Choosing the Right Euro Cylinder
A Euro profile cylinder is the removable key-operated component used within a compatible Euro mortice lock or multipoint locking system.
Choosing the correct cylinder involves more than simply selecting a finish. You need to consider the cylinder type, dimensions on each side of the fixing point, locking arrangement, keying requirement and required level of security.
Correct measurement is particularly important because a cylinder that is too short may not operate correctly with the surrounding furniture, while one that projects unnecessarily beyond the external door furniture may be undesirable.
Double Euro Cylinders
A double Euro cylinder accepts a key from both sides of the door.
This arrangement is commonly used where key-operated locking is required both internally and externally.
Double cylinders are available in different lengths, allowing each side of the cylinder to be matched to the thickness of the door and surrounding escutcheons or handles.
Euro Thumbturn Cylinders
A Euro thumbturn cylinder, sometimes described as a key-to-turn cylinder, uses a key on the external side and a thumbturn on the internal side.
This allows the door to be locked or unlocked internally without using a key.
Thumbturn cylinders can provide convenient everyday operation, particularly on entrance doors where quick internal operation is desirable.
Where a particular fire, escape or access-control requirement applies, the complete locking arrangement should be checked against the relevant door specification.
Single Euro Cylinders
A single cylinder provides keyed operation from one side and is used where a through-cylinder or internal key operation is not required.
Single cylinders are available in several lengths within our range.
Always check that a single-cylinder arrangement is suitable for the particular lock and door application before ordering.
Understanding Cylinder Sizes
Euro cylinders are normally described using two measurements taken from the central fixing point towards each end of the cylinder.
For example:
30/30 indicates approximately 30mm on each side.
35/45 indicates approximately 35mm on one side and 45mm on the other.
The overall cylinder length is therefore the combination of the two measurements.
On a thumbturn cylinder, it is also important to identify which dimension relates to the thumbturn side.
How to Measure a Euro Cylinder
If replacing an existing cylinder, the simplest approach is to measure from the centre of the cylinder retaining screw or cam position to each end of the existing cylinder.
Measure each side separately rather than simply measuring the overall length.
You should also account for the thickness of the door handles, escutcheons or security furniture fitted around the cylinder.
Asymmetric sizes such as 30/35 or 35/45 are common where the hardware thickness differs between the internal and external faces.
Keyed to Differ
A cylinder that is keyed to differ has its own individual key combination.
This means the key for one cylinder will not normally operate another differently keyed cylinder.
Keyed-to-differ cylinders are the standard choice where individual doors need separate keys.
Keyed Alike
Keyed-alike cylinders are configured so that the same key can operate multiple cylinders.
This can be particularly convenient in homes, offices and other buildings with several doors where carrying a separate key for every cylinder would be impractical.
When ordering keyed-alike cylinders, confirm that the selected cylinder range and key system are compatible with one another.
5-Pin & 6-Pin Euro Cylinders
The number of pins refers to part of the internal key mechanism within the cylinder.
Our range includes both 5-pin and 6-pin Euro cylinders, together with selected other cylinder systems.
The number of pins should not be treated as the only measure of security.
Where enhanced security is required, look instead at the complete product specification, security testing and certification of the individual cylinder.
Security-Rated Euro Cylinders
Selected cylinders within our range incorporate additional security features such as anti-pick, anti-bump, anti-drill or anti-snap design features.
Selected higher-security models also carry independent security markings or certification.
Because these features vary considerably between products, always check the individual cylinder specification rather than assuming every Euro cylinder provides the same security performance.
Euro Cylinders & Multipoint Locks
Euro cylinders are commonly used to operate compatible multipoint locking systems, particularly on entrance doors.
The cylinder controls the locking mechanism but is only one component of the complete system.
The lock case, keeps, handles, cylinder and surrounding security furniture all contribute to the operation and performance of the finished door.
Euro Cylinders with Mortice Locks
Euro cylinders can also be used with compatible Euro-profile mortice sashlocks and deadlocks.
In these applications, the cylinder passes through the Euro-profile opening in the lock and is secured through the edge of the door.
Matching Euro escutcheons or compatible lever furniture can then be fitted around the cylinder opening.
Choosing a Cylinder Finish
Because part of the cylinder remains visible through the door furniture, choosing a suitable finish can improve the appearance of the completed door.
The Roundtower range includes numerous finishes that can be coordinated with door handles, Euro escutcheons and other architectural hardware.
Where possible, match or complement the cylinder finish with the surrounding visible door furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Euro cylinder?
A Euro cylinder is a replaceable key-operated cylinder with the characteristic Euro-profile shape.
It is used with compatible mortice locks and multipoint locking systems.
What does 30/30 mean on a Euro cylinder?
A 30/30 cylinder measures approximately 30mm from the central fixing point towards each end, giving an overall nominal length of approximately 60mm.
What does 35/45 mean?
It means one side of the cylinder is approximately 35mm and the other approximately 45mm.
This asymmetric arrangement is useful where the required projection differs on each side of the door.
What is a thumbturn cylinder?
A thumbturn cylinder uses a key externally and a thumbturn internally, allowing the lock to be operated from inside without a key.
What does keyed alike mean?
Keyed alike means multiple compatible cylinders are configured to operate using the same key.
What does keyed to differ mean?
Keyed to differ means each cylinder has its own key combination rather than sharing the same key with other cylinders.
Should my cylinder project past the door handle?
The cylinder should be correctly sized to the door and surrounding hardware and should not project unnecessarily beyond the external furniture.
Measure both sides carefully before ordering.
Are all Euro cylinders equally secure?
No.
Security construction, testing and certification vary between products. Compare the specification of the individual cylinder where enhanced security is required.
Need Help Choosing a Cylinder Lock?
The correct cylinder will depend on your lock type, door thickness, internal and external hardware dimensions, required cylinder configuration and keying arrangement.
Roundtower Hardware supplies an extensive range of Euro cylinder locks in Ireland, including double, single, thumbturn, keyed-alike and keyed-to-differ cylinders.
Contact our team with your existing cylinder dimensions or door specification if you need help choosing the correct replacement.
