How Easy Is It To Bypass a Europrofile Lock Cylinder?

What is a Europrofile Lock Cylinder?

Most people have at least one Europrofile lock cylinder on their doors at home. But what exactly is a Europrofile? Simply put, it’s a type of cylinder lock that’s shaped like a long, narrow oval — a “profile” — and it’s fitted into the door to control access. They’re very common on double-glazed doors in the UK because they’re easy to fit and work with most modern door hardware. Europrofile cylinders can come in different lengths and with different security features, but their basic design has been the standard for doors since the late 80s or early 90s.

But the big question is, how secure are they? In this blog, we’re going to break it down.

There are four main ways a Europrofile cylinder can be compromised: it can be drilled, picked, bumped, or snapped.

Lock Picking

Let’s start with picking. What is lock picking? Basically, it’s manipulating all the pins inside the cylinder so they line up as if a key were inside. Once they’re lined up, the lock will turn. It’s a non-destructive way to get in, but it takes time and a lot of skill.

And that’s the problem for burglars — they don’t have time to sit there fiddling with pins. So, while technically possible, picking isn’t something most people need to worry about.

Drilling

Next up is drilling. Is this a problem? Not really. Drilling is noisy and draws attention, which burglars try to avoid. Some locksmiths do drill cylinders to get entry, but that’s a controlled situation, not a break-in.

If you want protection against drilling, look for cylinders that meet the TS007 3-star standard. These have hardened steel anti-drill plates that stop a standard drill in its tracks.

Bumping

Bumping is a clever trick. You put a blank key in the lock and tap it, which makes the pins jump into place using kinetic energy — like a Newton’s Cradle. Yes, it can work, but it takes skill. For most homeowners, bumping isn’t a realistic threat.

Snapping

Finally, we have snapping — the one you really need to worry about. It’s destructive, but it’s simple and effective. A burglar can use grips to snap the cylinder at the weak point near the fixing screw, then manipulate the lock open.

The fix? A 3-star Europrofile cylinder. It has a sacrificial slot near the fixing point, so if someone tries to snap it, that section breaks instead. Spring-loaded pins then lock into place, preventing the lock from being opened.

So, Are Europrofile Cylinders Secure?

Basically, yes. Cheap Europrofile cylinders are slightly less secure, but a 3-star cylinder offers far better protection.

If you think your home security could use an upgrade, contact us via our Contact page to arrange a free survey.