Are All Euro Cylinder Locks the Same? A Complete Home Secure Guide

At Home Secure, we’re often asked one simple question: “Aren’t all euro cylinder locks the same?” The short answer is no — and understanding the difference can make a huge impact on your home’s security.

From the type of cylinder you choose to the level of protection it offers, the right lock ensures your doors perform safely, efficiently, and reliably for years to come.

🔍 What Is a Euro Cylinder Lock?

A euro cylinder lock (also known as a profile cylinder) is the central locking mechanism used in most uPVC, composite, and aluminium doors. When you insert and turn the key, it activates the multipoint locking system that secures the door into the frame.

The beauty of this design is that it’s modular — you can replace the cylinder without needing to change your entire door lock setup. However, euro cylinders vary widely in build quality, materials, and resistance to attacks such as snapping or drilling.

For homeowners who want proven performance and reliability, we recommend browsing the Home Secure Euro Cylinder Collection — offering high-security models for every budget.

🧭 Which Euro Cylinder Do I Need?

When choosing a euro cylinder lock, focus on these three key factors:

1. Security Rating:
   • Standard cylinders offer basic protection.
   • Anti-snap and anti-pick cylinders provide enhanced resistance against forced entry attempts.
   • 3-Star TS007-rated cylinders deliver the highest level of tested protection.
2. Door Type:
   The lock size must match your door thickness. Euro cylinders come in various lengths, typically expressed as internal/external measurements (e.g., 35/45mm).
3. Convenience Features:
   Consider keyed alike euro cylinders, which let one key operate multiple locks — perfect for simplifying access to your front, back, and garage doors.

You can find all these variants, clearly labelled and measured, in the Home Secure Euro Cylinder range.

🔄 Are Euro Cylinder Locks Interchangeable?

In most cases, yes — euro cylinders are designed to be interchangeable across compatible doors. You can typically replace a worn cylinder with a new one in minutes using just a screwdriver.

Just make sure you:

• Match the correct overall length.
• Align the cam (the rotating centre piece) properly.
• Choose the right security level for your door.

Swapping an old lock for a modern anti-snap version is one of the easiest, most effective upgrades you can make to improve home security.

🧰 Can You Replace a Euro Cylinder Lock Yourself?

Yes — and that’s one reason homeowners love euro cylinders.

Here’s how to replace one safely:

1. Open the door and locate the long fixing screw beneath the latch.
2. Loosen it and insert your key into the lock.
3. Turn the key slightly until the cam aligns, then slide the old cylinder out.
4. Insert the new one, turn the key slightly again, and re-tighten the screw.

It’s that simple. Just make sure your new lock doesn’t protrude beyond the handle plate — exposed cylinders are easier to attack.

📏 What Is the Most Common Euro Cylinder Lock Size?

In the UK, common sizes include 35/35mm (70mm overall) and 35/45mm (80mm overall), but door thickness varies. Always measure from the centre of the fixing screw hole to each end of the cylinder — this gives you the internal and external dimensions.

If you’re unsure, measure twice — it’s worth getting the fit perfect for smooth, secure locking every time.

💬 Final Thoughts

Not all euro cylinder locks are the same. From basic entry-level cylinders to advanced anti-snap systems, there’s a wide difference in security, lifespan, and build quality.

If you’re upgrading your home’s protection, always choose a trusted, certified product that matches your door type. And if you want to better the appearance of your door, upgrading you door handles is the way to go.