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Lock Cylinders: Your essential buying guide
Measure from the centre of the fixing screw hole to each end of the existing cylinder. Many doors need an offset size, such as 40/50mm, rather than equal lengths. The cylinder should sit as flush as possible with the handle or escutcheon to reduce exposure.
A standard euro cylinder usually uses a key on both sides. A thumbturn cylinder uses a key on the outside and a turn knob on the inside, making it easier to exit without a key. Thumbturns are popular for convenience, but check whether they suit your door position and household security preferences.
Anti-snap cylinders are designed to resist a common forced-entry method where the cylinder is broken to operate the lock. For external doors, it is sensible to compare cylinders with anti-snap, anti-pick, anti-drill and anti-bump features where available.
Many euro cylinders can be replaced by removing the retaining screw on the door edge, turning the key slightly and sliding the old cylinder out. However, if the lock is stiff, misaligned, damaged or part of a more complex locking system, a professional locksmith may be the safer option.
No. You need to match the cylinder type, length, cam position and door hardware. uPVC, composite, timber and aluminium doors may all use lock cylinders, but the correct size and format depend on the existing lock case and handle setup.
A replacement lock cylinder can be a simple security upgrade, but the right choice depends on accurate measuring, door type and the level of protection you want. Use this guide to compare key features before choosing.
Euro cylinders are common on uPVC, composite and many modern external doors. Oval and rim cylinders are used with different lock arrangements, so check the shape and fixing style of your existing cylinder before comparing options.
If you are replacing a cylinder in a multipoint locking door, the cylinder operates the mechanism but is not the whole lock. Make sure the replacement suits the current lock case and handle set.
Remove or measure the existing cylinder from the centre of the retaining screw hole to each end. Record both sides separately, as many cylinders are offset to suit thicker handles or door furniture.
Avoid choosing a cylinder that protrudes too far beyond the handle. A flush or near-flush fit helps reduce leverage points and gives a neater finish.
For exterior doors, look for protection features such as anti-snap, anti-pick, anti-drill and anti-bump designs. These features are intended to make common attack methods more difficult.
Some lock cylinders are supplied with restricted or security keys, while others use standard key profiles. Think about how many keys you need and whether key control matters for your household or property.
A key-key cylinder requires a key on both sides, which may suit some doors where internal access needs to be controlled. A thumbturn cylinder is easier to operate from inside and can be useful for quick exit routes.
When choosing a thumbturn, consider where the door is located. If there is nearby glazing or a letterbox that could allow access to the turn, review whether a different cylinder style or additional protection is more appropriate.
Keyed-alike cylinders allow more than one door to be operated with the same key. This can be convenient for homes, workshops and outbuildings with multiple compatible doors.
If you are comparing keyed-alike sets, check the included cylinder sizes carefully. Each door may require a different length, even when the same key system is used.
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