What is Lock Snapping and How Can You Prevent it?

What is Lock Snapping?

Lock snapping is typically done on euro-cylinder locks. These are installed with the backplate and the handle on the door.

One of the biggest advantages of a euro-cylinder is that it’s easy to replace. Changing the locks is a simple matter of sliding one lock out, and another one in. But this upside comes with a downside – it makes it easier for burglars to damage the lock, and slide the front half of it out – i.e. to snap the lock.

Often what happens is a burglar will use a tool to pull the door handle backplate off the door, exposing the cylinder lock. They can then use a tool to ‘snap’ the front part of the lock out of the door, making it easy to twist the lock open with a screw driver.

It’s easy to tell whether you have a cylinder lock – from the outside it looks like a little metal circle, with a long section protruding from the bottom. They’re often fitted on uPVC doors but can also be found on timber and aluminium doors.

Our uPVC doors upgrade their security with mulit-point locking systems

How to Prevent Lock Snapping

Snap-resistant locks work in several ways. One is to simply use better materials. A manufacturer might also design the front of the lock to snap off in a separate piece, leaving the internal mechanisms of the door concealed. You may also have a multi-point locking system to ensure that the door locks in multiple places, not just at the cylinder.

Choose The Right Cylinder Lock

Worried about euro cylinder security? There are a few things to look out for to ensure your lock is snap-proof. 

The TS007 kite-mark: The first is the TS007 kite-mark, which usually sits next to the face of the cylinder and looks a little bit like a love-heart or an ice-cream-cone. It might be accompanied by one or more stars, which indicate quality. A three-star lock has been tested against snapping; a one-star lock has not.

Diamond-rated cylinders: There’s another standard ensuring resistance to intruders – the SS312 diamond standard. This was launched in 2010 to deal with an epidemic of lock-snapping. The SS stands for ‘Sold Secure’, and it’ll be accompanied by an image of a diamond on the lock itself.

Ensure the Lock is Installed Correctly

Even the best-designed lock is vulnerable to snapping if it’s not installed properly. If the lock protrudes more than a few millimetres from the surface of the door, a would-be thief will have the opportunity to grasp it with a wrench. They’ll then have the leverage they need to force the lock apart.

If you’re in the market for a uPVC door, ensure that you buy one with a multi-point locking system (Like our uPVC French Doors) or a lock alternative to a euro cylinder.

Look for Part Q Compliant Doors

A Part Q–compliant door refers to a door that meets Part Q of the UK Building Regulations, which is specifically about security of dwellings. These doors have locking systems that are designed to resist common burglary methods – including lock snapping, drilling, and picking.

You’ll typically see a Part Q compliant door advertised as PAS 24:2016 (or later) or as STS 201.

Aspire Doors offers England’s first range of part Q compliant solid oak bifold doors.

Choose the Right Hardware

In addition to the lock, you should consider the door’s other hardware – especially the handle. Some handles are also kite-marked, or star-rated. If you want to treat security seriously, then fitting a three-star handle will give you close to the best possible security. 

For much the same reason, the police tend to recommend installing multiple locks onto the same door. That way if one of them is compromised, you have other locks as back ups. For best results, consider installing a night-latch as well.