Locksmith Do Anti Snap Locks Work?
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What is Lock Snapping?

Lock snapping is a fairly common trick used by people who are breaking and entering. Euro-cylinder locks can often be found installed in UPVC doors and are vulnerable to being broken in two. The only way to prevent this is by fitting a special anti-snap lock.

Lock snapping only requires a few basic tools and takes about 5 to 10 seconds making it a serious security risk. The cylinder is the most fragile part of the locking mechanism making it the most vulnerable and it often controls all the locks in the same door meaning that even multi-lock doors are vulnerable.

How do Anti-Snap Locks Work?

Anti-snap locks are built with a reinforced bar which makes the cylinder almost impossible to break with the conventional snapping methods. There are different levels of anti-snap defence and this is determined by the lock’s star rating. Always try and buy a 3-star anti-snap lock whenever possible.

The reinforced bar prevents the lock from snapping in the middle and anyone that tries to break in this way will find they damage the door more than the lock. However, in order to ensure that the lock is working properly, it must be as close to flush with the surface of the door as possible. If the lock is sticking out beyond the surface of the door then it is much easier to break, even if it is snap-resistant.

Any attempt to snap an anti-snap lock will render it useless but it will prevent the would-be burglar from entering your home that way.

Which Kind of Lock do you Have?

If you have a wooden or UPVC door and you have not taken any steps to have the lock upgraded, then you likely have a standard Euro-cylinder lock. They are installed on all mass-produced doors. Even if you have had your locks changed at some point, it is unlikely that the new ones are anti-snap locks unless you asked specifically.

If you are unsure, it is possible to find out what kind of cylinder you have installed. The first way is knowing whether or not your lock is compliant with SS312 Diamond or TS007 3 standards. If it is, then it is an anti-snap lock. These are not the only standards which locks can be tested under but the SS312 is generally regarded as the best one to use.

You may not have that much information to hand, especially if you moved into a house with the lock already fitted. If you take a close look at your lock, you may see a small logo that looks like 3 stars over a heart-shaped symbol with a wavy line going through the centre. This is the 3 Star Kitemark logo and it shows that your lock is snap-resistant. The logo may also be found on the side of the cylinder in which case an expert will be required to tell you whether or it is there.

Which Lock Should I Get?

There are 3 good choices when it comes to anti-snap locks.

The first is a Sold Secure 312 Diamond Approved Cylinder. This type is specifically tested to make sure it is resistant to this particular form of a break-in.

The second option is the TS007 3 Star Kitemark. If you are unable to find a cylinder that is SS312 approved, then the 3 Star Kitemark is the next best thing.

Finally, there is the combination of a 1-star Kitemark Cylinder along with 2 Star Door Furniture. This means that the door handle and the cylinder guard have been reinforced to make lock-snapping more difficult.

Conclusion

The standard Euro-cylinder that comes fitted with most doors is simple to break, requiring only 20 seconds and some basic tools. If you do not know what kind of cylinder have and it does not feature the 3-star Kitemark logo, then you need to find out. When buying a new cylinder, the SS312 Diamond cylinder is your best bet for home security although there are a few other viable options.

If you would like a high-quality anti-snap lock fitted in Cardiff or the surrounding areas please contact us at Locksmiths Cardiff Direct for further information.