What Is The Best Euro Cylinder Lock In The UK? 2020
An introduction to euro cylinder locks for UK consumers
There are many different types of locks available and manufacturers continue to improve on existing designs every year. There has been some serious advances in lock technology and access control including retina identification and even microchip identification.
Here we are going to look at a very common and widely used lock, the euro cylinder lock. Found on the majority of UK doors it is by far the most popular in the UK today.
With the amount of locks being manufactured and fitted to UPVC, composite and wooden doors, criminals have sufficient knowledge of various brute force techniques to bypass the locks and gain entry fast.
Why do you need to know this?
Since the introduction of anti snap locks 10 years ago, we have seen a decrease in burglaries where lock snapping has been used as the method of entry. Where burglars have taken advantage of standard euro cylinder lock weaknesses in the past, they are no longer able to do so.
Take a look at our previous blog on lock snapping to familiarize yourself.
Home insurance and locks
Many insurance providers will require you to have certain types of locks fitted in order to receive valid cover. If not you may find your claim could be rejected by your provider.
Usually locks rated BS3621 will be required for full coverage.
You may find that with the correct locks installed on all doors your premium may even go down!
Make sure to check our policy to see if you are fully covered with the locks you have currently installed.
You may surprised to see that your cover is not valid until you upgrade your locks.
How to improve your euro cylinder locks at home
To combat this issue against brute force attacks, lock manufacturers have created special features within and around the euro cylinders to help. Cylinders have the following ratings…
1. SS312 - 3 Star Diamond Approved Euro Cylinder Lock
3 Star diamond rated euro cylinders have gone through the most rigorous testing with many different tools to make sure they are durable and are able to withstand the latest attack methods.
- Anti Snap
- Anti Pick
- Anti Bump
- Anti Screw
- Anti Pull
- Anti Drill
As you can see, there are many ways to attack a door lock but there are euro cylinders available that protect you against these methods.
2. TS007 Rated Euro Cylinder Locks - 2 Options Available
TS007 - 3 Star Rated
This has gone through similar testing as the diamond approved above and is anti snap but with less variation of tools. All 3 star cylinders are resistant against lock snapping.
TS007 - 1 Star Rated
NOT resistant to snapping but has undergone testing for anti drill and anti bump. Still much more secure than a completely unbranded euro cylinder.
How can I be sure I have a genuine British Standard euro cylinder?
All sold secure 1 star and 3 Star diamond and TS007 euro cylinders with have the British standard kitemark on them. Always buy from a reputable supplier and check reviews.
Who decides the ratings?
There are 2 main bodies involved in rating euro cylinders, Sold Secure and BSI (British Standards Institute).
Sold Secure
From the Sold Secure website –
Sold Secure is the premier testing and certification house for security products. In this site you will find the full range of products tested and approved by Sold Secure to provide you with the best in security, for a variety of applications. Please visit often as we are a dynamic company and the range of products changes every month. The range provides…
- Products to enhance vehicle security.
- Products to secure leisure equipment.
- Products to secure your home or business.
- Products to protect your valuables.
It is the Mission of Sold Secure to test and provide professional and accurate advice regarding effective security products to Commercial Customers, the Insurance Industry, the Home Office, the Police and the Public.
BSI - British Standards Institute
From the British Standards Institute website –
BSI is the UK’s national standards body (NSB) and the first national standards body to be created. We represent UK economic and social interests across all European and international standards organizations and in the development of business information solutions for British organizations of all sizes and sectors.
Our role is to help improve the quality and safety of products, services and systems by enabling the creation of standards and encouraging their use.
We publish over 3,100 standards annually, underpinned by a collaborative approach, engaging with industry experts, government bodies, trade associations, businesses of all sizes and consumers to develop standards that reflect good business practice.
How much are should you pay for a British Standard euro cylinder in 2020?
Cost will depend on a few things.
Location
If you are located in a big city you like London, Manchester or Birmingham then you may be paying additional costs for vehicle parking or congestion charges.
Size
Most quotes you see online are for the smallest cylinder size 35/35 with a key on both sides. You can get smaller sizes but most start at 35/35. As you move up in euro cylinder size, so does the cost.
Special features
You can request additional features for your euro cylinder like a thumb turn or keyed alike if you want one key to open multiple locks.
Here at Champs Locksmiths our prices start at £120 to supply and fit 3 star diamond secure euro cylinders.
We provide locksmith services for Swansea, Llanelli and Neath, Port Talbot.
If you are unsure on your lock security rating call or email us today for a free security audit and ensure you are covered encase of burglary.
