Euro cylinders, or Euro profile cylinders, are a common sight on doors across the United Kingdom and Europe.
These essential components of door security play a crucial role in keeping our homes and businesses safe.
In this blog, we’ll explore what Euro cylinders are, how they work, and why they are an integral part of your security setup.
What is a Euro cylinder?
Euro cylinders are a type of lock cylinder used in a wide range of door locks, including uPVC, composite, and some wooden doors. They consist of a cylindrical barrel with a keyway and are often identified by their smooth, rounded profile.
The anatomy of a Euro cylinder
To understand Euro cylinders better, let’s break down their key components:
Cylinder Body
The main part of the Euro cylinder, also known as the cylinder body, is the long, tubular portion that fits into the lock mechanism on your door. This is where the magic happens when you turn your key to lock or unlock your door.
Keyway
The keyway is the slot or groove on the Euro cylinder where you insert your key. Different Euro cylinders may have different keyway shapes, making it essential to use the correct key for your lock.
Cam
The cam is the part of the Euro cylinder that interacts with the multi-point locking mechanism found in uPVC and composite doors. When you turn your key, the cam rotates, engaging or disengaging the locking points.
Pins and springs
Inside the cylinder body, you’ll find a series of pins and springs. These pins are what the key raises to the correct height, aligning them to enable the cylinder to turn. Each key is uniquely cut to lift these pins to the correct heights.
Euro cylinders and security
Euro cylinders are an essential part of your home or business security. They act as the first line of defence against unwanted intruders.
However, not all Euro cylinders are created equal. Investing in high-security Euro cylinders can significantly enhance your property’s protection.
Anti-snap, anti-pick and anti-bump features are just a few of the security enhancements available.
Benefits of Euro cylinders
If you’re considering upgrading your door’s security, Euro cylinders are an excellent place to start.
Replacing your existing locks with Euro cylinders is a relatively simple and cost-effective way to bolster your property’s protection.
They fit a variety of door types, including front doors, French doors and patio doors, and can accommodate different door thicknesses and security needs.
They’re easy to install and replace without needing to change the entire lock mechanism. If your keys get lost or stolen, only the cylinder needs to be replaced, not the entire lockset.
High-quality Euro cylinders are designed to resist lock snapping, a common burglary method.
Many have features to protect against these lock picking, drilling and bumping techniques.
Top-rated cylinders meet BS EN 1303 and TS007 standards for security.
They can be ‘keyed alike’, allowing one key to open multiple locks, convenient for properties with several doors. They’re also suitable for commercial environments where different hierarchy of key access is needed.
Double cylinder locks can be locked and unlocked from both inside and outside. You can also get an internal ‘thumb turn’ option, which provides easy locking and unlocking from inside without a key, beneficial in emergency exits.
Security levels can be set based on the cylinder’s grade, meeting various insurance requirements.
Cylinder locks are also typically more discreet and aesthetically pleasing than other bulky lock types.
When selecting a Euro cylinder, it’s important to consider the security rating and ensure it meets any specific insurance requirements. Look for anti-snap features, which are especially important in areas prone to burglaries. Check for a standard mark, such as BS EN 1303, TS007 3-Star rating or the Sold Secure Diamond Standard. And remember, incorrect sizing can weaken the lock’s security, so make sure you get the right size for your door.
Choose Grays Locksmiths for professional lock fitting services
Ensuring that your property is safe and secure is very important and will put your mind at ease.
We can replace and upgrade your locks to make sure that your property is highly secure. In the event of a burglary our emergency team responds quickly and can replace the locks on your windows and doors.
We will fit strong insurance standard locks (BS3621) to reduce the risk of a burglary in the future.
Contact us today on 0115 942 2315 or visit us in-store in Nottingham to speak to a member of our friendly team.