Blog Post

What is lock snapping?

Simon G • January 25, 2020

Ever wondered what lock snapping was and if it was possible on your own home? Here we discuss how it's done and most importantly how to prevent it happening to you.


It doesn't matter how many hook or dead bolts you have on your door, the weak point is the euro profile cylinder lock. If the lock on your door looks like the lock in the image above you may be at risk to a simple trick that will allow burglars to gain access quickly and quietly.The method requires no specialist tools of any kind and can be learned after just a few attempts.

A Euro Cylinder is normally located through the lock case and secured by a fixing screw through the face of the lock case (along the edge of the door). The key rotates a cam which in turn drives the deadbolt in the lock case into a prepared keep in the frame of the door thus securing the door in place. Or in the case of UPVC doors, it will activate the mechanism inside the door and not allow the handle to go down.
In this post we will go through various subjects regarding the snapping lock method, ways to ensure it doesn't happen to you and a few extra security tips that may come in handy.


1. What is lock snapping
Lock snapping is a method of removing the Cylinder from the door thus allowing access to the bolt case. Without the cylinder all it takes is a simple screwdriver to unlock your door.

  • Requires no specialist knowledge
  • Requires no specialist tools
  • Takes a burglar 15-20 seconds to Snap
  • Causes little commotion or noise and won't be noticed

The method involves grabbing the front of the cylinder with a pair of vice grips or pliers and shaking the lock.All basic euro cylinder have a large flaw. This flaw is in the center of the euro cylinder where there is a hole for a screw. This hole makes the whole cylinder very vulnerable enabling pressure to snap it clear apart.
Once this is snapped all the hooks and bolts won't help, they are all operated by that euro cylinder.

2. How to tell if you have a Euro cylinder?

Euro profile locks are found in the majority of UPVC and composite doors installed in the last 15 years and operate in combination with a multipoint lock.If you have a uPVC/composite or wooden door, the chances are you have a euro cylinder lock, to help you easily identify your type of lock, please see the pictures below and above.To combat this threat simply upgrade your cylinder to one that is specifically designed to prevent this method of attack, ideally one that meets the TS007 3 Star standard.


3. Can your lock be snapped

If your lock looks like the one in the above image you are susceptible to lock snapping. These locks are very simple and basic in their construction and will readily snap at the screw point. If your lock protrudes from the door any more than 3-5mm you are even more at risk, the burglar won't even have to remove the handles to snap the lock.


4. What lock should I fit to ensure lock snapping can't happen to me?

In short - a lock similar in design to the one in the image below.

These locks provide a basic form of defense. They ensure the lock snaps but they are engineered to snap in the right place and a long way in front of the vulnerable central section that gives access to the multi-point-lock or dead lock. Due to the small size and shape that the cylinder has to squeeze into it would not be possible to make a cylinder strong enough to withstand the enormous applied pressure of the mole grips whilst still being affordable.

The concept is that when the burglar grabs the end of the cylinder just the tip snaps off leaving more metal in front of the central target area.

If you happen to have a basic cylinder we suggest you contact a locksmithin London for advice or a lock change.

January 20, 2025
Understanding the Importance of Immediate Action After a Burglary
October 23, 2024
Locked out of house? Discover stress-free solutions and smart tips to regain entry without the hassle!
May 1, 2024
When it comes to ensuring a happy and secure home, few elements play a more crucial role than the humble door lock. However, like any frequently used mechanical component, locks require regular maintenance to prevent malfunctions and extend their lifespan. This guide will help you with the essential practices for maintaining door locks, ensuring they stay functional and secure year-round. Alternatively just call us and our lock repair locksmith will take care of it for you.
April 18, 2024
Do you have superglue in your lock? Need to remove it? We can help.
By Simon Gabriel December 1, 2023
Homeowners and business owners frequently experience lockouts, damaged locks, and missing, stolen, and damaged keys.
By Simon Gabriel December 1, 2023
Are you locked out of your home or business in Richmond? Do you need to upgrade, repair, and replace any of its door locks, window locks?
By Simon Gabriel December 1, 2023
Does your residential home or business need a security upgrade in Richmond upon Thames?
By Simon Gabriel November 20, 2023
Emergency lockouts can happen unexpectedly. You may come home and find your door lock damaged from an attempted burglary intrusion. Perhaps you have lost your keys and cannot gain entry to your home. Whatever the emergency, you must call a professional locksmith company with the proper skillset and tools to address the problem quickly. That is where we can help. SMS Locksmith is a professional emergency locksmith company serving homeowners and business owners in Twickenham and surrounding locations. Our company can dispatch a qualified and licenced locksmith to your Twickenham-based location within 30 minutes after you request our help. The locksmith will arrive at your property with all the tools and equipment needed to perform the emergency service. Our emergency lock-opening services use non-destructive techniques to unlock doors and windows. We will not damage the doors and windows during the lock-opening process. However, if your lock is damaged or you have lost your keys, we may recommend our lock and key replacement service to ensure your property remains secure. It all depends on the situation. SMS Locksmith employs the most qualified and dedicated locksmiths in Twickenham . Our emergency locksmith services include lock picking & bypassing, lock slipping, and lock drilling. Afterward, we can replace old or damaged locks. Then, you can have peace of mind about the security of your home or business. Request Emergency Assistance Would you like to request emergency assistance with a lockout or other emergency lock situation in Twickenham ? Call us at 0203-3151-0531 to submit your request today. We look forward to serving you.
Locksmith in Twickenham
By Simon Gabriel November 20, 2023
Do you need a mobile locksmith in Twickenham? Whether you have been locked out of your building or wish to repair or replace its door or window locks, you must hire a professional and trustworthy locksmithing company to do the job right.
By Simon Gabriel October 30, 2023
Some homes and businesses use lockable post boxes to store incoming or outgoing mail securely. Does this sound like your situation? Perhaps you live or work in a neighbourhood with a lot of crime and worry about your packages and letters getting stolen. If that is the case, you must hire a professional locksmith to install sturdy and durable locks in your post box, post room, or letter box. Post boxes and letter boxes are essential to keep secure because they often contain critical financial, personal, and legal documents. The last thing you would want to happen is to see those documents end up in the wrong hands. But that could happen if you lose your keys or have a broken lock in the post box or letter box. Every post box and letter box requires a different type of lock and key. So, if your post box lock is malfunctioning or you have lost or damaged the key, you will need a professional locksmith to install the proper lock and key system for the box. Do not attempt to replace the lock or key yourself because you could worsen the problem. Top Reasons for Post Box Lock and Key Issues Here are the common reasons why you might experience problems with your post box lock or key: 1) Vandalism to the Box Your post box or letter box is always out in the open, where it is susceptible to vandalism. If you live in a neighbourhood with a high rate of vandalized and burglarized properties, don’t be surprised if your post box suffers intentional damage. It should be easy to recognize the signs of a vandalized post box because it will contain scrapes, marks, and scuffs around the lock area. If the lock feels loose or unusual after inserting your key, then you should replace the lock immediately. 2) Stolen Keys Did someone steal the keys to your post box or letter box? If so, you cannot run the risk of the thief using the keys to access the contents of your post box. Contact a professional locksmith to replace the lock and create a new key. That way, the stolen keys will no longer work on your post box. 3) Wear and Tear The locking mechanisms of post boxes and letter boxes will not stay viable forever. There will come a point when the locking mechanisms stop working correctly due to wear and tear from years of usage. Have a professional locksmith replace the lock when the signs of wear and tear appear. Even if the lock is still functional, it is only a matter of time before it malfunctions. Take all signs of wear and tear seriously. Contact a Professional Locksmith SMS Locksmith offers fast, affordable, quality lock replacement services for post boxes, post rooms, and letter boxes. If you need to request this service, please call us at 020-3151-0531 to schedule an appointment. Please note that you must be the property owner or tenant authorized to access the post box, post room, or letter box. Our services cannot be used to access a box or room that you have no authority to use.
Show More
Share by: