Cylinder breaking

Cylinder breaking is the attack that breaks the cylinder, usually snapping it at its centre, to free the cam and open the lock. Lock snapping falls into this group and is its best-known form on euro cylinders.

It is easy to spot: the cylinder is found broken, with the outer part missing or hanging loose, and the escutcheon dented or marked. Unlike bumping or picking, it does not go unnoticed.

If it happens to you, touch no more than you need to, take photos and report it to the Police. The door no longer locks reliably, so a new cylinder has to go in as soon as possible; if it is night time, we work 24 hours.

To prevent it, choose an anti-break or anti-snap cylinder, check that it does not stick out beyond the escutcheon and protect it with a security escutcheon. We advise you on security cylinders; if it has already happened, see what to do with a broken or forced cylinder.