Euro locks or cylinders

Euro cylinders are also known to some people as the ‘ones shaped like a keyhole’. They are the most common type of lock used in Europe. (The clue is in the name).

They are now proving very popular outside of Europe and can be seen on most of the other continents as they grow in popularity.

Euro cylinders are relatively easy to work on and replace if you have an inkling how to use a screwdriver. With improved productivity they last a good time in return for the price, making them very cost effective useful item.

For the DIYer and odd job man they are easy to obtain and change. You can measure the overall length of the cylinder, then measure one side of the cylinder to see if one side is longer than the other, then off you go to the supplier to buy a replacement. Most hardware stores stock them, some even have their own exclusive brands.

Manufacturers have worked on the technology of euro cylinder locks for years, each of them trying to produce the ultimate lock for the best possible price. The competiton is large.

Despite introducing a game changing way of keeping a door locked that could be used universally, the early euro cylinder locks had a design flaw. Since their introduction they have been manufactured to incorporate anti pick, anti drill, anti snap , anti bump and also improved fire resistance.

Certain lock manufacturers offer a good sum of money to the lock buyer if a lock is breached during a burglary attempt, this is also backed up with a 10 year guarantee.

We have a quick guide for you on how to replace euro cylinder locks here

There are 4 types – Quickly defeat the jargon

Double euro cylinder, key and key (full euro)

Full or double cylinder locks are also known as key and key cylinders. these cylinders have a key orifice on either side of the lock. This means the correct key must be used to operate the lock from either side of the lock.

Key and key locks are usually used for doors that require higher security, such as front or back external doors.

Many homes have glass panels in doors. If a burglar successfully broke the glass to gain access to the other side of the lock they would still need a correct key to operate it and gain full access to the door.

This is the most common lock found in UK homes from our experience.

Double euro cylinder, thumb turn and key (full euro)

Thumb turn and key offer a more hybrid set up. You still have to use a key on the external side to gain access. However, you do not need a key on the internal side to operate the lock, as you operate it by twisting a thumb turn (which is also known as a butterfly).

Key and thumb turn locks make it convenient for the home / business holder to lock the door without needing a key internally. This comes with a few advantages, the primary advantage being that if you were locked in with a fire you would not need to find a set of keys to escape the building.

These locks are mainly found on solid doors which need to conform with certain fire regualations, for example doors in HMO’s (homes of multiple occupants), in the UK.

Thumb turn and key locks have become more popular with the introduction of self locking mechanisms on modern doors.

Single sided or half euro cylinder (half euro)

Single sided keyed euro cylinder locks have only one keyed operational side, usually lockable from the exterior.

Keyed half euro cylinder locks are made for locks requiring keyed access from one side only. They are mainly found on commercial and hospitality locks where it is necessary to be able to lock a door from one side only. For example cleaning cupboards or hotel rooms. Residential usage is mainly on garage doors.

Thumb turn euro cylinder (half euro)

Single sided thumb turn euro cylinder locks, have only one thumb turn operational side, usually used to enable quick release from an interior lock.

Thumb turn half euro cylinder locks are made for locks requiring access from one side only. These are used on locks where it is necessary to be able to open a door from one side only. Possibly an exit where there is no entrance handles, for example a fire exit. Thumb turn euro cylinder locks are possibly the least found type of euro cylinder. Main usage is as a privacy lock or a quick escape lock.

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