Understanding Lock Snapping and How to Protect Your Home

Lock snapping is a burglary technique that poses a significant security threat to homes equipped with Euro cylinder locks, commonly found in uPVC and composite doors. This method is both quick and quiet, making it a preferred approach for burglars aiming to enter your home undetected. In this post, we will explore what lock snapping is, why it’s effective, and how you can safeguard your home against this invasive method.

What is Lock Snapping?

Lock snapping involves breaking the cylinder in two and manipulating the internal locking mechanism to unlock the door within seconds. Intruders use tools like hammers and pliers to snap the cylinder in two at its weakest point—the central screw hole. Once snapped, the locking mechanism can be easily manipulated to open the door.

Why is Your Door Vulnerable to Lock Snapping?

  1. Cylinder Exposure: Many doors feature cylinder locks that protrude beyond the door furniture, making them accessible to burglars.
  2. Material Weakness: Standard cylinders are often not designed to withstand significant physical force, facilitating the snapping process.
  3. Common Use: Euro cylinder locks are widespread, particularly in residential areas, increasing the likelihood of burglars exploiting this weakness.

The Risks Involved:

  • Quick Access: A lock can be snapped and a door opened within 30 seconds.
  • Minimal Noise: Unlike other breaking and entering methods, snapping doesn’t require noisy tools.
  • Lack of Detection: The method often leaves minimal signs, making immediate detection of the intrusion difficult.

How to Secure Your Doors Against Lock Snapping

Upgrade to Anti-Snap Locks: Install high-quality, anti-snap locks (such as those with a 3-Star Euro Cylinder rating). These locks are designed to withstand tampering and breakage, keeping the locking mechanism secure even if the outer part of the cylinder is broken.

As of 2025, there are several anti-snap lock standards that have been established to enhance security against lock snapping, a prevalent burglary technique. These standards are designed to provide consumers with reliable and tested products that can resist forced entry. Here’s an overview of the key standards for anti-snap locks.

  • TS007:2014: This is a British Standard providing a star rating system for door cylinders and security hardware. Products can be awarded one, two, or three stars. Typically, a three-star rating requires no additional security hardware (such as a security handle or guard) to provide protection against snapping. A cylinder can be either one or three stars, with three stars indicating the highest level of security against lock snapping.
  • Sold Secure SS312 Diamond Standard: Sold Secure is an independent testing organisation that awards security products with Bronze, Silver, or Diamond ratings based on their ability to withstand attacks. The Diamond Standard specifically tests for resistance to lock snapping, making it a rigorous benchmark for cylinder locks.
  • BSI Kitemark: The BSI Kitemark is another certification that includes testing for resistance to snapping. Locks certified with the Kitemark have been tested to British Standards, including those specifically focused on anti-snapping such as BS EN 1303, which classifies cylinders under various grades of security.

 

Example 3-Star-TS007-Anti-Snap-Locks
Example 3-Star-TS007-Anti-Snap-Locks

 

Correct Installation: Ensure that the cylinder is installed correctly; it should not protrude more than 3mm beyond the door furniture.
Reinforce Door Hardware: Use reinforced door handles and security escutcheons to protect the cylinder from being accessed and exploited.

Regular Assessments: Have a professional assess your door’s security periodically to

ensure all components meet current safety standards and are in good working order.

What door types are anti snap locks fitted on?

Anti-snap locks are versatile and can be fitted on a variety of door types, enhancing the security of both residential and commercial properties. Here are the main types of doors on which anti-snap locks are commonly installed:

  1. uPVC Doors: One of the most common applications for anti-snap locks is in uPVC doors. These doors often come with Euro cylinder locks that are vulnerable to snapping, making them prime candidates for upgraded anti-snap cylinder locks.
  2. Composite Doors: Similar to uPVC doors, composite doors frequently use Euro cylinder locks. Anti-snap locks are essential for these doors as they provide a higher level of security that complements the sturdy nature of composite materials.
  3. Wooden Doors: Wooden doors can also be equipped with cylinder locks, especially in modern installations. Anti-snap locks are used to replace standard cylinder locks to provide better protection against forced entry techniques.
  4. Aluminium Doors: Often used in commercial settings, aluminium doors can benefit from anti-snap locks to prevent break-ins. These doors typically use Euro profile cylinders that can be easily upgraded to high-security anti-snap locks.
  5. Garage Doors: Some garage doors feature locking mechanisms that can accommodate anti-snap cylinders, providing additional security for an area that often gives intruders access to tools and another entry point into your home.

Installing anti-snap locks on these doors greatly enhances the overall security of the property by mitigating one of the most common and effective burglary methods. This upgrade is recommended for anyone looking to improve their door security, especially in areas prone to burglary.

Conclusion

Lock snapping is a serious threat to residential security, but with the right preventive measures, you can significantly enhance the safety of your home. By understanding the risks and upgrading to anti-snap locks, you can protect your property from this common and effective burglary method. Remember, the cost of upgrading your locks is minor compared to the potential loss and trauma of a home invasion. Secure your home today; peace of mind is priceless.

If you’re unsure about the security of your locks or need advice on upgrading, contact us today. Don’t wait until it’s too late—enhance your home security and protect your loved ones and valuables from potential threats.

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