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Which locks are best for uPVC doors?

A Euro cylinder lock is standard on the majority of UPVC doors. However, these locks are incredibly easy to open, with burglars and intruders usually gaining entry to properties using a technique known as lock snapping.

How might an intruder use a lock snapping technique to gain entry?

To gain access to the Euro cylinder, the intruder would remove the exterior shell of the door lock. They would then cover the protruding barrel with a tool and apply pressure to break the cylinder in half. Once the cylinder is shattered, the intruder may manipulate the lock, quickly gaining access to your home.

You may think that your door is secure because it has multiple locking points, but this is a common mistake. The cylinder, which is the weak point in the lock, controls the locking points. If it’s compromised, all of the locking points are rendered useless, allowing the intruder to enter your premises discreetly.

More about lock snapping

Intruders can use lock snapping to break into any uPVC, conservatory, French, and composite doors that have Euro cylinder locks.

This kind of approach takes advantage of the fact that the centre of a double cylinder lock is weak. It can take as little as 5-10 seconds for a thief to snap a Euro cylinder lock and it requires no specialist tools or knowledge.

In fact, lock snapping has become one of the most common burglary methods, with an estimated 27% of all burglaries occurring due to lock snapping.

As you can see, this is a serious issue, but the good news is that lock snapping can be easily prevented by putting the right sort of lock on your uPVC doors. When selecting a lock, you want to make sure it is snap-resistant (anti-snap) and check for the British Kitemark.

How can I secure my uPVC doors?

The best thing to do to keep you and your property safe is to replace your standard Euro cylinder lock with an anti-snap Euro cylinder lock.

Anti-snap security cylinders have anti-snap lines. This means that when force is applied to each end of the cylinder, the intruder would break the lock at the anti-snap line instead of the middle. Thus, the locking mechanism is protected and the intruder fails to break the lock.

Summary

If you are worried that your uPVC door locks aren’t up to standard, a specialist lock supplier would be able to advise you on which locks are best for your uPVC doors.

Anti-snap uPVC door locks are relatively easy to fit yourself, but if you’re not confident in your DIY skills

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