What Is Cylinder Snapping and How to Prevent It?

What is Lock Snapping?

Lock Snapping is a technique used by many burglars to break into your home. They forcibly break the euro cylinder to gain access; it only takes a matter of seconds for this technique to work. It’s one of the most common methods to break into homes, as it doesn’t require much skill from the burglar.

This technique can also be known as cylinder snapping our euro lock snapping, this method targets the weak points in the internal mechanism of the lock, allowing intruders to bypass security quickly and quietly.

Is Lock Snapping Common?

Yes, lock snapping is extremely common in the UK, it is particularly prevalent in homes with older or standard euro locks fitted. Lock snapping is a fast and subtle way to break in, making it a preferred method for opportunistic thieves.

Homes with uPVC doors are especially at risk if their locks have not been upgraded to snap-proof or anti-snap standards.

What Locks are at Risk of Cylinder Snapping?

The most vulnerable locks include:

• Standard euro cylinder locks
• Older uPVC door locks
• Low-security cylinders without anti-snap features

If your lock protrudes from the handle or door, it is significantly easier for burglars to snap.

How to Prevent Lock Snapping (Best Anti-Snap Options)

The most effective way to prevent lock snapping is to upgrade your locks to high-security anti-snap locks that have the British Standard kite mark.

Key prevention methods:

• Install anti-snap euro cylinder locks (TS007 or SS312 rated)
• Upgrade to 3-star cylinders or 1-star cylinder + 2-star handle combinations
• Fit high-security door handles
• Ensure locks meet insurance compliance requirements
• Book a professional lock assessment with a locksmith

What is an Anti-Snap Lock?

An anti-snap lock is designed to break in a specific point, when pressure is applied. Its snaps off in a place that doesn’t expose the internal mechanism, meaning a burglar can’t gain access.

How Anti-Snap Locks Work

Anti-snap locks work by incorporating multiple security features:

• Sacrificial sections that snap safely without unlocking the door
• Hardened steel bars to resist forced entry
• Anti-pick and anti-drill protection

Even if attacked, the locking mechanism remains intact, preventing access.

Best Anti-Snap Euro Cylinders (Keytek Recommendations)

Explore our full range of anti-snap locks to find the best option for your home.

How To Prevent Cylinder Snapping – Quick Checklist

• Install anti-snap euro cylinder locks (TS007 or SS312)
• Upgrade to 3-star cylinders or 1-star + 2-star handle combinations
• Fit high-security door handles
• Check your locks meet insurance requirements
• Schedule a professional lock assessment

How Do I Know If I Have a Euro Cylinder Lock?

Euro Cylinders are found in almost every uPVC door out there, so if your door is uPVC then it’s more than likely your lock will be a euro cylinder. If you are still unsure, then there are other ways to check. Usually on a euro lock the barrel of the lock will come away from the door and you will have to turn the handle up to lock it. If you have a wooden door then you are less likely to have a euro lock, but its not impossible.

How do you Know the Cylinder Has Snapped?

If a burglar has used the lock snapping technique on your front door, then there will be obvious damage to it. The lock and cylinder will have seen removed or damaged in an attempt to remove them and the plastic covering of the handle will have been forcibly removed. Basically, there is no missing it.

Been broken in to? Our Locksmiths do lock replacement and emergency boarding up.

Can you Replace your own Cylinder Lock?

Keytek® don’t recommend that you try to replace your locks yourself if you are not a trained locksmith. One reason would be that if you were to have a break in and your locks were found to not be insurance complaint, then you may not be able to make a claim. Another reason is that if you are not trained as a locksmith then there is no way to tell if your locks are actually installed correctly and are secure. This could leave you vulnerable to break ins. Its always best to engage the services of a trained and experienced locksmith to make sure your home is as safe as possible.