Pull Screws

These special screws are the first component that makes contact with the cylinder lock. They largely determine whether your core pulling succeeds or fails. In this overview, I explain what to look for and why quality really makes a difference here.

How does a pull screw work?

The principle is actually simple: you screw the pull screw into the keyway of the cylinder until it grips firmly. Then your cylinder puller hooks onto the screw and pulls the entire core out.

In practice, it is a bit more nuanced. The screw must:

• Screw in easily without too much resistance
• Be strong enough to bite without coming loose
• Be strong enough to withstand the pulling force without breaking

Cheap pull screws often fail on that last point. Our pull screws will never let you down. They remain strong while pulling your cylinder. Buy our pull screws to simplify your task.

Material and coating make the difference

Our pull screws are made of hardened steel with a special surface treatment. A sliding coating reduces friction when screwing in, allowing the screw to grip more easily and requiring less force.

The best screws are self-tapping: they cut their own thread into the relatively soft brass of the cylinder. This means you don’t have to pre-drill and can get started right away. This saves precious seconds during emergency openings.

What size pull screw do you need?

Pull screws come in different thicknesses, depending on the type of cylinder you want to pull:

• 4.2 mm pull screws. For narrow keyways, such as with some older cylinder types
• 4.8 mm pull screws. The most commonly used size for standard European profile cylinders
• 5.5 mm pull screws. For wider keyways where extra grip is needed

In practice, as a professional, you need all three sizes. You only know on-site what type of cylinder you are dealing with. A complete set saves you from unpleasant surprises.

Reusable or single-use?

Quality screws can be reused multiple times. After a successful core pulling, you unscrew the screw from the pulled cylinder and use it for the next job. This makes more expensive screws cheaper in the long run.

With cheap screws, reuse is often not an option: they are deformed or damaged after a single pull. So don’t just consider the purchase price, but also the cost per use.

Compatibility with your cylinder puller

When purchasing, pay attention to the drive of the screw. Our professional screws use a SIT20 drive, which is compatible with standard Torx T20 bits. This way, you can screw them in with any cordless drill or screwdriver.

Our cylinder pullers work with one of the most common screw sizes. Always check if the screws fit your tools before ordering.

Quality pays off

I understand the temptation to save on consumables like pull screws. However, I advise against this. A broken screw means delays, frustration, and possibly additional damage to the lock. Invest in quality and your tools will work for you instead of against you.

All pull screws in our range are made in Germany and tested for high pulling and breaking strength. They are designed to work with our cylinder pullers and are suitable for most European cylinder types.

Want to know more about protection against core pulling? Then read our article on core pull protection.