Cylinders & Barrels

Euro Cylinder locks are one of the most popular locking systems amongst locksmiths and security professionals. They are most commonly used in doors containing lock cases such as multipoint door locks for UPVC doors which can typically be found in residential front and back doors and commercial properties. Euro cylinders can be found in wooden door profiles when combined with a euro mortice lock. They can also be used in sliding patio doors, some garage door locks, and other types of doors that contain a euro-compatible lock case.

The euro cylinder lock, or barrel lock, typically consists of 5-11 pins in its cylinder, the higher the number of pins, the greater the level of security.

Euro cylinder locks with 6 pins feature 24 to 34 internal components. The pins are divided into top and bottom halves, but the division is uneven, requiring the key's indents to push each pin to a different height in order to align the shear line. The top pins are held in place by springs that allow them to be pushed.



The process of unlocking a door begins by aligning the pins. Once in place, the key can then be turned, activating the cylindrical cam and allowing access. When the cylinder cam is turned, the locking point of the mechanism is engaged into the door frame.

When it comes to keys, there are different types available. Some have only one indented side, while others are symmetrical, meaning they can be used either way. However, it is important not to confuse them with dimple keys. These keys have biting and warding that can be located on one or both sides to match the number of master pins in the lock.

Euro Cylinders with dimple keys operate by rotating the key a full 90 degrees. This deviation from traditional euro cylinder locks means that the flat side of the key blade is utilised as the cutting surface instead of the edge of the key. With its distinct dimple attributes, this lock presents a higher level of pick resistance.

Measuring a euro cylinder lock is relatively simple, and it can be done using a tape measure or ruler. When choosing a euro cylinder for a new door, the thickness of the door must be taken into consideration. You should choose a length of euro cylinder that doesn't protrude too much to reduce the risk of attempted cylinder snapping as a method of break in.

When replacing an existing euro cylinder; the measurement that you need to take is the length of the cylinder, which can be found by measuring from the front of the lock to the back of the lock. Then you’ll need to measure the length of each side to the middle of the central cam (see the image guide below). A euro cylinder lock with a total length of 80mm, may have 40mm on each side, or it may have variations of measurements adding up to 80mm. For example; 35mm for the front side, and 45mm for the rear side.



It is important to note that there are many different sizes of euro cylinder locks available ranging from 60mm length up to 120mm in length and in varying size combinations such as 35/35, 50/40, 40/50, 45/55 and so on.

To replace a euro cylinder lock, you will need to first remove the old cylinder from the door. This can typically be done by using a screwdriver to remove the retaining screws that hold the euro cylinder lock in place in the multipoint gearbox. This screw can be located on the faceplate of the multipoint lock in the profile of the door. Once unscrewed; the cam will need adjusting to the unlock position or until the angle matches the cut away and then the cylinder can be pulled out.

Once the old euro cylinder is removed, you can then measure the size of the cylinder to ensure that you purchase the correct size of replacement euro cylinder.

The BS EN 1303:2015 standard uses an 8-digit coding system to categorise cylinders. A similar classification method is applied to other standards for building hardware products. Each digit represents a specific aspect of the product's performance in relation to the standard's criteria.

Digit 1 - Category of use
Digit 2 - Durability
Digit 3 - Door Mass
Digit 4 - Fire resistance
Digit 5 - Safety
Digit 6 - Corrosion and temperature resistance
Digit 7 - Key related security
Digit 8 - Attack resistance

1 star euro cylinders

A 1* cylinder must meet the requirements of BS 3621:2017 and a minimum requirement for BS EN 1303:2015. Those standards cover tests against physical attack, key security, fire resistance, durability, plug extraction, and crucially, lock bumping.

When a 1 cylinder is fitted in conjunction with a 2 handle, TS007 3* security is achieved.

1 + 2 = 3*

A 1 cylinder provides protection against attack but does not satisfy the additional requirements imposed by the 3 standard, the most famous of which is protection against snapping.

3 star euro cylinders

A 3* cylinder must do all the above but also withstand an attack to the standards set out in PAS24. It must meet these standards without the benefit of security handles or escutcheons and so must resist an attack by snapping.

Door security that meets a 3 Star security rating will provide maximum security from all known methods of forced entry, including:

Drilling
Picking
Bumping
Snapping
Plug Extraction (Pulling)

The simplest way of reaching 3 star security is by installing a 3 Star BSI Kitemarked Cylinder.

The TS 007 standard was developed by the DHF and the Glass & Glazing Federation and is supported by BSI and Secured by Design. It is a 3-star security solution and can be achieved through a combination of a TS 007 cylinder (marked with one star and the BSI Kitemark) and a strengthened door handle (marked with two stars and the BSI Kitemark) or a "super cylinder" (marked with three stars and the BSI Kitemark) that resists snap attacks without the need for additional door hardware.

Both options provide the same level of resistance against cylinder snapping.

You may have seen that some TS 007 3* cylinders also meet the Sold Secure SS312 Diamond standard (such as the ABS range). Sold Secure is owned by the Master Locksmith Association and undertakes independent tests on security products. The Diamond Standard is the highest level that can be awarded to a cylinder by Sold Secure.

A rim cylinder, also known as a cylinder rim lock, is a type of lock that is typically found on the exterior of a front door that has a night latch. It is commonly used on residential properties, such as homes and apartments, as well as on some commercial properties, such as offices and retail spaces. If you need to replace a rim cylinder, there are a few steps you will need to take to ensure that the process is done correctly and that the new cylinder will function properly.

The first step in replacing a rim cylinder is to remove the night latch and the old cylinder from the door. This can typically be done by using a screwdriver to remove the fixing screws that hold the night latch in place. Once the night latch is removed, you will need to remove the rim cylinders fixing screws, once removed push the back of the cylinder gently and it will pop out the front of the door.

Next, you will need to cut the tail of your new rim cylinder to the same length as the old rim cylinder just removed. The tail can be cut using 2 pairs of pliers, or a junior hacksaw. Once the tail has been cut to length; replace the new rim cylinder back into the door and screw the x2 fixing screws back in. Then return the night latch in place on the door and fix to the door using the night latches fixing screws .

Once the new cylinder is securely in place, you should test the lock and night latch to ensure that it is functioning properly.

Rim cylinders can be used on a variety of different types of doors, including wooden doors, metal doors, and even glass doors. They can also be used on doors that are located in a variety of different areas, such as front doors, back doors or side doors. In addition, rim cylinders can be used on doors that are located in a variety of different types of buildings, such as homes, apartments, offices, and retail spaces.

An advantage of rim cylinders is that they can be easily replaced. If a rim cylinder becomes damaged or worn, it can be easily replaced with a new one. This is important, as it ensures that the lock will continue to function properly and provide a high level of security for the property.

Measuring a screw in cylinder is a relatively simple process. The first step is to determine the diameter of the cylinder, which is the distance across the widest part of the front face of the screw in cylinder. Once you have this measurement, you need to measure the overall length of the cylinder. This will give you the 2 measurements you need to identify a suitable replacement screw in cylinder.

One of the most common uses for a screw in cylinder is in a screw in cylinder lock case the type commonly found on metal doors. Screw In Cylinders are installed by screwing the cylinder into the lock case which also secures the cylinder in place.

A Scandinavian cylinder, also known as a Swedish cylinder or Scandinavian lock cylinder, are not as commonly found on UK residential doors as a euro cylinder or rim cylinder but Scandinavian cylinders are a type of high-security lock that may be found in a variety of settings. These types of cylinders are known for their durability and resistance to picking and drilling, making them a popular choice for use in commercial and residential properties.

Scandinavian cylinders are made up of two separate cylinders; one for the internal side and one for the external side, both cylinders are connected to each other by 2 screws that pass through the door and lock case. Scandinavian are suitable only with Scandinavian lock cases.