A Euro Cylinder lock, or 'pin tumbler lock' (as it was originally known when patented in 1805), is used primarily as a locking medium to operate a lock case. Euro Cylinder locks are today's most popular locking systems amongst locksmiths and architectural ironmongers.
Keyed euro cylinder locks use a mechanism of pins of varying lengths to prevent the lock from opening without the correct key. Only the correct key fits properly within the cylinder. A greater number of pins is considered to offer a higher level of security. Thumb-turn cylinder locks work without pins.
Today's euro cylinders have enhanced security features such as anti-pick, anti-drill and both bump and snap resistance features built into the design as standard.
Anti-drill euro cylinder lock
However, most good quality drill bits will be able to drill through the pins, if they cannot easily be removed. Once the lock has been drilled to the end of the pin line, a small sharp/flat tool should be inserted into the keyhole to dislodge any remaining pin tumblers.
Ultion Euro Cylinders – 3 Star Kitemarked
These cylinders are the top security Euro cylinders. They are rated TS007-2014: 3 Star Security which is the highest level of security you can get with a Euro Cylinder. They have also been tested independently by Sold Secure and reached their highest rating of Diamond.
Euro cylinder locks are compatible with uPVC, wood, composite, aluminium, and steel doors; they can moreover be used for internal and external doors. External doors typically require the additional security of a six pin (or more) lock, whilst internal doors generally require five pins.
How to fit a Euro Cylinder Lock correctly: The cylinder should not protrude more than 3mm from the handle. Ideally should be completely flush with no external overhang.
Euro cylinder locks are available in a variety of sizes to suit different doors. The length of lock you need will depend on the thickness of the door, so begin by measuring that. Typically, full-size euro lock sizes range between 60mm and 120mm, with the central cam located precisely halfway along the barrel.
I recommend as a minimum the Yale Superior cylinder, they are a good quality lock with some interesting features – They are difficult to pick, difficult to drill and very difficult for burglars to snap – combined with good quality handles and fitted correctly they are a burglars worst nightmare.
Introducing TS 007.
Designed as a simple way to highlight enhanced product solutions to protect home-owners from opportunist burglar attack, this standard provides a level of security for replacement cylinders that is equivalent to the levels currently specified in PAS 24 and BS3621.
5 pin locks are found on a lot of the older euro cylinders but these are now made as 6 pin. The extra pin means the key is slightly longer and that's all it is. How easy is it to replace a euro cylinder? Very easy.
Yale euro locks help to secure a home or place of work, commonly installed on a uPVC door and operated with a key. Featuring anti-snap, anti-bump and kitemarked properties to provide added protection against cylinder attacks or accidental damage, Yale euro cylinders are insurance approved for peace of mind.
What are anti snap locks? Anti-snap locks prevent locks from snapping – making it difficult for intruders to break an entry. This type of Euro cylinder lock is the most common profile design – used predominately on UPVC doors throughout Europe, in both commercial and domestic properties.
Measure from the centre of the screw hole (X) to the edge of the handle backplate on the outside (O) and round up the size to the next 5mm increment i.e. 32mm = 35mm. This will ensure the euro cylinder protrudes from the backplate of the handle (try to keep it as close to the backplate as possible).
You can work out the size of the lock by measuring the distance from the edge of the door to the centre of the door handle or knob. This measurement will give you the approximate size of the backset which will allow you to identify which size lock or latch you have.
There are four screw sizes available. The M5 screw types come in three sizes. The 70mm and 80mm sizes are suited to euro and oval cylinders, whilst the 40mm model is for rim cylinders (note rim cylinders use two screws, so in most cases you will need to order two of these screws).
Your cylinder locks should be as flush as possible with the handles, maximum projection is 5mm - if you current lock sticks out by more than 5mm either side of the hanldes then choose a smaller size.