Compartments of a Euro Lock

Euro Cylinder Locks

Euro cylinders are a type of lock that is most commonly fitted to uPVC doors. But what are the parts of a Euro cylinder lock? What are the strengths and weaknesses of getting a euro cylinder lock? What are the different Euro cylinder lock types that are available? We answer these questions about Euro lock for doors and more in our Keytek® Locksmith Academy blog below!

How Does a Euro Cylinder Lock Work?

 For Euro cylinder lock types, the key turns what is known as the cylinder plug, which rotates an attached cam in the middle of the Euro cylinder. Upon using the correct key for Euro lock door, as you turn it inside the lock, the cam follows the direction of the key pulling in or pushing the bolt out of the main lock the cylinder is in, to either lock or unlock the door.

Euro Cylinder Lock Types

Depending on the euro cylinder lock type, the lock will be made of us different parts and will work in different ways.

Standard Euro Cylinder Lock

For example, in a standard euro cylinder you will find a cam, retainer screws, a cylinder plug, a keyway, pin tumblers, the shoulder, upper pins, and springs.

High Security Euro Cylinder Lock

In a high security euro cylinder lock you will find the additional features such as an anti-drill pin, anti-bump pick, anti-snap cut and an anti-pick pin.

Euro Cylinder Pros and Cons

Euro cylinder locks have many advantages but there are also a couple of drawbacks that could be a concern to some but there are no major drawbacks to them, as many manufacturers have overcome these limitations with additional security features.

 Pros of Euro Cylinder Locks

• Very common, so it is easy to get your hands on one and it can be quickly supplied and fitted
• Many different levels of security including insurance approved versions
• Can be set up as a suited system
• A master key can be created to open all the euro cylinder locks in your house

Cons of Euro Cylinder Locks

• Can be picked/bypassed open easily with the correct tools and technique
• More components mean more can go wrong internally such as a spring breaking
• Prone to burglar attacks if not fitted correctly

Euro Cylinder Security Features

There are a few different  euro cylinder lock types on the market, the difference being the level of security features they have to offer. Many manufactures include one or two of these security features and then any additional require an extra cost. The security features of a euro cylinder lock include:

Anti-Bump

Lock bumping is a method burglars use whereby a specifically made key is used to manipulate the lock pins. They can make for a quick and easy entry whilst leaving no sign of forced entry. With an anti-bump cylinder, the specially configured lock pins inside the cylinder prevent the lock from a bump manipulation.

Anti-Drill

Anti-drill cylinders give several levels of drill protection including ceramic plates and hardened steel pins sat throughout the body of the Euro cylinder. With these in place, it makes it near on virtually impossible to drill the lock.

Anti-Pick

Some criminals are skilled at lock picking, and an anti-pick cylinder includes special lock pins that prevent this. In general, a potential thief will try to break in using an easier method such as breaking a window or snapping the lock.

Anti-Snap

An anti-snap cylinder has a line cut into the cylinder body, known as an anti-snap line or a sacrificial snap line. When force is applied to either side of the cylinder, the cylinder snaps at this ‘weak point’ but the actual mechanism stays intact. The sacrificial snap line must face the outside of your door. In some cases, manufacturers make anti-snap lines of both sides of the Euro lock cylinder.

How to Measure a Euro Lock

All you need to do is measure from the screw hole in the middle of the Euro cylinder to the outside edges, this will give you two different sizes (be sure to round up to the next 5mm increment. For example, your euro cylinder may be 30mm from the middle to the left, and 40mm from the middle to the right. This would make your euro lock measurement 30/40.

Keytek® Academy

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Like this blog? Why not check out Is It Worth Becoming a Locksmith? And How to Market Your Locksmith Business!