What Is a Euro Cylinder Lock?
A euro cylinder (also known as a “barrel”) is the part of the lock where you insert the key. It’s the most common type of lock used across the UK, especially in:
• uPVC doors
• Composite doors
• Garage side doors
• Some wooden doors with multipoint locks
They’ve been around since 1805 more than 200 years and are found everywhere from Terrace Rows in Jesmon to student flats in Newcastle.
How to Measure a Euro Cylinder
Knowing your size is key, literally. A euro cylinder is measured from the centre of the screw hole (the cam) to each end.
You’ll see sizes like:
• 40/40 (80mm total)
• 35/45 (80mm total, offset)
• 45/55 (100mm)
Step-by-Step:
1. Remove the lock screw (found on the edge of the door)
2. Turn the key slightly to align the cam and slide the cylinder out
3. Measure from the centre screw hole to each end (inside and outside)
4. Match it or upgrade, more on that below
Euro Cylinder Security Levels: What Do the Stars Mean?
You might have heard of 1-star or 3-star locks. These are part of the TS007 British Standard rating, a way to grade how secure a lock is against real-world attack methods like:
• Lock snapping (common in break-ins)
• Lock bumping
• Drilling and picking
Standard Euro Cylinder (No Star)
• Usually 5 or 6 pin
• Basic protection
• Easily snapped or bumped
⭐ 1-Star Euro Cylinder
• Anti-bump, anti-pick and some snap resistance
• May include a sacrificial cut (breaks off to protect internal mechanism)
• Sometimes fire-rated
• OK for internal or low-risk use
• ✅ Better than standard, but still vulnerable alone
⭐⭐⭐ 3-Star Euro Cylinder
• The best in class
• Anti-snap, anti-bump, anti-pick, anti-drill
• Often have cam protection, trap pins and spool pins for higher resistance
• Fire-resistant and built to high cycle use (10,000+ turns)
• Required by some insurance providers
• ✅ What we recommend at Newcastle Commercial and Residential Lockout Specialists
What Makes a 3-Star Lock Safer?
Let’s break it down in plain terms:
• Anti-snap: The front snaps off by design so thieves can’t twist it open
• Anti-bump: Stops quick attacks using modified keys
• Anti-pick: Internal pins are shaped to confuse lock picks
• Fire resistant: Tested to withstand high temperatures during house fires
• Drill resistant: Hardened steel inside resists drilling
• Trap pins: Detect forced turning and lock the cam
• Spool pins: Designed to mislead even experienced pickers
Brands You Can Trust
The most well-known euro cylinder brand in the UK is Yale and for good reason. Owned by ASSA ABLOY, Yale locks are:
• Stocked by Screwfix, Toolstation, B&Q
• Built to last
• Backed by years of trust in the trade
Yale’s 3-star locks (like the Yale Platinum) are what we carry daily, they’re affordable, tested and compatible with 90% of doors in Gosforth, Newcastle and surrounding towns.
Other solid brands include:
• Ultion
• UAP
• Avocet ABS
• ERA
But beware cheap knockoffs. If it’s £9.99 on eBay and promises “high security” it probably isn’t.
Do I Need a 3-Star Euro Cylinder?
If your door opens to the outside and has a handle — yes.
Most burglaries are opportunistic. They’ll snap a cheap cylinder in less than 20 seconds using basic tools. A 3-star lock will buy time, make noise and often stop them cold.
Plus, if your insurance company requires a 3-star or TS007-rated lock and you haven’t got one fitted, your claim could be rejected.
Still Not Sure What You’ve Got?
If you’re in Gosforth, Newcastle, Ponteland or Northumberland and want to know:
• What lock you’ve got
• What size do you need
• Whether it’s safe
Give Newcastle Commercial and Residential Lockout Specialists a shout. No upsells, no nonsense, just straight answers, real locks and transparent pricing.
