The Differences in Door Cylinders

A door cylinder is the part of the lock where you put your key. There are different types of cylinders, and they can have different levels of security.

Double Cylinder - Key to Key

A cylinder-to-cylinder lock has a keyhole on both sides of the door. This means you need a key to lock or unlock the door from either side. One problem is that if somebody leaves a key in the cylinder on the inside, some locks may not allow another key to work from the outside.

This could mean you get locked out. This could in addition cause the cylinder to malfunction, the cam can jump out of position and cause it to be stuck. Its not advised to ever leave your key in the lock.

Key and Thumbturn Cylinder

A key and thumbturn cylinder has a keyhole on the outside of the door and a thumbturn on the inside. Instead of using a key to unlock the door from inside your home, you can simply turn the thumbturn with your fingers.

The main benefit of a thumbturn cylinder is convenience. It allows you to lock and unlock the door quickly from the inside without needing a key. You also do not need to leave a key in the inside of the lock, which can help reduce the risk of being locked out if someone leaves their key inserted on the other side.

However, a thumbturn cylinder may not be suitable for doors with glass panels, particularly where the thumbturn can be seen or reached through the glass. If the glass is broken, an intruder may potentially be able to reach the thumbturn and unlock the door from the inside.

Half Cylinder

A half cylinder only has a keyhole on one side. These are normally used when you only need to lock or unlock something from one side. Half cylinders can be found on things like garage doors, stable doors, Juliet balconies and storage cupboards.

The Three Security Levels

Standard Cylinder

A standard cylinder is a basic lock without the extra security features found on higher-security cylinders. Standard cylinders can be more vulnerable to attacks such as snapping and picking.

They may also have less protection against drilling and bumping. This is why it is important to think about where the cylinder is being used and how much security is needed.

Generally speaking if the door is an external, this cylinder is NOT a suitable grade of cylinder.

1-Star Cylinder

A TS007 1-star cylinder has more security features than a standard cylinder. It can include protection against picking, drilling and bumping.

A 1-star cylinder can also be used with the correct TS007 2-star security handle. The handle gives the cylinder extra physical protection. A 1-star cylinder combined with a 2-star security handle can provide a 3-star security solution.

A 2 star handle consists of 2 unique security features. The first is a strong, solid backplate. Unlike a normal hollow handle, the solid backplate is much harder to break or damage, making it difficult for someone to reach the lock barrel. The second feature is a protective cover around the lock barrel. This adds another layer of protection and makes it harder for someone to damage or tamper with the lock.

In simple terms, 1-Star Cylinder + 2-Star Security Handle = 3-Star Solution.

3-Star Cylinder

A TS007 3-star cylinder provides a higher level of security within the cylinder itself. Depending on the product, it can have anti-pick, anti-snap, anti-drill and anti-bump protection. Some 3-star cylinders can also have a modular system, plug extraction protection and extra protection against newer types of attacks.

Newer products may also include protection against freezing or cryogenic attacks. One of the main benefits of a 3-star cylinder is that the cylinder itself provides the 3-star rating. You do not have to rely on combining a 1-star cylinder with a 2-star security handle to achieve the cylinder's 3-star rating. In turn, there is nothing stopping yourself from using a 3 Star cylinder and a 2 Star handle. Although it wont increase the star rating as 3 stars is the highest.

British Standards and the Kitemark

When choosing a security cylinder, look for the British Standards Kitemark and its TS007 star rating. The rating helps you understand how much security the cylinder provides.

Most home insurance companies have stipulations about security requirements for external doors and locks. However, every insurance policy can be different, so customers should always check their own policy to see what security standard is required.

Example Prices

A Standard Cylinder will cost around £10 to £20 depending on size.

An APECS 3-star cylinder may cost around £40 to £60. Depending size, colour and adaptations.

A Level 2 product may cost £20-£50 for a 2 Star handle. A 1 Star cylinder may cost around £20 - £40 for a Cylinder depending on size and colour.

Colours can vary. Black, Satin Nickle, Polished Brass, are among the most popular.

Although, it may be tempting to go for a cheaper product. I would personally recommend investing in a high security for product peace of mind and complying with insurance requirements.

How to Measure a Cylinder

Measuring a cylinder correctly is very important. Start from the centre of the cylinder, where the cam and fixing screw are located. Measure from the centre to one end of the cylinder. Then measure from the centre to the other end. For example, if one side measures 35mm and the other side measures 45mm, you would need a 35/45 cylinder.

Do not simply measure the whole cylinder from one end to the other. You need to know the measurement of each side because the two sides can be different lengths.

Some cylinders have EXT printed on one side. EXT means External, so it tells you which side of the cylinder is designed to face the outside of the door.

This is very important when measuring and fitting a security cylinder. If EXT is printed on the cylinder, make sure you know which measurement is for the external side.

Protruding Cylinders

A protruding cylinder is when the cylinder sticks out too far from the outside of the door. This can create a security risk, especially with a standard cylinder.

If too much of the cylinder is sticking out, it may give somebody more opportunity to grab and attack the cylinder. This could make it easier to try to snap the lock.

This is why measuring the cylinder properly is so important. Do not choose a cylinder that is longer than you need just because you know it will fit. Choose the correct size so the cylinder fits properly with the door and does not stick out unnecessarily.

Euro Cylinders typically increase in 5 mm increments. One of the most popular sizes is 35/35 mm, which is equidistant, meaning the cylinder measures 35 mm from the centre fixing screw on each side.

Euro Cylinders can also be offset to suit different door and handle configurations. For example, a 40/60 mm cylinder measures 40 mm from the centre fixing screw on one side and 60 mm on the other.

The simple rule is: measure properly, choose the correct size and make sure the cylinder is fitted correctly.