Euro-cylinder Locks: Features, How They Work and More

Euro cylinder locks are the stalwarts of home security, celebrated for their adaptability and user-friendly design. This article will take you on a journey into the heart of these locks, unravelling their components, exploring various types and offering insights into choosing the right one for your door.

So if you:

Then let’s start with the most common question…

What is a euro cylinder lock and how to identify it?

As the name suggests, these locks consist of a cylinder, where the key is inserted, and a series of pins inside. That’s basically it. The simple yet effective design allows for the easy replacement of the cylinder, making it a convenient option for people who are not locksmiths by trade.

As far as the actual design goes, every euro door lock mechanism has the following parts:

As already mentioned, euro lock cylinders are easy to install and replace, unlike mortice locks and multipoint door locks, so where do you use them? Well, they are commonly found in external doors, such as front and back doors. They are prevalent in uPVC and composite doors, but you can also use them in wooden and metal doors.

Euro cylinder lock types

Euro cylinder locks come in various types, each catering to specific security needs. Understanding these types is very important so you can pick the right lock for your doors. So what are they?

How does a euro cylinder lock work?

These operate on a simple yet effective mechanism. It’s still better to know how an euro-cylinder lock works than not to.

1. Inserting the key – When you insert the key into the euro cylinder lock, the notches on the key lift the key pins and driver pins to the correct height, aligning them along the shear line;
2. Rotating the key – As you turn the key, the aligned pins create a gap at the shear line, allowing the cam to rotate. This rotation activates the locking or unlocking mechanism connected to the door;
3. Locking/Unlocking – The turning of the key either engages or disengages the locking mechanism, securing or releasing the door.

As simple as this design is, it can suffer from the following common problems and vulnerabilities:

Euro cylinder lock sizes

Understanding the euro cylinder lock dimensions and how to measure them is crucial for picking the right one. With that said, let’s discuss the standard euro cylinder sizes.

The standard sizes range from 30mm to 70mm, with each one serving a specific purpose.

• 30mm to 40mm – These smaller sizes are typically used on interior doors or doors with a narrow profile. They lack the length needed for standard external doors, making them less secure for main entry points;
• 40mm to 50mm – A common size suitable for doors with a thinner profile or where a shorter cylinder is needed;
• 50mm to 60mm – Standard size for most external doors in residential properties, these offer a good balance between security and functionality;
• 60mm to 70mm – Used for doors with a thicker profile or where additional length is necessary. These provide added security, especially for doors with a substantial thickness.

How to measure euro cylinder lock

Now let’s learn how to properly take euro-cylinder lock measurements.

1. Remove the existing lock – Use a screwdriver to remove the fixing screw on the lock face. Then, turn the key to retract the locking cam and gently pull out the cylinder;
2. Measure the overall length – Place the cylinder on a flat surface and measure from one end to the other, including the cam or tail;
3. Determine the inside and outside sizes – Measure the distance from each end of the cylinder to the centre of the screw hole. This gives you the inside and outside sizes;
4. Note the cam or tail size – Measure the length of the cam;
5. Identify the lock type – You already know that euro cylinder locks come in single, double, or thumb turn variations. Identify the type you need;
6. Check for anti-snap features – Some euro cylinders have anti-snap features. Check if your lock has this and measure accordingly.

What is the best euro-cylinder lock for your door?

When it comes to selecting a euro-cylinder lock for your door, it’s essential to consider various factors for optimal security. The following tips will help you make the right choice: