. If your lock has shootbolts on the ends (detached lock extension pieces with locks that go up and down into the door frame), read section B of this article for shootbolt trimming instructions. If your lock does not have shootbolts, read section A.

A. So your lock is too tall but you don't have shootbolts...

B. So you want to know how to cut your shootbolt extensions...

Multipoint locks are made up of 2 types of main components: a gear box, or the main middle mechanism that connects to your handles and acts as the main center lock, and extensions, which can contain different types of latches or bolts, like rollers, tongues or shootbolts.

Multipoint locks with shootbolts extend the entire height of your door, enabling you to lock it at the top, bottom and middle. Bolts at the top, bottom or both, when extracted, extend into holes in the door frame itself, thereby fixing the door in place.

As not all doors are alike, before you replace your old multipoint lock or install a new one, these extensions oftentimes must be trimmed to fit in your door. These instructions pertain to shootbolt-style Hoppe locks in particular. The HOPPE style is very similar to the Fuhr and Winkhaus shootbolts and can usually be used to replace them. (Fuhr is no longer shipping to the US and Winkhaus has pulled out of the North American market.) If the lock you are trying to trim was manufactured by Amesbury, see this article.

All it takes to trim shootbolt extensions is a hacksaw... but be sure you know what you're cutting before you put saw to metal.

The Basics:

Measure, measure, measure. If replacing an already existing lock, once you've removed the old lock, use it to measure the new one. Place them next to each other and double-check with a tape measure to ensure that you know what length you need to cut your lock.
If installing a new multipoint lock yourself (not replacing an existing one), measure from the main center lock mechanism, and move vertically from that central point so that your handle is at the right height. Only cut the shootbolt extension.
Extend the bolt before cutting. Extend the shootbolt so it is in the locked position before you cut. This ensures that you cut off the same amount of faceplate (the flat metal backing the entire system) and serration (jagged-edged “end” of the bolt).
Make sure you leave at least 1 3/4” of serration remaining to drop down into the middle extension. There is a “sleeve” that the serration drops into when the bolt is extended, which connects the multiple sections of the entire multipoint lock. Note: exact measurements may differ depending on your particular brand and door height.
Cut very carefully.

Note: If you accidentally cut the shootbolt extension a little too short, a connecting plate can be affixed to cover and stabilize the gap between the shootbolt extension and the piece it is connected to. This is part number #2875118 on our website, allaboutdoors.com. A connecting plate is advisable even if you didn't mess up. It keeps the bolt from possibly popping out of the sleeve. (see picture below