Euro Cylinders

What are Euro Cylinders?

Every lock has a particular part that can be changed easily. It’s known as a euro cylinder or a door barrel and it is an independent unit that when set up, turns the actual lock and its entire component parts. The euro lock style was brought into being by the double glazing industry back in the old days and it has remained with us since then in the United Kingdom.If you looked inside, you’d see that it is constructed with a series of pins that meet with the key pattern to enable the barrel to turn. When the barrel is moved, assuming that the cam is positioned at the centre, the lock turns and either locks or unlocks your door.

Why is it Necessary to Change My Euro Lock

Older types of door are installed with an antiquated euro cylinder style that lacks modern in-built security features like anti-drill, anti-pick, as well as snap and bump resistance features that are integrated into modern versions of the design as standard.

is it easy to install new euro cylinders?

It is extremely easy, yes. There is one screw on the side of the door that allows the cylinder to be released. We have a guide to show you how a euro cylinder can be replaced and don’t worry, the entire process takes just a few minutes!

Anyone can replace the cylinder and all you need is the right screwdriver and the key for the euro cylinder. You may find taking the screw out a little difficult, particularly if it’s old or screwed in tight. If so, be sure to only use a standard screwdriver and not a drill.Some screws are fitted in a place where it’s difficult to take the screw out. This can make things a bit complicated, as the mechanism can block access to the screw. In my opinion, if you find yourself in this position, I would contact us or another locksmith to help you further.

How do I know the size of my euro lock?

It is possible to measure the size of the euro lock you need in two ways. You can either remove the lock from the door and measure it or measure the lock whilst it is still inside the door. The picture below illustrates which measurements are required. Please check as where stated mm in millimeters are the measurements required.

Can the sizes be reversible?

Absolutely! Their design involves the use of a normal double ended key cylinder. Some locks of this type have ‘anti-snap’ functionality on one side, particularly when talking about DL30 anti snap locks. Conversely, Yale Superior Euro Cylinders have inbuilt snap resistance on both sides, which means that they’re reversible.

For example, a 40/50 size cylinder is the same as a 50/40 size, therefore making it is possible to use it either way on the door, as long as the door has the correct thickness.

i might have a euro lock hidden behind the door frame

Yes, many French doors are designed this way, with the slave door having an additional frame attached to its side. It is easy to remove however, by unscrewing the four or five long screws that attach the one-piece frame to the door.

When this is complete, you can access the screen for the lock, allowing you to uninstall the lock in a similar way to the door on the other side. You must ensure that the one-piece frame is reattached back to its original position after you’ve finished.

There are 5 pins on my euro cylinder : can a 6 pin euro cylinders work?

Absolutely! You’ll have no issues installing a 6 pin replacement cylinder, unless your door is extremely narrow and the euro cylinder can only accept 5 pins. This is also applicable to other euro locks ,such as dimple and trace patterns, in which more pins exist.If you feel that you need any assistance with changing your euro cylinders over, get in contact with us and we’ll be more than happy to help.

After the installation of a new euro cylinder, it is hard to use the keys?

When you unscrew the door handle, the side fixing bolt and then turn the key, the cylinder can sometimes struggle to find its correct level. If this happens, you should slightly pinch the screws up and and attempt the process again until the screws are completely tightened in the lock. If this doesn’t work, try some 3-in-1 or PTFE based oil or lubricant to get the lock back to its original position. Alternatively, you can call us and we can take care of the issue for you.

How does lock snapping work?

Burglars use the lock snapping technique to physically snap euro cylinders. Lock snapping is also a way to loosen up the locks on your door. The euro cylinder has a weak point, which is the middle fixing screw, so you have to be careful to avoid the cylinder protruding too much from the door as this can be tied up and twisted, thereby breaking the cylinder.Cylinder locks have a break line around the end of the cylinder, representing a vulnerability, since it is possible for the uPVC to be opened up to allow the cylinder to be clamped beyond its break line. However, the cylinders we supply have a reinforced snap zone, which cushions the screw hole in the middle through a hardened pin, making it highly secure compared to the break-line models you see on the market.

Our 3 star anti snap door lock is also available upon request and it conforms to TS007. It is also fully tested and classified as anti-snap. However, even they can be broken, as in the event that your home is forcefully targeted, burglars may use different approaches to get around the problem and no lock can withstand the force of a heavy attack. You can read more about lock snapping for more understanding of this issue and the reason your euro locks may need to be changed.

We do not supply these type of locks, however if you wish to order one, you need to let us know in advance of the job, which type of door lock you need.