Cylinder Locks

Buy a cylinder lock – Everything about cylinder locks and lockpicking

A cylinder lock is one of the most commonly used locks for doors in Europe, such as in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. This type of lock operates with a rotating cylinder and pins. Whether you are looking for a transparent cylinder lock for lockpicking practice or a high-quality cylinder lock from Abus, you will find the right information here.

A cylinder lock contains internal pins or discs that ensure a secure locking mechanism. Want to know more about how a cylinder lock works? Check out how the inside of a cylinder lock looks.

How do I know which cylinder lock I need?

Choosing the right cylinder lock depends on several factors. First, it is important to measure your cylinder lock to determine the correct size. Measure the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the keyhole, and from the center to the inside. This measurement determines whether you need a standard cylinder or a custom-made cylinder lock.

Also consider whether you want a cylinder lock with a knob for extra convenience on the inside, or a traditional lock with keys on both sides. For front doors, a security lock or a surface-mounted lock is often the best choice due to the extra security.

Replacing the cylinder – When and how?

It is not always necessary to replace the entire lock. Often, it is sufficient to only replace the cylinder in your door hardware.

These are signs for replacement:

• The key turns difficultly
• The key is broken in the lock
• There is a need for increased security
• You have lost your key

Replacement options:

• Replace surface-mounted cylinder lock/li>
• Replace cylinder in surface-mounted lock
• New cylinder same key

Different types of cylinder locks

Standard cylinder locks

The most commonly used cylinder lock is the pin cylinder lock. An example is the European cylinder locks, also known as Dimple Locks. These have vertical pins and a horizontal keyhole, making them extra secure.

Knob cylinder and knob variants

A knob cylinder offers convenience because you do not need a key on the inside. The prices of knob cylinders vary depending on the brand and security level. A cylinder lock with a knob is especially practical for frequently used doors where you want to enter quickly without searching for a key. Older knob cylinders are susceptible to the Euro drivers from Sparrows.

Keyed alike cylinders

For those who want to operate multiple doors with one key, keyed alike cylinders are ideal. Cylinder locks with the same key ensure that you do not have to carry multiple keys. This is especially convenient for commercial properties or homes with multiple entrances.

Special applications

Other variants include transparent practice locks and cylinder locks where you can adjust the pin configuration yourself. For training purposes, you can also consider a surface-mounted door lock or a surface-mounted lock for the front door, depending on your door type, security requirements, and training.

Dimple Locks – European cylinder locks

Dimple Locks are cylinder locks with small dimples in the key, causing the pins to fall into the side of the key. A DOM cylinder lock is an example of high-quality European security. Top cylinder lock brands like Abus and DOM offer excellent options for this type of lock. Dimple Locks are suitable for those seeking extra security for doors and safes.

Replacing and maintaining the cylinder

When to replace the cylinder?

You do not always have to replace the entire lock. Often, you can simply replace the cylinder in your existing door hardware. This is especially useful for door hardware with cylinder lock systems where the cylinder is available separately.

For surface-mounted locks, you can specifically replace the surface-mounted cylinder lock or replace the cylinder in the surface-mounted lock, depending on the type of lock you have. This is often cheaper than a completely new lock.

Reordering the cylinder

Do you have an existing key and want an extra cylinder? Then you can reorder a cylinder based on the key. With brands like DOM, you can reorder a DOM cylinder based on your existing key code. This ensures that your new cylinder uses the same key as your existing ones.

Keys and certificates

For extra security, you can choose a cylinder lock with a certificate or a key with a certificate. This security prevents unauthorized individuals from making copies of your key. You can also have a knob cylinder with an existing key adjusted to be compatible with your current key system.

Professional service

Do you want to have your cylinder lock duplicated or need help determining the right cylinder lock size? Many locksmiths can assist you with duplicating a cylinder lock or installing a new lock with a key system. They can also provide advice on the best door knob solution for your situation.

How do you open a cylinder lock with lockpicks?

Opening cylinder locks can be done using various techniques such as Single Pin Picking (SPP) and raking. In SPP, you manipulate each pin individually. In raking, you manipulate multiple pins at once for quicker results. More information can be found here: opening cylinder locks.

Tools needed for lockpicking

For lockpicking, you need specific tools. A good lockpick set is essential. Additionally, tools like a bench vise can be handy for securely holding locks during practice.

Also useful are special tools like a key extractor for removing broken keys. More specialized tools can be found on our page with locksmith tools.

Which cylinder lock is suitable for lockpicking?

Transparent cylinder locks are ideal for learning how a lock works internally. These locks help you understand how pins react during picking. Cylinder locks from Abus offer more challenge due to their more complex structure.

For beginners, we recommend starting with simple transparent models before moving on to more complex systems like Abus cylinders or other high-security locks.