What is cylinder snapping

What is cylinder snapping?

You may have read in the newspapers, or seen on the television, about a new security threat – cylinder snapping.

The first thing to What is cylinder snapping? You may have read in the newspapers, seen on the Internet or the television, about a new security threat – cylinder snapping. The first thing to say is it’s not a new threat! The euro profile cylinder (used on almost every PVCu and composite door in the world) was invented in the 1920s – probably as a method of producing a cylinder with the least amount of metal possible – and the first anti-snap patent was submitted about 3 years later, so it was almost immediately compromised. So, as locksmiths it’s nothing new to us but what’s happened recently is that the information has started to appear on the Internet; including videos on how to do it on YouTube. This has led to a dramatic rise in the number of attacks on euro profile cylinders, and nationwide it seems to be accepted that of about 27% of successful break-ins through UPVC doors are due to the cylinder being snapped – in some areas it’s as high as 60-70% – so you can see it’s a big problem.

How are cylinders snapped?

Well, if you look at the design of the cylinder you can see that it is shaped rather like a big keyhole when viewed end on. Then you can see there’s a large cam in the middle of the cylinder with a threaded hole just below it.

The problem is that it makes the cylinder very weak and easy to break using mole grips or similar. How can I stop my cylinder being snapped? There are two options – firstly to upgrade the cylinder to a higher security version where even when snapped it cannot be opened. This is a simple operation but make sure the anti-snap cylinder you purchase will provide you with this protection. We always recommend a cylinder tested to Sold Secure Diamond level. Alternatively you could upgrade the handles and cylinder using the TS007 star rating. This will be a more expensive option, as well as probably being more difficult to fit, and you will need to make sure what you are buying is suitable for the type of door and lock you have. If you want to know more why not call into the shop in Crewe or give us a call on 01270 505902? say is it’s not a new threat!

The euro profile cylinder (used on almost every PVCu and composite door in the world) was invented in the 1920s – probably as a method of producing a cylinder with the least amount of metal possible – and the first anti-snap patent was submitted about 3 years later, so it was almost immediately compromised.

So, as locksmiths it’s nothing new to us but what’s happened recently is that the information has started to appear on the Internet; including videos on how to do it on YouTube.

This has led to a dramatic rise in the number of attacks on euro profile cylinders, and nationwide it seems to be accepted that of about 27% of successful break-ins through UPVC doors are due to the cylinder being snapped – in some areas it’s as high as 60-70% – so you can see it’s a big problem.

How are cylinders snapped?

Well, if you look at the design of the cylinder you can see that it is shaped rather like a big keyhole when viewed end on. Then you can see there’s a large cam in the middle of the cylinder with a threaded hole just below it. The problem is that it makes the cylinder very weak and easy to break using mole grips or similar.

How can I stop my cylinder being snapped?

There are two options – firstly to upgrade the cylinder to a higher security version where even when snapped it cannot be opened. This is a simple operation but make sure the anti-snap cylinder you purchase will provide you with this protection. We always recommend a cylinder tested to Sold Secure Diamond level.

Alternatively you could upgrade the handles and cylinder using the TS007 star rating. This will be a more expensive option, as well as probably being more difficult to fit, and you will need to make sure what you are buying is suitable for the type of door and lock you have.

If you want to know more why not call into the shop in Crewe or give us a call on 01270 505902?