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by Craig Andres
What are euro profile cylinder locks?
Euro profile cylinder locks are the most popular locks found on almost all composite and UPVC doors fitted throughout the UK.
Customers often refer to this type of lock as a barrel, euro profile cylinder locks are a self-contained unit fitted to almost all composite and UPVC doors. This type of lock has a central rotating locking-cam in the centre of the lock that rotates when the correct key is used. This allows the lock bolt on your multi-point locking mechanism to operate forward and backwards. This enables your door to be locked and unlocked, euro profile cylinder locks are secured in place with one M5 retaining screw, making them fast and easy to replace.
Most businesses or households will likely need to replace a euro profile cylinder lock at some point, therefore The Perspicacity Life has created a guide to teach you how to install and replace this popular type of lock.
Reasons you might want to replace your euro profile cylinder lock
- Keys have been misplaced or gone missing.
- You have just taken over a business unit, premises, or moved house.
- You are concerned about lock snapping, so you wish to purchase a 3-star Diamond standard euro profile cylinder.
- You have neglected your locks for a long time, lock technology has moved fast, and intruders have become more sophisticated in lock entry techniques.
- Insurance requirements or peace of mind.
- When you insert your key into the lock you must “jiggle and wiggle” to get the key to turn. This is a sign of a faulty / worn key or lock.
- When locking / unlocking your door from the inside you cannot get your key to the correct position to remove the key. This is caused by the central locking cam being out of sync, therefore a euro profile cylinder lock replacement is recommended.
How to measure my euro profile cylinder lock?
To measure your euro profile cylinder lock you will need a tape measure or a ruler. As an experienced locksmith I would recommend you measure from the central screw hole to the outside edges of the lock. This will give you two sizes which will make up the total size of your door lock. An example of this would be a 50 / 40 would be 90mm in total lock length.
How to install or remove euro profile cylinder locks?
Euro profile cylinder locks are easy to remove and install. You will just need a cross head screwdriver usually, occasionally a flat blade screwdriver is required on some older composite and UPVC doors.
- Remove the M5 cylinder retaining screw – this screw is located on the face edge of the door.
- Loosen door handles or hardware - this will allow the euro profile cylinder to slide in / out easier.
- Insert the key into the euro profile cylinder lock and turn the key 45 degrees one way if the lock does not slide out easily try the other way – the object here is to line the cam up with the euro profile cylinder lock body, so the lock can slide out of the door.
Locksmith hints and tips
- Euro profile cylinder locks are sold in a vast array of different security levels including budget, 1-star, and 3-star. 3-star is the highest star rating a euro profile cylinder can achieve.
- Euro profile cylinder locks can also be purchased with a thumb turn, this means you can have a thumb turn instead of a key to operate your lock from the inside of your door, with a key (as normal) from the outside. This is usually required for houses of multiple occupancy for fire safety reasons, meaning in an emergency you can exit the business or property, without looking for a key. Make sure when ordering euro profile key and turn cylinder locks, you make a note of which of the two sizes is the internal side for the thumb turn.
- I would recommend fitting a 3-star Diamond standard euro profile cylinder lock to your business or property, as this is the highest level of security lock available. 3-star Diamond standard locks have been physically tested to the highest criteria required to be impervious to common euro profile cylinder lock attack methods - including bumping, drilling, picking, and lock snapping, giving you peace of mind your business or property is secure.
- Ensure your euro profile cylinder lock fits flush with your door handles or hardware, providing you with slightly more security and ensuring your door looks neat and tidy. It is very important your euro profile cylinder lock does not protrude more than 5mm on your external handle, if it does, you may be at a higher risk of euro lock snapping.
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