Blog>Expert Advice>What is lock snapping and how can I prevent it?
Last updated: 22 March 2024
What is lock snapping and how can I prevent it?
Lock snapping is a common way for burglars to break into properties. And worse, it requires zero skill. Here, we’ll explain exactly what lock snapping is and how you can prevent it.
Your home is your most expensive possession, and it houses everything you care most about. So, keeping it secure is of the utmost importance.
In this guide, we’ll show you what lock snapping is and explain how you can protect yourself against this common way of breaking into a property.
What is lock snapping?
Also known as cylinder snapping, lock snapping is a method that burglars often use to break into properties.
It involves breaking the cylinder of a euro cylinder lock to force it open. This can take just five to ten seconds and doesn’t need any special equipment or skill.
Is lock snapping common?
Lock snapping is a very common method of burglary. West Yorkshire Police has revealed that this type of burglary accounts for around 20-25% of all burglaries in West Yorkshire!
You'll find euro cylinder locks on the majority of uPVC doors in the UK, as well as many composite, wooden and aluminium doors. So, that leaves a lot of properties vulnerable to lock snapping.
What are anti-snap locks?
Anti-snap locks are locks that have been tested against lock snapping. There are two nationally-recognised standards for cylinder locks, which are:
TS 007 (1 star or 3 star)
Sold Secure Diamond Standard for lock cylinders (SS312)
SS312 Diamond is the highest level of approval for a euro cylinder lock. So, choosing a lock that's SS312 Diamond approved is the safest way to make sure your lock is anti-snap.
However, euro cylinder locks that reach the TS 007 3-star standard have also been tested for snapping. These locks will have the 3-star Kitemark logo on them.
Alternatively, you can combine a TS 007 1-star standard euro cylinder lock with a door handle that’s achieved a 2-star rating (door handles are also tested to TS 007 standards).
In this way, you can still get a 3-star solution – although it won’t be as secure as combining a 3-star kitemark cylinder with a 2-star handle!
Can burglars get through anti-snap locks?
Anti-snap locks are very effective at withstanding lock snapping. In this way, they make it much more difficult for burglars to quickly and impulsively snap your lock and break into your home.
That said, they won’t make it impossible for burglars to gain access. Experienced thieves could use other methods to gain entry, or they could look for ways to gain access through other doors or windows.
Plus, your anti-snap lock needs the correct installation to help prevent break-ins.
This brings us to…
How to prevent lock snapping
Switching to anti-snap locks is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to protecting your home against lock snapping (albeit an important one!). Here’s the full lowdown on how to prevent lock snapping.
Upgrade your cylinder locks
Upgrading your cylinder locks to ones that have the Sold Secure Diamond standard (SS312) – or at least a 3-star rating under TS 007 – is the quickest way to protect yourself against lock snapping.
You could even choose a cylinder lock that has achieved both.
Fit enhanced security handles
Consider fitting enhanced security handles that have achieved a 2-star rating under TS 007 for extra peace of mind.
Fit cylinders correctly
It's important that your cylinder is fitted correctly. It shouldn't protrude more than 3mm from the door unit or handle, and should ideally be completely flush.
This is because the more of the cylinder that’s visible, the more prone it will be to lock snapping.
Size the cylinder correctly
Lock cylinders come in lots of different sizes to accommodate different door and handle thicknesses. Careful measuring is crucial to make sure you buy a cylinder that’s the right size for your door.
Use a locksmith
Although you can technically fit a cylinder lock yourself, we always recommend hiring a locksmith approved by the Master Locksmith Association.
They’ll have the skills and knowledge needed to recommend the most secure locks for your doors and windows - and to size and fit them correctly.
Type your postcode into the search box below to find a trusted locksmith near you.
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How to tell if you have anti-snap door locks
If you have a uPVC, composite or wooden door in the UK, the chances are you have a euro cylinder lock. So, how can you tell if it’s anti-snap or not?
Unfortunately, just because a lock says it’s snap-proof or snap-resistant it doesn’t mean it's 100% safe from lock snapping.
The only cylinder locks that can truly claim to be anti-snap are those that have been awarded the SS312 Diamond or TS007 3-star standard.
Here are a few ways you can tell.
1. When was it installed?
The standard for anti-snap locks came into effect in 2011, with the Sold Secure Diamond standard.
That means that if your euro cylinder lock is older than 2011, it probably hasn’t been tested for lock snapping.
On the other hand, if you have a new cylinder lock, there’s a chance that it is anti-snap. But you’ll need to carry out a couple more checks to make sure.
2. Is it SS312 Diamond approved?
If your lock has the SS312 Diamond rating, it has the highest level of approval for a euro cylinder lock. So, you can confidently know that it’s anti-snap.
To find out, check whether your lock features an SS312 Diamond-approved lock cylinder on Sold Secure’s website.
3. Does it have the 3-star Kitemark logo?
The 3-star Kitemark logo means your lock has proven to be resistant to lock snapping and achieved a 3-star rating under TS 007 standards.
The logo could be visible anywhere on the lock – usually, it’ll be on the front or side of the euro cylinder.
If you think there’s a chance that your euro cylinder lock isn’t anti-snap – or you’re not sure – it’s always safest to call in a trusted locksmith near you.
They’ll be able to check your lock and replace it with an anti-snap lock if necessary. So, you’re as protected as possible.
Key takeaways
Lock snapping is a common method of burglary that requires no skill or special equipment
Anti-snap locks can effectively withstand lock snapping
Only euro cylinder locks that have achieved the Sold Secure Diamond standard (SS312) or a 3-star rating under TS 007 can truly be regarded as anti-snap
Upgrading your euro cylinder locks to anti-snap locks is the best way to quickly protect your home from lock snapping.
Enter your postcode into the box below to start your search for local locksmiths who are approved by the Master Locksmith Association.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
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