Oval cylinder

An oval cylinder, “bombín ovalado” in Spanish, is a cylinder whose profile, seen from the front, is an oval rather than the keyhole shape of the euro cylinder. It is uncommon in Spain, but it turns up on some doors and locks made abroad.

It is easy to recognise once removed: it does not have the narrow extension at the bottom. Not just any replacement will do, because the opening in the lock is made for that shape. A euro cylinder will not fit, and forcing an adaptation weakens the door.

Every so often it appears in homes on the coast with imported doors or locks, so it is worth identifying it before buying anything.

Send us a photo of the cylinder and of the edge of the door on WhatsApp. We will tell you whether a suitable replacement exists or whether another solution is better as part of the cylinder replacement.