Lock snapping is one of the reasons it is important to have the correct Euro cylinder fitted to your door. A cylinder is the part of the lock where the key is inserted, and on many uPVC and composite doors it sits inside a multipoint locking system.
What is lock snapping?
Lock snapping is an attack where force is used against a Euro cylinder in an attempt to break it at a vulnerable point and gain access to the locking mechanism behind it. Older, lower-security or incorrectly sized cylinders can be more exposed to this type of attack.
The snapped cylinder shown above demonstrates why the cylinder itself matters. Once a vulnerable cylinder is broken, the rest of the multipoint locking system may no longer provide the protection the homeowner expects.
Why the correct cylinder size matters
A Euro cylinder should be measured and fitted correctly for the door and handles. A cylinder that projects too far beyond the protective hardware can provide more material for an attacker to grip or apply force to.
That does not mean simply fitting the shortest cylinder possible. Euro cylinders come in different lengths and offsets, so the correct size needs to match the thickness of the door, handle set and position of the locking mechanism.
APECS AP 3-star security cylinders
For high-security Euro-cylinder upgrades, one of the products we fit is the APECS AP 3-star cylinder. The current AP v3 carries the BSI 3 Star Kitemark and Sold Secure Diamond accreditation and is designed to resist recognised attack methods including snapping, drilling, plug extraction, picking and bumping.
The cylinder incorporates a snap-secure sacrificial section and an anti-snap mechanism intended to prevent further manipulation after an external snapping attack. Current thumb-turn versions are also designed so the lock can still be operated from inside after an attack, helping occupants retain a means of exit.
APECS also builds anti-pick, anti-bump and anti-drill protection into the AP range, using hardened internal components and a dimple-and-slider hybrid key system. The current AP v3 is listed by APECS as meeting TS007-1:2024, SS312:2024 Diamond and BS EN 1303:2015.
The current AP v3 is supplied with three keys as standard. APECS also offers a 10-year product guarantee and a 5-year snap-secure guarantee. The manufacturer currently advertises a break-in guarantee of up to £5,000 for qualifying registered AP cylinders where entry is achieved through a snapping attack, subject to APECS registration requirements and full terms and conditions.
A good multipoint lock still needs the right cylinder
Homeowners sometimes concentrate on the hooks, bolts and multipoint mechanism inside the door, but the cylinder is the component that controls access with the key. A strong multipoint system should be paired with a suitable, correctly fitted cylinder and appropriate door furniture.
If the cylinder is old, protruding excessively from the handle, difficult to operate or of an unknown security specification, it is worth having it checked rather than waiting for a fault or security concern.
Why we use the APECS modular system
Euro cylinders come in many different sizes, and it is not always possible to know the exact length and offset until the door has been inspected. The APECS modular system allows us to configure the correct cylinder size on site rather than guessing beforehand or fitting a cylinder that does not sit correctly in the door.
Fix My Locks has completed the appropriate APECS modular-cylinder training, allowing the system to be assembled correctly while retaining the intended 3-star security specification.
Want your Euro cylinder checked or upgraded?
Fix My Locks 24/7 Locksmiths Ltd can assess the cylinder already fitted to your uPVC or composite door, check the sizing and advise whether an upgrade is worthwhile. We provide lock changes and security upgrades and uPVC and composite door lock repairs across London.
If you are unsure what cylinder is fitted, send us a clear photo of the lock and handles on WhatsApp and we can advise on the next step.