In the modern world, in order to preserve their property, people are forced to close their homes in order to avoid unauthorized access by strangers. In cities and towns, and even in rural areas, a door is a must-have attribute of a house, which must be locked.
In order for the door leaf to close reliably, when buying it, you need to evaluate the quality of the locking device. Most canvases use locks with a cylinder mechanism that allows you to lock with one easy movement of the hand.
In this article, we will consider what kind of locks are, we will study the main criteria for their selection 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. Of its advantages, the following can be distinguished: no great effort is required to turn the key, versatility (the larva has standard dimensions that fit most locks), money saving in case of breakdown (you can replace only the larva without buying the entire structure). The larva, in most cases, is made in only 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 (ensures the movement of structural elements).
Experts recommend looking at the following criteria when buying:
Modern locks at above average prices are manufactured using anti-burglary technologies. 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, not allowing a fraudster to open the device, however, the “native” key will easily open the lock.
Devices of another well-known company - Mottura, are equipped with protection against knocking out, such a product can only be opened by drilling.
The best manufacturers of locking devices offer special armored pads 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 picking 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 models are designed in such a way as to ensure smooth movement of the rotary device, and can have built-in vertical rods with anti-burglary function. It is not recommended to use housings and cylinders of different price categories, since in this case high-quality protection cannot be achieved.
Cylinder mechanisms, for the most part, are universal, manufactured according to the type of so-called eurocylinders. There are also other types of them - round, oval, but they are rarely found 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 lock picking. Most of them do not correspond to reality, since according to the regulatory document regulating their production - GOST and TU (technical conditions), 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 armored plate in the lock, which will significantly 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 strip (if any). Symmetrical larvae are inserted into standard door leaves (in which the knuckle is located exactly in the middle). Doors with false leaves are equipped with asymmetric 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 difficulty; any man can independently carry out this operation.
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 frame installers as a manufacturer that provides a good price / performance ratio.Despite the budget price, the products of this brand are made of high-quality components, and are capable of performing the functions assigned to them without failure for a long time. Since the production of locks is located in Russia, buyers do not have problems with warranty service and replacement.
The specimen in question is one of the most popular models in hardware stores. The product is distinguished by its attractive appearance, ergonomic handle, ease of opening from the inside (there is a swivel wing). The center-to-center distance is 5 centimeters, the whole 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 the Avers company, in contrast to the previous model, has a greater center distance (55 millimeters), and is intended for metal doors. The product has a standard design and is intended for installation on the left side. The lock does not have an interesting design, and the color in question completely limits its scope. The package includes only 4 keys, which will not be enough for most buyers, and therefore, they will have to make them on their own, which will lead to additional costs. The average cost is 680 rubles.
As is clear from the name of the castle, it is produced in Russia. The lock in question is a surface-mounted model that can be installed on both the left and right sides.
The device can be installed on door leaves 40-55 millimeters thick. There is a fuse 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 "top", which shows its focus on the high quality of manufactured goods. The company specializes in the manufacture of door fittings. The organization has been operating for about 30 years, has representative offices in 13 countries. The head office is located in China. Each lock, before being released for sale, undergoes mandatory quality control, tests for burglary, performance, resistance to mechanical stress are carried out.
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 has a chrome finish, a wide center distance (58.5 mm, suitable for metal doors).Other features include a four-bolt mounting system, which gives the product additional reliability. Buyers note, among other characteristics, the smoothness of the handle when pressed and the ease of turning the key. A step-by-step guide with information on how to install, replace and adjust the lock is included with the device. The average cost is 1,800 rubles.
This Russian brand is undeservedly deprived of buyers' attention. The device is intended for use in wooden doors. The center distance is 70 mm. The minimum permissible blade 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 webs. The height of the lock is 150 mm. The product is supplied in a complete set, including keys (5 pcs.). The handle is overlaid for ease of pressing. The average cost is 1,400 rubles.
The device of a domestic manufacturer is sold in a complete set, is made of high-strength steel and has an attractive appearance. Installation is possible on the left side only. The massive grip fits easily in the hand and makes pressing more effective. The cylinder is made in the same color scheme as the structure itself. Four keys are supplied with the lock. Center distance 55 mm. The average cost is 907 rubles.
This Turkish lock is distinguished by its narrow profile design and is 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 bolt is made of zinc alloy. 3 keys are supplied with the mechanism, the handle is missing. The manufacturer offers a five-year warranty for the product, which indicates its high reliability. The center distance is 85 mm. The key has 55 variants of combinations, which corresponds to the second class of reliability. The classic latch is located under the handle, allowing you to block the lock with one movement.
The review is continued by another novelty of the Turkish company Kale. The mortise model is designed for sliding English doors. One non-standard crossbar is located above the cylinder mechanism at a distance of 20 mm. The package includes a lock, two covers, a cylinder and three keys. The product complies with the second safety class. Suitable for narrow profile doors. The average cost is 950 rubles. The handle is not included in the package.
Another non-standard model, a distinctive feature of which is the presence of anti-squeeze crossbars, which prevent the door leaf from opening using the unclenching technique. If a high-quality cylinder is installed, the locking system will have the highest level of burglary resistance. The device is used as an additional lock; the delivery set does not include a larva, a handle, a pull-out tongue. The average price is 800 rubles.
This lock has no handle and no pull-out 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 leaves as an additional security element (in this case, a handle with a locking tongue must already be installed in the door leaf). The castle is equipped with four crossbars. Installation is possible both on the right and on the left side of metal doors. 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 sample is suitable), and is used for wooden and metal doors. On top of the lock there is a reversible blocking latch. 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 leaves. The average price is 640 rubles.
The considered representative of the Italian brand Cisa has proven itself well over the years of use due to its reliability, durability and quality of components. The product is made in copper color and has one wide rectangular transom. A reversible latch is installed on top, which works to expand (which extends the service life several times) and can be easily reset in the desired direction. The product is supplied without cylinder and handle. The average price is 1,700 rubles. The delivery set includes instructions describing the procedure for installing and adjusting the mechanism.
This product is a device case without a larva and a handle.The model is positioned as an additional locking mechanism equipped with a high-security lock. The manufacturer recommends installing such a lock on doors with lever mechanisms. Buyers note the smooth running of the retractable transoms, which is associated with the use of a special Revolution gear reducer. The model has 5 crossbars with a diameter of 1.8 cm. The manufacturer gives a guarantee for 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 in the high quality of the components. Thus, the manufacturer assures that the case is able to withstand being in a 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, for this special holes are provided. The model has 3 crossbars with a diameter of 1, 6 cm. To protect the internal elements of the device, an additional protective strip 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 model in question is intended for use in metal doors, cabinets, safes. Its versatile design allows it to be installed on either the left or right side. The device is equipped with additional protection against burglary, when the crossbars are maximally extended, one third of them remain in the case, which prevents burglary by mechanical action on the opening. The model can be used both as the main one (then it is necessary to purchase handles), and as 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 intended 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 lifted up). In the considered configuration, the product is installed only on the left side. The mechanism has 3 bolts with a diameter of 1.8 cm and one additional locking point from the inside. The faceplate is electroplated, the outside is finished in chrome. The delivery set 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 cylinder and can be used in doors with a door leaf thickness of 40-70 mm. The lock is made in nickel color, 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 popular.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 representative of Russian manufacturers of locking mechanisms under consideration is PALLADIUM 0189 / 4MF. This mortise lock can be used for both metal and wooden door leaves with a thickness of 35 to 60 mm, including interior doors. High-quality electroplated coating (withstands up to 72 hours in a salt chamber) and an unusual color - brass, have won high popularity among customers. It is possible to use armored plates (purchased separately). The delivery set includes a housing, decorative covers 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 is suitable for a particular lock. Consider the most popular cores and their features.
The release 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 is not pleasant to many users. Such a device is more suitable for public and industrial buildings, where frequent opening and closing of the premises is not expected. In terms of secrecy, the mechanism corresponds to the value of 15,000. The material of manufacture is brass. Six pins and protection against drilling make the core in question 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 picking a master key. The manufacturer has provided a floating pin in the mechanism using interactive technology, special protectors are provided. There are various options for dividing - 40 * 70, 45 * 65, 50 * 60. To prevent unauthorized burglary, the springs are made of acid-resistant material. The scope of delivery also includes a special duplication card. Work item - 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 mechanical type of action, and one is magnetic. This technology makes it possible to completely eliminate the possibility of mechanical picking of a master key or creating a copy of the key.The principle of operation is that when the magnets on the key interact with those inside the locking device, a connection occurs in the correct combination, after which the rotating element can be turned to the required position. The manufacturer guarantees the uniqueness of each locking device and claims that it is impossible to choose an analogue. The release of the unlocking device is only possible at the factory. Due to the special configuration, the possibility of influencing the core by such methods as bumping, vibration, picking a master key, copying the opening element and other power methods of hacking are also significantly difficult: carbide plates are built into the mechanism body, the core is made of stainless steel, the structure of rotating mechanisms is reinforced. The manufacturer gives a guarantee for 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 analogs by the possibility of transcoding. 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 transcoding, 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 (everything you need for installation is inside). The average cost is 600 rubles. Country of origin - China.
The core is intended for use in narrow door leaves. A spinner is provided on one side of the product. 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. 3 English keys are sold with the larva. Average cost: 280 rubles.
This copy has the ability to transcode, 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 easy rotation. A distinctive feature of the model is also the presence of 10 keys (plus one for transcoding). To protect against unauthorized burglary, 10 springs are built into 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 offered products indicate a large number of technical terms (such as center distance, diameter and overhang of crossbars, bakset, etc.), the buyer needs to understand what it is and what it is used for.If you have only a general idea of the design of the locking mechanism, we recommend that you entrust the choice of a suitable model to professionals, since it is very easy to purchase a lock that does not cope with the functions assigned to it when you buy it yourself.
Information about the types of locks, their structure and differences can be found on specialized forums, or in technical documents, descriptions of manufacturers.
The general trend among the sold locking mechanisms comes down to the fact that 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 those 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.