How does a door lock cylinder work? Guide to cylinder mechanisms (lock cylinders)

The key to protecting your doors is a quality lock cylinder. With a thoughtful approach, the secret, which is another name for the lock cylinder or cylinder, can protect you from almost any break-ins and thefts.

The lock cylinder is important element castle Its quality is affected by:

1. Complexity of grooves;
2. Alloy quality.

Types of cylinders

1. By type of castle. If the lock is padlocked, a special padlock is used. If it is mortise, then it is mortise;
2. According to the number of holes for the key. In the case of a mortise lock, there are 2 types of cylinders. The first type is characterized by the fact that the door is locked with a key on both sides. The second differs in that on the inside of the door there will not be a key hole, but a special handle for locking;
3. Along the length of the lock cylinder. Usually depends on the thickness of the door.

Our services

A high-quality lock cylinder is the key to the safety of your home. On our website you will find many options for the lock cylinder and choose the best one for you. The VashZamok company is distinguished by a guarantee of product quality and stability in the market. To save your time, we offer delivery options.

The question of replacing a lock sooner or later arises for almost any owner of an apartment or office. This happens when it fails due to a breakdown or loss of the key, due to the end of its service life, or when the tenant changes. In most cases, the door lock cylinder is replaced, which is much easier than installing a new locking mechanism.

What is a lock cylinder?

The mechanism responsible for the secrecy of the lock is called the cylinder, core or secret. It is she who is responsible for security, the possibility of unauthorized opening and penetration uninvited guests inside the room. A key is inserted into the cylinder and turned. At the same time, the pins inside it line up in a certain combination, and the lock opens. Incorrectly aligned pins, or pins, will not allow the locking bolt to move, and the door, in this case, will remain closed.

IN modern designs cylinders, pins are replaced with washers, rotating blocks or movable probes. But regardless of the filling, the secrecy of the lock cylinder will depend on the number of components and the accuracy of their manufacture.

Not all existing locking mechanisms installed on entrance doors have the ability to partial replacement, some locks have to be removed entirely. For example, code (lever) mechanisms are integrated directly into the lock body, so replacing the door lock cylinder in this case is impossible; you will have to remove it and insert a new one.

There are several types of the most popular locks for entrance doors:

• cylinder;
• disk;
• cruciform;
• pin;
• especially complex.

Locks for entrance doors can be overhead or more reliable - mortise, with a key locking system on both sides or with inside a pinwheel instead of a key. They are also divided into upper and lower, only with a locking function and with additional fixation using a latch. The material and number of combinations of the secret depends on:

• reliability and ability to resist mechanical stress;
• wear resistance;
• inadmissibility of key matching.

The door lock cylinder is manufactured in three security levels:

• low – from 100 to 10 thousand combinations. Made from low-strength materials with a simple key profile;
• average – from 5 to 50 thousand combinations. It has a complex opening mechanism, but the quality of workmanship is not always the best;
• the highest - from 100 thousand combinations to infinity. The manufacturing materials are of high quality, and the assembly accuracy is high.

Each of the locking mechanisms has its own design features, which determine the process and the possibility of replacing its larvae.

Cylinder locks

A similar design of locks appeared in the mid-19th century. Due to their simplicity and ease of use, cylinder mechanisms quickly became widespread and are still the most popular today.

Cylinder locking mechanisms are manufactured to the European DIN standard or the RIM standard, which is now produced in small quantities. Larvae different manufacturers DIN standard are practically interchangeable. Their choice depends on the thickness of the door leaf and the location of the fastening screw in relation to the inner and outer plane of the door.

Cylinders can be divided:

• to the "key-turn" system. The door can be opened from the inside using rotary handle(pinwheels), which can be easily felt in the dark if emergency situation or when there is smoke in the room during a fire. This type of door lock cylinder has a movable cam that transmits movement to the bolts. As a rule, its position requires adjustment to the site;
• to the key-key system. The door leaf opens on both sides using a key. Such a secret is convenient when it is necessary to lock the door so that children or sick elderly people do not open it from the inside. In addition, the internal key inserted into the keyhole can be used as additional protection. It will be impossible to open the door from the outside;
• per half cylinder. The door can only be opened from the outside. A half-cylinder is installed on doors in rooms where there is no likelihood of people being present. These could be small utility rooms or special buildings, for example, a weapons room;
• to a mechanism with a gear. The transmission of movement from the key to the bolt occurs more smoothly through a gear, the number of teeth of which depends on the model and manufacturer.

It should be noted that the process of replacing such a cylinder with a gear is complex, and only a specialist can help in this matter. To install a new cylinder, it is necessary to dismantle the entire lock with a similar mechanism.

RIM standard cylinders are not found on sale as often as in Soviet time, and modern mechanisms from European manufacturers are not particularly popular. In this regard, secrets for them are quite difficult to find. Their design resembles a half-cylinder of the DIN standard, with a difference in the method of fastening - the models in question are overhead.

DIY cylinder replacement

You can remove the unnecessary door lock cylinder and then put a new one in its place yourself. The process itself will take 15-20 minutes, no more. And the tools you will need:

• construction tape;
• crosshead screwdriver.

First you need to find a screw that performs the function of fastening the cylinder in general mechanism castle As a rule, it is located on the lock plate at the end of the door leaf. Its location can be symmetrical or asymmetrical relative to the thickness of the door, which depends on the model and manufacturer of the locking mechanism. By rotating the screwdriver counterclockwise, the screw is completely unscrewed and the cylinder is removed.

If the cylinder begins to move, but continues to “sit” in the socket, you need to insert the key into the cylinder and turn it a few degrees in a clockwise direction.

Now you should pull the mechanism towards you or press on it from the opposite side. The cylinder will easily come out of its socket. The fact is that a movable cam or a flag present in its design can interfere with the release of the cylinder, and turning the key will hide the cam in the cylinder body.

It is necessary to measure the total thickness of the door leaf along with the upholstery or insulation, if additional door cladding was performed. In the absence of any changes, you can focus on the dimensions of the removed cylinder, which, of course, is easier. In order to determine which door lock cylinder you need to purchase, you also need to measure the diameter of the removed cylinder.

Don't forget about the location of the fixing screw! It can be located either in the middle of the end or located closer to one of its sides. Moreover, in an asymmetrical position, you should remember which of the distances is smaller - to the outer or to the inner surface of the door.

It would be more correct to take the removed cylinder with you when purchasing a lock cylinder. But if this is not possible, you should focus on accurate measurements. The color of the new mechanism will also play an important role in the choice, otherwise door leaf it will not look aesthetically pleasing.

The purchased cylinder is installed in place of the previous cylinder and secured with a screw. The main thing here is to clearly get into the hole intended for fastening it. Slightly moving the lock in the plane of the lock and simultaneously attaching it to the lock will help you cope with this task. fastener. The key, in this case, must be fixed in closed position. After this, the lock is checked for functionality, first when open door, and then - with it closed.

The opening and closing of the lock should be smooth and silent.

Disc locks

The main difference between these mechanisms and other cylinder locks is their design: instead of pins or pins, there are movable disks that align when the locking mechanism is opened at a certain angle. The key has a semicircular cross-section with cuts located on it corresponding to the position of the disks.

A design feature of the disc lock cylinder is the possibility of replacing it only with a “related” cylinder. But purchasing it is currently difficult due to the fact that finding a cylinder for a disc lock is quite difficult. Therefore, the best option would be to completely replace the locking mechanism.

Cross locks

Such lock designs use pins that line up along four edges inside the cylinder when the key is turned. Phillips cylinders have many combinations, but the lock can be easily opened using a Phillips screwdriver.

Pin locks

Pin cylinder lock cylinders are produced for two types of keys:

• English;
• perforated.

In the first case, the lock is not particularly reliable, and the second can only be opened by drilling the cylinder or knocking it out, which is quite difficult and time-consuming. The lock core is replaced using the technology described above.

Particularly complex locks

Manufacturers are constantly working to improve locks, primarily their secrets. Modern technologies allow us to make unique mechanisms that are quite reliable and durable. By purchasing high quality products brands known all over the world, you can avoid the procedure of replacing the door lock cylinder. But this need may arise if one of the household or office workers loses the key.

Particularly complex locking mechanisms use:

• armor inserts;
• titanium case;
• more than a million combinations;
• pins made of refractory metal;
• floating elements on the key.

It is impossible to find a key for such a lock, but replacing the cylinder is quite possible. True, it will be quite expensive.

Do you need a lock cylinder? Then you have come to the right place, contact our store, our consultants will help you make the right choice on favorable terms. The lock cylinder plays an important role for the door structure, because it allows you to reliably protect the door structure from unauthorized entry into the room. In addition, high-quality lock cylinders greatly facilitate the use of doors.

Variety of models on the market

Available on the market a wide range of There are a variety of cylinders for doors, but not all of them are made with high quality; many manufacturers use unreliable materials and outdated technologies. Therefore, the choice of a cylinder for a lock with a pinwheel must be taken seriously. All products presented by us are manufactured using modern equipment and durable elements, which guarantees excellent reliability and durability in use. You can buy a lock cylinder in a store quickly and profitably. The main advantages of our larvae:

• Tested, certified products from well-known brands
• Varied selection for any type of door
• Relatively low cost.
• Functionality and reliability.
• Delivery by postal services to any corner of the country



Lock cylinder front door- a structural element that is selected based on several parameters, we recommend paying special attention. It is recommended to buy larvae from manufacturers who have passed the certification procedure. This guarantees quality; such larvae are reliable and practical to use. The locking mechanism will last a long time without replacement. Pay attention to what the lock cylinders are made of. The materials used in the manufacture of these elements are subject to increased requirements for reliability and strength. Therefore, the higher the quality of the material from which the cylinder mechanism is made, the more reliable the lock will be.

How to order

In our online store you can choose from the catalog suitable model, add to cart and buy a lock cylinder for any type of door, wooden or metal, from the presented range of products. The simple and intuitive interface of the site greatly facilitates the selection and subsequent purchase. We offer products from such famous brands. We have larvae from APECS, CALE KILIT, CISA, AVERS, Mottura, and other European and Asian manufacturers. There are many models of larvae with turntables, symmetrical and reversible mechanisms of different security classes, and resistance to burglary in accordance with Russian and European standards. By contacting us to purchase a cylinder mechanism with a turntable, you are making the right choice.

Do you urgently need the best and most reliable lock cylinder? Do you have a lot of requirements for your front door and this functional element? You can't make a choice best model cylinder?
Then the advice from the article and the recommendations of competent Zamki-SAO craftsmen will be very useful to you. Prices door cylinders very different, however, not all products are good. Let's look at the main factors that need to be taken into account when purchasing a part.

How to choose the best lock cylinder?

You can buy a larva in almost any specialized store. However, first there are a number of aspects that are important to pay attention to. An ideal and reliable lock cylinder must meet increased requirements, including the following points:

1. Maximum level of privacy.
2. Trouble-free operation, including during intensive use of the front door.
3. The best, the most high degree burglary resistance of the larvae.
4. Easy to use lock.
5. Durability.
6. Resistance to intellectual and force influence.
7. Wear resistance and reliability.

Of course, there are other points that deserve consideration. In most cases, input manufacturers metal doors Not the best larvae are installed in locks. As a rule, these are elements of medium and low secrecy. If the cylinder or cylinder is the weak link of the lock, then even a complex deadbolt system will be opened in a few minutes by thieves and other intruders.

The reliability and quality of the larva is also determined by whether it is able to withstand forceful hacking options, including drilling, knocking out, and breaking. Of course, it is best to buy a cylinder foreign manufacturer, as it will be of higher quality.

What is the most reliable cylinder for the front door lock - the best models

Currently, there are a lot of reliable and good lock cylinders that can resist bumping. As a rule, these are cylinders of the highest price category. Our service technicians will kindly advise you and help you choose the most reliable cylinder for the lock on your front door. The products of the following three manufacturers gained the greatest popularity, namely:

Whatever cylinder security mechanism you choose, you should give preference to certified products from trusted manufacturers. Simplifying the design while maintaining the burglary resistance of the cylinder is the course that the owners of many lock and hardware companies take upon themselves.

If you need best larva for a lock, then our leading craftsmen will be happy to select the most reliable model, taking into account the entrance locking mechanism and your wishes. Moreover, they will carefully change the lock cylinder and provide long-term guarantees for the cylinder and services. We have been working with burglar-resistant and imported models for years, so we always offer our clients the most best options in terms of price and quality. We are waiting for your calls!

The working part of the lock is the cylinder, also known as the CMS (cylinder security mechanism). Actually, this is the lock cylinder of the corresponding system itself. Often, a lock breakdown comes down to a malfunction of the cylinder, and you can limit yourself to replacing it. What types of cylinders exist for metal door locks and how to choose the right one?

Lock cylinder design

The cylinder for a mortise lock consists of a cylinder with grooves. The grooves contain spring-loaded plates. The key (a metal blank with grooves) presses the plates. The cylinder rotates and drives the crossbar mechanism. The door closes (or opens, depending on the direction of rotation).

There are many versions of this basic design. Pins (pins, plates) can be positioned horizontally, vertically, or at an angle. Their number varies (it determines the level of secrecy), from two to thirty. There are double pins (one inside the other), magnetic, floating, etc. The grooves on the key are cut for a specific cylinder (i.e., for the required number of pins, taking into account their location).

The more complex the door lock cylinder (the design and the higher the secrecy), the more difficult it is for a burglar to open the door in an intelligent way.

Basic parameters of larvae

1. Cylinder length.

2. Displacement of the cam relative to the middle. Cylinders can be scalene or equilateral. In the latter, the cam is located strictly in the middle, in the former it is shifted to the side.

3. Presence/absence of a turntable. The cylinder with a pinwheel is more convenient: the door can be locked from the inside without a key.

4. Secrecy mechanism.

There are three levels of secrecy:

Important: when choosing door cylinders you need to be especially careful. Usually the mechanism is suitable only for its own lock model, and less often - for several models of the same manufacturer.

Low – up to 5 thousand combinations;

Average – up to a million;

High – up to 4 million.

Types of larvae

Larvae for door locks have features depending on which door the lock is installed on.

For metal entrance doors, mortise locks are most often used (they are installed in the end part of the door leaves). Sometimes their variety is inset (almost the same, only without the front panel). Inset locks are more often used as auxiliary locks, as well as for internal locking (cylinder with a pinwheel). The cylinder cylinder for the lock (mortise) is located in its body.

For wooden entrance doors (and for interior doors too) both mortise and rim locks can be used. For overhead locks, the cylinder is attached to the lock cover or directly to the door.

Popular lock cylinders with a pinwheel and those designed to be unlocked with a key on both sides.

Manufacturers and price

1. The price for a lock cylinder for Mottura (Italy) starts from 7 thousand.

2. Mul-t-lock (Israel) – from 5 thousand.

3. Lock cylinder Cisa (Italy) – from 8 thousand rubles.

4. Kale (Türkiye) – from two thousand.

5. Apecs (China) – from 600 rubles.

Of course, modern castles are reliable protection your home. But in reality it is not always sufficient. For complete security, we recommend that you also install a security system. Such a system, together with good locks, guarantees you one hundred percent confidence and safety. To install such a system, it is best to turn to professionals. We recommend paying attention to the company MK KRONA. Security systems– their main profile. You can find out all the information in the apartment security section.

Video “Replacing the door lock cylinder”:

When choosing cylinders for metal door locks, it is better to give preference to models with increased security. Indeed, nowadays it is possible to pick a regular lock in less than a minute.