Anti Snap Locks

What is an Anti-Snap Lock and How Does It Work?

If you have a uPVC or composite door the cylinder is an important part of your home’s security. Anti-snap locks are designed to provide additional protection against lock snapping, a method of forced entry that targets vulnerable euro cylinders.

An anti-snap cylinder is designed to break at a controlled point, helping to keep the internal locking mechanism protected. This makes it harder for an intruder to use a damaged cylinder to operate the lock.

Upgrading to an anti-snap cylinder can be particularly worthwhile if your existing lock is old, vulnerable or showing signs of wear.

What are anti snap locks?

Anti-snap door locks are high-security cylinders designed to resist lock snapping. They are commonly fitted to uPVC and composite doors, which often use euro cylinder locking systems. They can also be suitable for other compatible doors, depending on the existing hardware.

A standard euro cylinder may be vulnerable to snapping if an attacker applies force to the exposed section. An anti-snap cylinder is designed with a sacrificial section intended to break in a controlled location, helping to protect the internal mechanism. When choosing an anti-snap cylinder, it is important to look beyond terms such as ‘snap proof locks’ or ‘high security’. Look for recognised security standards and certifications, such as TS007 3-Star, where appropriate.

How do anti snap locks work?

The main security feature of an anti-snap cylinder is its sacrificial break point. If an attacker attempts to snap the cylinder, the outer section is designed to break at a predetermined point. This helps prevent the internal locking mechanism from being exposed and manipulated. This controlled-break design is what makes anti-snap cylinders snap resistant locks, rather than simply cylinders that are difficult to break. Some high-security models also incorporate additional protection against attacks such as drilling and picking.

Correct installation is important too. The cylinder needs to be the correct size for the door and should not stick out unnecessarily beyond the door. No lock can guarantee complete protection against every possible method of forced entry, but a correctly fitted, certified anti-snap cylinder can significantly improve resistance to cylinder attacks.

Are anti snap locks worth it?

For many homeowners, upgrading to anti-snap locks is a relatively straightforward way to improve door security. This can be particularly worthwhile if you have an older uPVC or composite door with a standard euro cylinder.

The main benefits include:

• Greater resistance to lock-snapping attacks.
• Improved protection for uPVC and composite doors.
• A relatively simple upgrade compared with replacing an entire door.
• Compatibility with many existing multipoint locking systems.
• Additional security features on some high-security models.

Anti snap vs standard cylinder

The biggest difference between an anti-snap and standard cylinder is how the cylinder is designed to respond to a physical attack. A standard euro cylinder is not automatically insecure, and the level of protection varies between products. However, older or lower-security cylinders may provide less resistance to physical attacks. If you’re unsure what type of cylinder you currently have, a locksmith can identify it and advise whether an upgrade is appropriate.

How much does it cost to upgrade to anti snap locks?

The cost of an anti-snap lock replacement depends on factors such as the cylinder size, brand, security specification, door type and installation requirements. However, you can expect to pay approximately £150–£185 for an anti-snap lock upgrade, depending on the size, make and model required for your door. The exact cost can vary depending on the product and work required, so it’s advisable to confirm the price before installation. If your existing lock is worn or difficult to operate, replacing it before it fails can also help you avoid the inconvenience of an emergency lock replacement.

For more information, see our Locksmith Prices and Costs guide.

Don’t Ignore a Sticky Lock

Another reason to check your locks before problems arise is wear and tear. According to our Wear and Tear Study,59.2% of locks showing signs of wear can require attention before they fail completely. We call this the 59.2% Rule. If your key is becoming difficult to turn, your cylinder feels sticky or your lock requires more force than usual, don’t ignore it. A sticky lock doesn’t necessarily mean that failure is imminent, but it can be a sign that the lock or door requires attention.

What is a 3-star lock?

A 3-star lock is a euro cylinder that has achieved the highest rating within the TS007 cylinder classification. TS007 3-star locks are tested against a range of physical attack methods and provide a higher level of security than lower-rated cylinders. For homeowners looking to upgrade the security of a euro cylinder, a TS007 3-star cylinder is one option to consider.

Another recognised high-security specification is SS312 Diamond, which is used by several high-security cylinder manufacturers. When comparing products, check the actual certification rather than relying solely on descriptions such as ‘high security’, ‘snap proof’ or ‘snap resistant’.

TS007 3-star vs 1 star

The TS007 rating helps indicate the level of security provided by a euro cylinder and compatible security hardware. A 1-star cylinder provides a lower level of security than a 3-star cylinder, which achieves the highest rating within the TS007 cylinder classification. For homeowners specifically looking to improve protection against cylinder attacks, a 3-star cylinder is generally the stronger option. A 1-star cylinder can, in some circumstances, be combined with compatible 2-star security hardware to achieve an overall three-star security rating. The right option depends on your existing door and hardware, so it is worth checking the complete setup rather than looking at the cylinder in isolation.

Avocet High Security – ABS Euro Cylinder Locks

The ABS High Security Euro Cylinder is one of the few security cylinder currently on the market which has a TS007 3-star rating, SS312 Sold Secure Diamond Accredited and Secured by Design Accreditation combined.

The cylinder is an ideal retro-fit or first fit high security euro cylinder which doesn’t require any additional security products such as high security handles or guards to meet your insurance requirements, although these can be fitted as additional security to your home.

Avocet ABS 3 Star Euro Cylinder – TS007

• TS007 3 Star rated out of the box.
• SS312 Sold Secure Diamond Accredited
• Snap Secure Technology – Cam locks against the internal locked side of the cylinder making the cylinder impervious to manual attack after snapping.
• Anti-Snap, pick, drill & bump resistant
• British Standard Kitemark logo stamped.
• Police preferred Secured by Design accreditation.
• Available in keyed alike, thumb turn, single* & double profile formats
• Available for master key suit formats

*Single- or double-sided cylinders under 30mm are not 3 Star Accredited due to the size of the cylinder, these will need to be fitted with a 1 Star Accredited handle.

How to choose an anti-snap lock?

When choosing an anti-snap lock, there are a few key things to consider:

• Check the security rating: Look for a recognised standard such as TS007 3-Star or SS312 Diamond.
• Get the right size: The cylinder should fit your door correctly and shouldn’t stick out too far.
• Check compatibility: Make sure the lock is suitable for your type of door and existing locking system.
• Choose the right style: Cylinders are available as key/key or key/thumbturn, depending on your preference.
• Consider extra protection: Some locks also offer protection against drilling, picking and bumping.
• Use a professional locksmith: A locksmith can help you choose the right cylinder and make sure it is fitted correctly.

Popular high-security options in the UK include Yale 3-Star and Ultion cylinders. When comparing locks, look at the security rating, features and suitability for your door rather than choosing based on price alone.