CYLINDER OR LOCK SNAPPING - HOW YOU CAN AVOID THIS

Information from the Master Locksmiths Association


You may well have heard of “cylinder snapping” or “lock snapping“ or even the term “lock bumping”.   Lock snapping is a very common method used by burglars to break into property that has a euro cylinder [commonly fitted in Cyprus on most external doors].   

The method of lock snapping involves breaking the cylinder to then manipulate the lock to open. Whilst you may think that all the multi locking points on your door make it secure, it’s important to realise they are all operated by the cylinder – this is the weakest point and if compromised all the locking points are rendered useless.

To avoid the above scenario and to protect yourself against lock snapping there are essentially three ways to go.

OPTION 1

By fitting a Sold Secure Diamond approved cylinder ( SS312 ), your local professional licensed locksmith will help you minimise the likelihood of being burgled using this method of lock snapping.

OPTION 2


If a SS312 Diamond cylinder isn’t used then it should at least reach the 3star Kitemark standard to provide true resistance to snapping.

Don’t simply rely on the manufacturer stating its snap resistance, you should always look for Third Party approval to confirm a product’s performance.

OPTION 3

A 1 star kitemark cylinder with 2 star kite mark door furniture ( handle, cylinder guard )

How should the lock cylinder be correctly fitted?

The more of the cylinder that is accessible, the more prone it is to snapping, and a properly fitted cylinder (with no external overhang) will provide more protection against snapping, so size of the cylinder is vital too. Yet more reasons why changing locks isn’t a 'do it yourself' job!

The cylinder should not protrude more than 3mm from the handle and ideally should be completely flush.

What Does an Incorrectly Fitted Euro Lock Cylinder Look Like?

What Does a Correctly Fitted Euro Lock Cylinder Look Like?