What are anti-snap locks?
Anti-snap locks are high security euro lock cylinders that are designed and tested to protect against lock snapping, stopping a thief from breaking the lock into two parts. If successful this can allow a thief to gain access to the property. This type of cylinder is usually found on uPVC & composite doors. Euro cylinders are also found on a lot of Bifold doors, french and patio doors.
What security rating should my euro cylinder have?
The two most popular rating standards for a lock to be considered “anti-snap” (as some may say) are SS312 Diamond and TS007 3 Star.
SS312 Diamond Approved Standard Cylinder
We believe that you can minimise your risk of being a victim of lock snapping by ensuring the lock you purchase has the Sold Secure ( SS312 ) Diamond Standard Approval.
SS312 Diamond was the first test standard developed to counter lock snapping and is deemed to be the highest level of approval for cylinders.
An example of SS312 Diamond Approved Euro Lock Cylinder from Avocet Hardware Ltd
Brisant Ultion is a SS312 Diamond Approved Cylinder
TS007 3-star Euro Lock Cylinder
An alternative specification to look out for is the TS007 BSI Kitemark, however, it is important to note that there is a star rating associated with this.
TS007 has 3 levels associated with it:-
- 1 star – for cylinders (basic approval, no testing for snapping)
- 2 star – for handles and other door furniture (e.g. security escutcheons)
- 3 star – for cylinders (tested for resistance to snapping)
The minimum criteria for protecting against lock snapping is to achieve at least 3 stars
If going for a TS007 approved product then make sure it has the Kitemark.
What does a Kitemark on the Lock mean?
A Kitemark indicates the product has been tested by a 3rd party and hasn’t simply been approved to the standard by the manufacturer themselves
A 3 Star Rating Protects Against Snapping
To protect against lock snapping a 3-star rating needs to be reached.
Look for the 3-star Kitemark standard to prevent lock snapping
To achieve this, you can use a 3-star euro lock cylinder.
ASEC lock cylinder is an example of a 3-star kitemark rated euro cylinder that helps prevent lock snapping
3. 1-star Kitemarked Cylinder with 2-star Kitemarked door furniture
An alternative to the 3-star euro cylinder option is to have a 1-star euro lock cylinder protected by 2-star approved door furniture, such as security handles or a cylinder guard ( escutcheon ).
2-star kitemark door furniture with 1-star kitemark lock cylinder will prevent against Lock Snapping
A 1-star kitemark lock cylinder with 2-star kitemark door furniture will prevent against Lock Snapping
