Cylinder Locks

When the key is turned, a set of different-length pins inside the lock align into the proper position, allowing the door to open. Standard cylinder locks are simple to install and rekey without breaking the lock completely. Cylinder locks come in a wide range of types and sizes since they are made to accommodate a wide range of functions. The Euro cylinder, used on most contemporary UPVC doors, is the version of this lock that is most widely used.

For one, determine the security rating against attacks for cylinder locks; each lock is equipped with a kitemark and a star rating system. The protection levels, which vary from 1 to 3 stars, protect against lock bumping, lock snapping, and cylinder drilling technique.

How European Cylinder Locks Operate

There are five main elements that enable a euro cylinder lock to properly function.

• Revolving cylindrical cam
• Pin tumblers and springs
• Fixing hole
• Keys
• Security measures

A pin tumbler lock, also known as a euro-cylinder lock, normally has 5 or 6 primary pins, while dimple locks can have up to 11 pins. Typically, the cylinders of 6-pin euro cylinder locks contain 24 to 34 moving parts. A conventional cylinder has top halves (sometimes called upper, master, or wafer pins) and bottom (lower) pins. The separation of a single pin into an upper and lower half, however, is not uniform, which means that each pin must be pushed to a different height for the shear line (or break between the top and bottom pins) to be uniform across the pins.

The indents on the can do this by the shear line is evenly spaced across all pins thanks to the indents on a key that raise each one by a varied amount. The top pins are held in place by springs; however, they can be pushed because of this.

Functions of Cylinder Locks

Cylinder locks, which include a lock on each side of the door, are used on doors that need higher security standards. The barrel lock is simple to replace or repair, and most outside doors feature a door lock cylinder. All brand-new Euro locks have a 6-pin cylinder lock, which offers more security because the key is longer. Internal doors can still utilize older 5-pin types; however, all exterior doors need 6-pin cylinder locks installed.

Shape

Cylinder locks are available in oval or euro shapes. The most common type of lock is the euro-cylinder lock, which also comes in various sizes. Euro cylinder locks are more common than oval cylinder locks. Oval cylinders, on the other hand, have a smaller size range and are more difficult to replace.

Types of Cylinder Locks

There are three main formats for the euro cylinder lock, these include the half and full euro cylinder lock, as well as the thumb turn cylinder lock.

Full Euro Cylinder Lock

A key can open the full euro-cylinder lock, commonly referred to as a double-cylinder lock, from both sides. The double-cylinder lock, frequently used in front doors of buildings, contains slots at each end that a key may access.

Thumb-turn

Thumb-turn, half-euro, and both-side keying options are available for cylinder locks. These choices offer various degrees of ease and security. A key lock on both sides requires a key to open from the inside and outside the door. Thumb-turn cylinder locks have a thumb-turn handle on one side and a key opening on the other. With half-Euro cylinders, the door only needs to be locked from one side. Standard cylinders like polished brass oval single cylinders and nickel-plated thumb-turn euro cylinders are advised for interior doors. These have an 821-degree Celsius fire resistance for 30 minutes.

Half Euro Cylinder Lock

The term "single cylinder lock" or "half euro cylinder lock" refers to a lock that a key from one side can only open. The single-cylinder lock is appropriate for uses like garages or storage facilities where only external locking and unlocking are required.

Euro Cylinder Lock

The term "Euro Cylinder" describes the shape of the lock; it is a cylindrical lock with a maximum of eleven pins per cylinder. For attention to be drawn to the shape of the lock, it may be called a euro lock barrel or a euro profile lock cylinder. Since it is so simple to install, modify with additional security measures, or replace, the euro cylinder lock is one of the most frequently used lock profiles by locksmiths and architectural ironmongers. It can be found in residential and commercial properties, providing protection and security for various premises and facilities.

Oval Cylinder Lock

The oval cylinder lock, appropriate for residential and commercial settings, adds an extra layer of security, giving user peace of mind that their belongings are safe. Like a Euro profile cylinder, the oval profile cylinder lock is simple to use but is utilized less frequently. An oval cylinder is a great option when inside access isn't restricted because it has a 6-pin mechanism and three keys and is keyed similarly.

The British standard kitemark EN 1303:2005 grade 4 and 6 for key-related locking is displayed on this oval cylinder lock. It can be available in various lengths, widths, and finishes, such as brass or nickel, to make it easier to discover the ideal match for user’s security needs.

Choosing the Right Cylinder Lock Supplier

To make sure you have the most beneficial outcome when purchasing cylinder locks from a cylinder lock supplier, it is important to compare at least four suppliers using our list of cylinder lock suppliers. Each cylinder lock supplier has a business profile page that highlights their areas of experience and capabilities and a contact form to directly communicate with the manufacturer for more information or request a quote. Review each cylinder lock company website using our proprietary website previewer to get an idea of what each company specializes in, and then use our simple RFQ form to contact multiple cylinder lock suppliers with the same quote.