Are Some Euro Cylinder Locks Safer Than Others?
In the U.K., uPVC doors are very popular, and these doors are often equipped with euro cylinder locks. Cylinder locks are also very common in situations where keyed alike sets are necessary. Whether you bought the lock yourself or it came with your door, there’s a good chance you’ve got at least one of these types of locks around.
Cylinder locks have the advantage of being hard to pick. While this makes them more secure than other types of locks in this area, they do have a vulnerability to snapping, which can be done simply by applying pressure to the cylinder in the right way. This vulnerability is inherent to the design of the lock, not to any particular brand or maker, and the flaw has become well known to homeowners and thieves alike. Indeed, it is estimated that in some areas, as many as one in three home break-ins are achieved by snapping a cylinder lock. Practiced thieves can do this in seconds, with very little noise.
To combat this, several lock companies have introduced anti-snap locks. Different companies took different approaches to the problem, and came up with very different solutions. Knowing that cylinders are likely to break, some companies decided to use this fact to create sacrificial anti-snap locks. Sacrificial break locks break at key points when pressure is applied, not in the way the thieves expect. When the lock breaks in these pre-planned places, it protects the lock mechanism inside the cylinder. Other companies approached the problem by making the cylinder stronger by reinforcing it. The stronger cylinder is harder to break with the usual snapping technique and should keep thieves from easily breaking your door lock.
Other anti-snap lock manufacturers claim that these precautions are not robust enough to truly protect homeowners. There are anti-snapping locks that use both of these techniques in a single anti-snap lock, with the idea that the combination of both tactics will result in a lock that is even more secure. Check the security rating of the locks you’re considering with one of the U.K.’s security testing and verifying organizations such as Sold Secure, BSI Kitemark, or Secured by Design. You can also consult with a master locksmith for advice on which type of anti-snap lock is best for your home.
Whether you believe that one type of anti-snap lock is better than the others, all of them are better than standard euro locks and should be used instead. You can find these anti-snap locks in DIY stores or online. Alternately, you can hire a master locksmith to find the right lock and do the replacement for you.
– Gary Wanker is a freelance writer and passionate blogger. He enjoys attending industry events, blogging, and having a nice cup of coffee. You can visit this valuable resource for more info about this article’s subject ABS locks You can find his contact information on the author’s website.