Everything you need to know about cylinders
What is a cylinder? To put it simply, a cylinder is an integral part of a lock, which serves to lock and unlock a door. There is a big variety, such as rim, thumbturn, double and single, and they all have different benefits. Here, you will understand the basics of a cylinder and how to properly specify the right one for you and your customers’ needs.
What is the difference between a lock and a cylinder?
Distinguishing between a lock and a cylinder is quite simple. Commonly the lock is referred to as the full mechanism we install on doors, to be able to lock and unlock by using a key. While that may be correct for single mechanism locks, generally the locking system consists of a lock and a cylinder. The cylinder is the component inside the lock, that receives the key. Generally, its functionality is to transfer the rotational movement of the key to the lock and subsequently lock/unlock the door.
What are the different types of cylinders?
There are a lot of different cylinders, such as mortice, key in knob/lever and deadbolt cylinders, however, the most commonly used ones are Euro and Rim cylinders.
- Euro Cylinder – An easy way to recognise a Euro cylinder is by locating the plug and keyway, which should be located at the top of the cylinder with a slim profile body. It has 3 different variations, single, double and thumb turn, all of which are secured into a euro profile lockcase by its central fixing point.
- Rim Cylinder – The Rim cylinder has a large round-shaped body profile and securing holes on the backside with a long tail bar, which is needed for the cylinder to interact with a rim lock.
Selecting the correct cylinder size
Specifying the correct cylinder length is important for security as well as aesthetics. It is essential to ensure the cylinder is flush with the surrounding hardware to reduce the opportunity for the cylinder to be removed. When selecting the right size there are several things to consider:
- Door thickness
- Hardware thickness (e.g. cylinder roses)
- Lock position
In most applications, the mortice lock will be fitted on the door centreline. Therefore, a standard equal length cylinder can be used. However, if the lock is fitted off-centre then an offset cylinder needs to be properly specified.
Which cylinder is right for my door?
Choosing the right cylinder depends on many factors, such as whether the door is internal or external, the level of security you wish to have and whether there are any fire safety regulations you need to consider.
Naturally, the doors that need the highest protection are all external doors, as well as any outbuilding, such as a shed, garage, or barn. Consider any connecting doors to the main house as well, for example, an inside garage door. Depending on your needs, the type of cylinder may differ (thumbturn, double or single), however, the experts in the field always recommend certified cylinders (as opposed to standard ones), which protect against the common techniques used to force open a door. The TS007 British Standard Kitemark meets the highest security standards and protects against the latest known forms of attacks. They offer from 1 to 3-star ratings, to fit all security needs and are an ideal choice for high-level external door protection. If you are looking into installing a cylinder on a fire door, EN 1303 shows a range of factors the cylinder has been graded against, such as resistance, fire resistance, corrosion resistance, key-related security and attack resistance.
How do you measure euro cylinders?
To measure a euro Cylinder correctly, you must first identify whether it is an equal length double cylinder or an offset one. While measuring both cylinders is slightly different, if know the door thickness and hardware thickness you can accurately estimate the length. Here are both measurement formulas:
Door thickness + Total hardware thickness = equal length double cylinder
(measurement 1 + hardware thickness) + (measurement 2 + hardware thickness) = offset cylinder length
Is there a cylinder that’s foolproof against attacks?
While it seems rather appealing, there isn’t. Attackers keep inventing new ways to force entry into buildings, therefore, understanding the role cylinders play in security and safety is highly important. While a foolproof cylinder hasn’t been invented yet, the industry is constantly innovating and inventing new methods to combat attacks of such a nature. Additionally, there are a number of experts to consult with and security standards already in place, to guide you in choosing the best-suited cylinder for your needs.
