In the modern world, in order to preserve their property, people are forced to close their homes to prevent unauthorized access by outsiders. In towns and cities, and even in rural areas, a mandatory attribute of a house is a door that must be locked.
In order for the door leaf to close securely, when buying it, you need to evaluate the quality of the locking device. Most door leafs use cylinder locks that allow you to lock with one easy movement of your hand.
In this article, we will consider what locks are, we will study the main criteria for choosing them and tell you what to look for when buying in order not to make mistakes.
Content
The cylinder door locking system appeared a long time ago - about a century ago. Among its advantages, the following can be distinguished: it does not require much effort to turn the key, versatility (the larva has standard overall dimensions that fit most locks), saving money in the event of a breakdown (you can only replace the larva without buying the entire structure). The larva, in most cases, is made only in two colors - brass and nickel. Their neutrality ensures good compatibility with any shades of the finishing surface. A lock with a cylinder mechanism consists of two components: the cylinder itself, which provides the ability to use only a unique key (replaceable element) and a bolt drive (provides the movement of structural elements).
Experts recommend when buying to focus on the following criteria:
Today's above-average price locks are made using technologies that prevent the possibility of hacking. Budget copies are made of hardened steel. This material has low wear-resistant characteristics.
So, Mayer brand locks are made according to a special technique in which, in the event of a break-in, they break into two parts, preventing the fraudster from opening the device, however, the “native” key will easily open the lock.
Devices from another well-known company, Mottura, are equipped with knock-out protection; such a product can only be opened by drilling.
The best manufacturers of locking devices offer special armored linings that make it difficult for unauthorized access to the larva. They are overhead and mortise. The latter are considered more reliable.
According to buyers, you should not choose inexpensive models of locking structures, as they wear out over time, as a result of which fraudsters can open the lock by selecting a master key.
The selection of the lock is carried out depending on the price and the required functionality.Popular budget models provide only direct locking and fixation in the closed position, more expensive specimens are designed in such a way as to ensure the smooth operation of the rotary device, they can have built-in vertical traction with anti-burglary function. It is not recommended to use housings and cylinders of different price categories, since in this case it will not be possible to achieve high-quality protection.
Cylinder mechanisms, for the most part, are universal, made according to the type of so-called eurocylinders. There are also other types of them - round, oval, but they are rare and are not used in standard locking structures.
Cylinders can be of two types - opened from both sides with a key, or equipped with a “lamb” on one side.
Marketers, in order to increase sales of locks, create many myths and legends regarding the ability to break locks. Most of them do not correspond to reality, since according to the regulatory document governing their production - GOST and TU (technical specifications), the most budgetary cylinder corresponds to the highest level of safety. Experts advise paying attention not so much to the price of the cylinder as to the presence of an armor plate in the lock, which will greatly complicate the work of a potential burglar.
The length of the larva is determined by the width of the door leaf, as well as the thickness of the protective lining (if any). Symmetrical larvae are inserted into standard door leafs (the knuckle is located exactly in the middle in them). Doors with feigned canvases are equipped with asymmetrical devices. Since they are less common than standard ones, their selection can cause some difficulties.
Installation and replacement of the rotary mechanism, for the most part, does not cause difficulties; any man can carry out this operation on his own.
There are various options for opening the lock, we recommend that you study the most common of them before buying in order to take this information into account when buying:
The manufacturer Avers is known to door unit installers as a manufacturer that provides a good value for money products. Despite the budget price, the products of this brand are made from high-quality components, and are able to perform the functions assigned to them for a long time without fail. Since the production of locks is located in Russia, there are no problems with warranty service and replacement for buyers.
The instance in question is one of the most popular models in hardware stores.The product has an attractive appearance, ergonomic handle, easy opening from the inside (there is a rotary lamb). The center distance is 5 centimeters, the entire mechanism is supplied assembled. The package also includes 5 keys. The average cost is 520 rubles. The lock is installed on the left side.
Another representative of Avers, unlike the previous model, has a larger center distance (55 millimeters) and is designed for metal doors. The product has a standard design, designed for installation on the left side. The castle does not have an interesting design, and the color in question completely limits its scope. The package includes only 4 keys, which is not enough for most buyers, and therefore, they will be forced to make them themselves, which will lead to additional costs. The average cost is 680 rubles.
As it is clear from the name of the castle, it is produced in Russia. The considered lock is an overhead model with the possibility of installation both on the left and on the right side.
The device can be installed on door leaves with a thickness of 40-55 millimeters. There is a safety lock that blocks the opening of the lock from the outside with a key. A simple design device does not cause difficulties for self-repair. The package includes 4 keys. The average cost of a product does not exceed 750 rubles.
The brand got its name from the Latin word for "top", which shows its focus on the high quality of its products. The company specializes in the manufacture of door fittings. The organization has been operating for about 30 years, has company offices in 13 countries. The head office is in China. Each lock before being released for sale undergoes mandatory quality control, burglary, performance, resistance to mechanical stress are tested.
The popularity of the models of this brand is due to the attractive appearance, high-quality performance, reliability, durability and average cost. The lock in question is distinguished by a chrome finish, a wide center distance (58.5 mm, suitable for metal doors).Other features include a four-bolt fastening system, which gives the product additional reliability. Buyers note, among other characteristics, also the smoothness of the handle when pressed and the ease of turning the key. Together with the device, the package includes a step-by-step instruction with information on how to install, replace and adjust the lock. The average cost is 1,800 rubles.
This Russian brand is undeservedly deprived of the attention of buyers. The device is intended for use in wooden doors. Center spacing - 70 mm. The minimum allowable web thickness is 30 mm, the maximum is 42 mm. The body is made of hardened steel with a chrome finish. The cylinder is made of brass. Can be used for both left and right blades. The height of the lock is 150 mm. The product is delivered in a complete set, including keys (5 pcs.). The handle is made with the use of overlay for easy pressing. The average cost is 1,400 rubles.
The device of a domestic manufacturer is sold in a complete set, made of high-strength steel and has an attractive appearance.Can only be installed on the left side. The massive handle fits easily in the hand and makes pressing more efficient. The cylinder is made in the same color scheme as the design itself. Four keys are supplied with the lock. Center distance 55 mm. The average cost is 907 rubles.
This Turkish lock is characterized by a narrow profile design, used in non-standard doors. All components are made of galvanized steel. The latch is made of brass (one of the best materials for this element), the deadbolt is made of zinc alloy. The mechanism comes with 3 keys, the handle is missing. The manufacturer offers a five-year warranty on the product, which indicates its high reliability. Center distance is 85 mm. The key has 55 combinations, which corresponds to the second class of reliability. The classic latch is located under the handle, allowing you to lock the lock in one motion.
The review continues with another novelty of the Turkish company Kale. The mortise model is designed for sliding English doors. One non-standard crossbar is located on top of the cylinder mechanism at a distance of 20 mm. The package includes a lock, two pads, a cylinder and three keys.The product corresponds to the second class of safety. Suitable for narrow profile doors. The average cost is 950 rubles. The handle is not included in the delivery.
Another non-standard model, the distinguishing feature of which is the presence of spacer anti-squeeze bolts that prevent the opening of the door leaf using the unclenching technique. If a high-quality cylinder is installed, the locking system will have the highest level of resistance to burglary. The device is used as an additional lock, the delivery set does not include a larva, a handle, a retractable tongue. The average price is 800 rubles.
This lock has no handle and retractable tongue. The demand for the model is small, as many buyers do not understand what it is for and how to use it. Typically, such mechanisms are installed in door leafs as an additional security element (in this case, a handle with a locking tongue should already be installed in the door leaf). The castle is equipped with four bolts.Installation is possible both on the right, and on the left side of metal doors. The keys (5 pieces) have a non-standard cylindrical shape, it is almost impossible to pick them up. The average price is 700 rubles.
Another domestic manufacturer has little popularity among buyers, which is undeserved. The product is sold without handles and larvae (any European standard is suitable), and is used for wooden and metal doors. A reversible locking latch is installed on top of the lock. The mechanism is equipped with three crossbars with a diameter of 1.2 centimeters. The lock can be installed both in the entrance and in the interior door leafs. The average price is 640 rubles.
The considered representative of the Italian brand Cisa has proven itself over the years of use due to its reliability, durability and quality of components. The product is made in copper color, has one wide rectangular crossbar.A reversible latch is installed on top, which works to expand (which extends the service life several times) and is easily reinstalled in the right direction. The product is supplied without a larva and a handle. The average price is 1,700 rubles. The delivery set includes an instruction describing the procedure for installing and adjusting the mechanism.
This product is a device body without a larva and a handle. The model is positioned as an additional locking mechanism equipped with a high reliability lock. The manufacturer recommends installing such a lock on doors with lever mechanisms. Customers note the smooth running of retractable crossbars, which is associated with the use of a special Revolution gear reducer. The model has 5 crossbars with a diameter of 1.8cm. The manufacturer guarantees the product for at least 12 months from the date of sale. The average price of the model is 6,600 rubles.
Another Cisa model differs from the previous ones by the high quality of its component parts.So, the manufacturer claims that the case is able to withstand exposure to salt fog for at least 240 hours. This is achieved thanks to the high-quality galvanizing of the product. It is possible to install an additional armor plate on the body; special holes are provided for this. The model has 3 crossbars with a diameter of 1.6 cm. To protect the internal elements of the device, an additional protective pad is installed on the case. The model corresponds to the 4th class of security and burglary resistance. The average price is 2,100 rubles.
The Russian group of companies Guardian is engaged in the production of steel doors and accessories for them. The considered model is intended for use in metal doors, cases, safes. The universal design allows it to be installed both on the left and on the right side. The device is equipped with additional protection against burglary, with the bolts extended to the maximum, one third of them remain in the body, which prevents burglary by mechanically affecting the opening. The model can be used as the main one (then you need to buy handles), and as an additional protection. It is possible to use an additional armor plate. The product is equipped with three crossbars with a diameter of 1.8 cm and a latch. The average price is 650 rubles.
The model is designed for use in Chinese steel doors of the Forpost type, equipped with an automatic locking function (from the outside it closes automatically when the handle is raised up). In this configuration, the product is installed only on the left side. The mechanism has 3 crossbars with a diameter of 1.8 cm and one additional locking point from the inside. The front plate has a galvanized coating, the outside is finished in chrome. The package does not include a handle and a larva (purchased separately). The average price is 1,080 rubles.
Another Russian manufacturer Border continues the rating. The model under consideration is a case without a handle and a larva and can be used in doors with a leaf thickness of 40-70 mm. The lock is made in the color "nickel", which goes well with any shades. The versatility of installation (left or right) and the presence of a latch, low price make this model one of the most purchased. Buyers note the satisfactory quality of the materials used, as well as a long period of trouble-free operation. The average price is 340 rubles.
The last considered representative of Russian manufacturers of locking mechanisms is PALLADIUM 0189/4MF. This mortise lock can be used for both metal and wooden door panels with a thickness of 35 to 60 mm, including interior doors. High-quality galvanized coating (withstands up to 72 hours in a salt chamber) and an unusual color - brass, have gained high popularity among buyers. It is possible to use armor plates (purchased separately). The scope of delivery includes a body, decorative overlays for the inlet, 5 keys (non-standard shape, cross-shaped), screws for mounting. The average price is 660 rubles.
An integral part of door locks is a cylinder mechanism that performs two main functions - locking and unlocking. It is this device that is responsible for the fact that an individual key fits a particular lock. Consider the most purchased cores and their features.
The unlocking mechanism is supplied complete with a connecting bolt and five keys. The lamb is not provided, so when leaving the apartment you need to take a bundle with you, which many users do not like.Such a device is more suitable for public and industrial buildings, where frequent opening and closing of the premises is not expected. According to the level of secrecy, the mechanism corresponds to a value of 15,000. The material of manufacture is brass. Six pins and drill protection make this core one of the best larvae offered at this price (600 rubles).
The core is made of gold-plated nickel. The body length is 110 mm, the product has a high reliability class - 3,800,000 possible combinations, the pin is made in a mushroom shape, which prevents the selection of a master key. The manufacturer has provided a floating pin in the mechanism using interactive technology, special protectors are provided. There are various division options - 40 * 70, 45 * 65, 50 * 60. To prevent unauthorized breaking, the springs are made of acid-resistant material. The package also includes a special card for duplication. The work item is a checkbox. The average cost is 17,000 rubles.
This core is characterized by the presence of a magnetic coding system, which consists of three components: two of them are of a mechanical type of action, and one is magnetic. This technology allows you to completely eliminate the possibility of mechanical selection of a master key or creating a copy of the key. The principle of operation is that when the magnets on the key and those inside the locking device interact, they are connected in the right combination, after which the rotating element can be rotated to the required position. The manufacturer guarantees the uniqueness of each locking device and claims that it is impossible to choose an analogue. Release of the unlocking device is possible only at the factory. Due to the special configuration, the possibility of influencing the core by such methods as bumping, vibration, selection of a master key, copying the opening element and other force methods of hacking is also significantly difficult: carbide plates are built into the body of the mechanism, the core is made of stainless steel, and the design of rotating mechanisms is reinforced. The manufacturer guarantees the product for 24 months. The length of the cylinder is 107 mm, the distance from the mounting axis is 31*76 mm. The average price is 30,000 rubles.
The mechanism differs from analogues in the possibility of recoding.Overall dimensions of the product - 30 * 50 * 10 mm. The model can only be used for mortise locks. The delivery set includes five working keys and two assembly keys. The latter are intended only for recoding, and are not able to unlock the room. To convert, you need to insert the key with a slot into the device and turn it 360 °, after which the mechanism can be used. The core is sold packed in a blister (there is everything you need for installation inside). The average cost is 600 rubles. The country of production is China.
The core is designed for use in narrow door leafs. On one side of the product, a turntable is provided. The popular color "chrome" makes it possible to use the larva in canvases of any color. The core is made of an alloy of aluminum, steel and zinc. Despite the fact that the product is made in China, buyers note good quality and budget price. Together with the larva, 3 English keys are sold. Average cost: 280 rubles.
This copy has the ability to recode, which provides a high degree of protection (up to 800,000 combinations). The perforated wrench has a double-sided cut and a plastic coated head for comfortable turning.A distinctive feature of the model is also the presence of 10 keys (plus one for recoding). To protect against unauthorized hacking, 10 springs are mounted in the mechanism. Bump protection can be built into the device. Overall dimensions - 35 * 55 mm. The average price is 1,400 rubles.
When buying a cylinder lock, there are a number of factors to consider in order to make the right choice. Since manufacturers in the description of the products offered indicate a large number of technical terms (such as center distance, diameter and overhang of crossbars, buckset, etc.), the buyer needs to understand what it is and what it is used for. If you have only a general idea about the locking mechanism, we recommend that you entrust the choice of a suitable model to professionals, since when buying on your own it is very easy to purchase a lock that will not cope with the functions assigned to it.
Information about the types of locks, their design and differences can be found on specialized forums, or in technical documents, manufacturer's descriptions.
The general trend among the locking mechanisms sold is that the locks of the high price segment are not equipped with handles and larvae. This is due to the fact that the manufacturer gives the buyer the right to independently assemble the mechanism with the elements that are required in each specific case.
We hope that our article will help you navigate the whole variety of locks and choose a model that will meet your requirements.