Anti Snap Locks Fitted in Newcastle

A euro cylinder is held in the door by a single screw through its centre. That centre section is thinner than the rest of the barrel. If the cylinder protrudes from the handle, enough force on the exposed end can break it at that thin point, after which the lock can be operated. That is lock snapping.

An anti snap cylinder has a sacrificial front section that breaks away first, leaving the part that controls the lock intact inside the door. Many also resist drilling, picking and bumping. Fitting one is usually a straightforward cylinder change rather than a new lock.

Cylinders are tested and rated by independent schemes. The two you are most likely to see on packaging are the TS007 star rating, where three stars is the highest level for a cylinder on its own, and the Sold Secure Diamond standard, which tests resistance to a range of attack methods. A cylinder carrying one of those ratings has been through a recognised test, which is a better guide than marketing words alone.

We fit branded high-security cylinders suited to the door and talk through the options at the visit. Handles matter too: a security handle that shrouds the cylinder adds a second layer of protection.

Cylinders are sized from the centre screw to each end, so a lock might be listed as 35/45 rather than by its total length. The two sides are often different because of the door's thickness and the handle on each face. A cylinder that is too long leaves an exposed end to grip; one that is too short may not reach the cam. Correct sizing is part of the upgrade, so we measure on site rather than relying on the old barrel's packaging.

If the key turns stiffly, the door only locks when you lift the handle hard, or the key works with the door open but not shut, the cylinder may be fine. Those symptoms often point to a misaligned door or a worn multipoint mechanism. Changing the barrel would not solve them. Our guide to a key that will not turn in the door explains the difference, and full mechanism work is covered under uPVC door lock replacement.

We test the door, the keeps and the gearbox when we fit a new cylinder, so you know the whole locking system is working.

Tell us how many external doors you have, whether they are uPVC, composite or timber, and whether you want them keyed alike so one key opens every door. A photo of each cylinder and handle helps. You can call or request a quote.