What is the difference between a lock cylinder and a lock?

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The cylinder is the part you put your key into; the lock is the mechanism inside the door that moves the bolts. The cylinder works the lock, but they are two separate parts.

Think of the cylinder as the ignition key and the lock as the engine. When you turn the key, the cylinder moves a part called the cam, which pushes the lock mechanism and throws or draws back the bolts.

This matters because very often there is no need to change the whole lock. If you have lost your keys, if the key turns badly or if you want more security, changing the cylinder is normally enough, and it is quicker and simpler. The lock is only changed when it is broken, forced or an old type.

The cylinder is sometimes also called a barrel. More in cylinder replacement.

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Lock cylinder replacement in Torrevieja

Made to measure lock cylinder replacement for lost or stolen keys, buying a home, a change of tenant or wear from the salt air.

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Other questions on this topic

When is it worth changing the lock cylinder?

When your keys are lost or stolen, when you move into a home, after an attempted break in, when the key turns badly or if the cylinder has no protection at all. Read the full answer

How do I know what size cylinder my door has?

It is measured from the centre of the fixing screw, on the edge of the door, to each end. If both sides are equal it is symmetrical; if not, it is offset. Read the full answer

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Lock cylinders

Everything people usually ask about the lock cylinder: when to change it, how to measure it, what protection it has and how to look after it on the coast.

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