Lock cylinder technical specifications. Lock cylinders for metal and wooden doors

The lock cylinder is the code part of the cylinder lock that provides security and moves the bolts. It is precisely because the larva is inserted inside the body and has an elongated oblong shape that it is called a “larva” in common parlance. A sort of steel embryo.

In fact, in a professional environment, the door lock cylinder is called a cylinder security mechanism. Abbreviated as "CMS".

This is the correct name for this important detail We will use the castle further in the text. But still, let’s leave the “larva” in some places for better indexing;)

You can buy a cylinder or cylinder security mechanism for a lock at a lock store. And get preliminary consultation- by phone numbers indicated above.

Quite often we hear the phrase from a buyer: “How can I replace the larva and what do I need to know to pick it up?” The request no longer comes as a surprise: to understand all the diversity cylinder mechanisms secrecy, their types, lengths and standards are very difficult for an unprepared person. In this article, we will look at the important parameters of the CMS and clarify some of the nuances.

There are many types of CMS. Let's start with the most common ones, which comply with the European DIN (Europrofile) standard and are used everywhere.

This is what a buyer primarily associates with a “door lock cylinder”:

Europrofile standard mechanisms are produced in many countries: from China to Europe. The cost of a cylinder, depending on the model and manufacturer, can vary: from 150 rubles to 20,000 thousand rubles. The higher the quality and the more famous the brand of the mechanism, the more protective elements and innovative ideas are embodied in the lock cylinder, the higher its cost. For each model of a specific cylinder, you can write a separate material, for example, like a review article of the Slovenian CMS TITAN K56.

We will not dwell on any specific product here; we will consider only the main parameters when choosing a cylinder.

Lock cylinder length and offset

We're sure you don't need to explain the calculation of the total length of a cylinder - it's the distance from one edge to the other. The required length of the cylinder is selected taking into account the thickness of the door leaf and based on which cylinder lock you have chosen.

As we can see, the two parts of the cylinder are separated by a rotary cam. The width of the turning cam is always 10 mm.

The displacement of the cylinder is measured from the middle of the mounting screw hole in both directions: outer and inner.

An equilateral cylinder is one in which both parts are equal in length. A scalene cylinder has different lengths of the same parts.

For example, below is a versatile cylinder mechanism English type Turkish production Kale Kilit with a total length of 71 mm. Often used on plastic doors.

Second example: a versatile cylinder mechanism made in China with a total length of 90 mm. This is the size of the lock cylinder that is now popular on Chinese doors.

A cylinder of the correct length should not protrude too much beyond the plane of the door leaf. If it is a wooden door, the cylinder should be installed flush with the decorative trim or with the handle strip (up to 3 mm of peeking is allowed). If an armor plate is installed on a cylinder lock, the length of the outer part of the cylinder will depend on the specific armor plate, the method of its installation and the specific door.

There are no fundamental requirements for the length of the inner part of the cylinder. But if with inside the mechanism will also be flush with the door trim or decorative trim, it will look aesthetically pleasing and harmonious.

Lock cylinder with pinwheel

For ease of use, the door lock cylinder may have a rotary pinwheel. It allows you to lock and open the cylinder lock from the inside without a key. At the same time, the turntables have no “dead spots” - in any position, the lock will always open with the original key.

Equilateral Chinese cylinder mechanism 60 mm long, with a rotating pinwheel from the inside:

Versatile Italian movement 72 mm long, with internal rotary knob (enlarged inner part cylinder is designed for thickness interior panel doors):

Other security cylinder standards

If the cylinders described above fit certain standards and can be installed in any cylinder lock body, then the following considered security mechanisms have different sizes and are strictly individually suitable for one specific lock (or for some models of one manufacturer). For example, a cross cylinder mechanism from the Turkish company “KALE KILIT”.

Suitable only for locks of this type (can be installed in locks from other Turkish manufacturers (for example, FAYN), or with minor modifications, for locks made in China (for example, 3M)).

And here is the domestic cross-key secrecy mechanism:

Suitable only for locks made in Kirov. And as you probably already understood, the Kirov mechanism cannot be inserted into the KALE KILIT case and vice versa.

For some domestic rim locks, it is possible to purchase a cylinder separately. For example, the frequently broken “FORT” mechanism, which is only suitable for locks manufactured in the city of Petrozavodsk.

The locks are of terrible quality, the security mechanism and lock components are made mostly of silumin (a very fragile alloy), hence frequent breakdowns and, of course, the opportunity to purchase a new cylinder! In the next photo, from left to right, you can see the cylinder mechanisms for the Glazov and Iset rim locks.

Their problem is the same - soft materials and poor workmanship. Often such specific cylinders (cylinder selection options best quality no) are ordered and manufactured in China.

If you need to replace a lock cylinder in Nizhny Novgorod, our specialists service department always at your service by phone +7-987-110-30-43.

We will first find out what will suit you, advise you on prices and, after agreement, we will send a specialist to you for a replacement.

Our company's assortment includes a huge selection of CMS. We sell both cheap Turkish and Chinese-made larvae, as well as highly secret CMS from renowned European manufacturers. If, after reading the material, the lock cylinder still raises questions, we are always happy to advise you in the comments under this material.

Removable larvae for door locks were invented more than 100 years ago and turned out to be one of the most successful inventions in this field. Why spend money on expensive locking when you can simply replace the lock cylinder? front door. Today we will tell you how to select and install a door lock cylinder.

The door lock cylinder is one of the most successful inventions in this area.

Locks in wood and iron door almost the same ones are used, but installing a lock in a metal door is considered more challenging task, especially if it is a safe-type design, so it is easier and cheaper to change only the cylinder.

But before replacing the larva in door lock you need to figure out what kind of mechanism is installed there. There are 3 types of such structures:

1. Disk;
2. Cross-shaped;
3. Cylinder.

Cylinder mechanisms have several other names, for example, English, pin or pin, but the principle of operation and the appearance of all these designs are similar.

The disk cylinder of the front door lock has a round keyhole and is unlocked with a semicircular key with notches. At the end of the last century it was considered reliable, but then people figured it out and now disk larvae are not popular.

In fact, their only advantages are affordable price and simple replacement of the door lock cylinder.

Replacing the door lock disc cylinder is not difficult, but it is not reliable.

The next contender is the cross larva. The situation here is approximately the same. Despite the fact that a key with 4 edges seems reliable at first glance, in reality the cylinder’s structure is more than simple.

To open the cross mechanism without a key, robbers don’t even need to drill it out, they just remove or they move the decorative trim and turn the mechanism with a powerful screwdriver or some similar device. So if you have such a mechanism, it is better to change the lock.

Cross mechanisms are considered the least reliable.

Cylinder mechanism. Changing the cylinder in the lock is also not particularly difficult here, but over more than 100 years of development, the reliability of cylindrical heads has become several orders of magnitude higher than that of the two previous options. Plus, such mechanisms have several modifications.

Classic scheme of the English mechanism.

There is no particular point in dwelling in detail on the cross and disk mechanisms; experts do not recommend using them, but if such a mechanism is already installed, then you can watch the video in this article and read how to change or drill out the cylinder in the locks.

By the way, if you have the so-called lever lock with a butterfly key, there is no cylinder at all, this is a completely different type of design, here you will have to change the entire lock. True, there are level models with reconstruction for a different key, but their price is high.

This is what a lever lock with a butterfly key looks like.

Subtleties of choosing a cylinder cylinder

Before you choose anything, you must first remove the lock cylinder and figure out what type of cylinder you have installed. The fact is that while the larva is in the door leaf, you will not understand anything, because visually they are similar and only taking off mechanism, it can be accurately measured.

A few words about disassembly and replacement

How to remove the larva:

• Before disassembling the larva, it is advisable to lubricate it, use ordinary machine oil, it can be found in any hardware store;
• First of all, when disassembling, insert the key into the keyhole and set the mechanism to the neutral position - open;
• Next, we disassemble the locking system: just below the locking “tongue” (from the end of the blade) you will find a screw - this screw must be completely unscrewed and removed;
• Now carefully pull out the lock cylinder in any direction.

How to replace a lock cylinder - step by step steps.

If the cylinder does not pull out, then try moving the key around the axis; perhaps the locking “pawl” has not reached the zero position.

Replacing the lock cylinder of the front door with your own hands, however, is not a difficult task, step-by-step instruction, with all the recommendations presented.

All cylinder-type larvae are manufactured according to the single international DIN standard, although there is also a RIM standard, but it is quite rare. Within these standards there are 2 types of structures:

The front dimensions of the cylinder type cylinder are in accordance with the DIN standard.

1. Key + key is when keys can be inserted on both sides of the door leaf. The good thing about this option is that if you insert the keys into the keyhole from the inside, then it is no longer possible to unlock the mechanism from the outside;
2. Key + wrap - here the door is closed from the inside with a wrap. The mechanism is considered safer, since in case of an emergency the doors are easier to open from the inside.

When choosing a lock cylinder, you need to choose the correct size of the mechanism.

The level of secrecy of the mechanism depends on the number of pins; they are the ones that fit into the cutouts on the key, repeating the pattern. The pins are located at the bottom of the head and are pressed against the key by internal springs.

In economy class, no more than 5 pins are placed; in such mechanisms, the probability of selecting a key is limited to 10,000 options.

The mechanism with six pins is considered the most popular; here the number of selection options increases to 50,000.

In the high-end sector, manufacturers install more than 6 pins, plus some of them may have additional secrets. In these models, the level of secrecy starts from 100,000 options and can reach several million.

The level of secrecy of the mechanism depends on the number of pins.

The simplest criterion for choosing a cylinder is its mass. When buying a mechanism, pay attention to the weight, so if the head weighs up to 100 grams, then you are dealing with a cheap fake and it will last no more than a month.

Low weight indicates that the mechanism parts were made in best case scenario made of aluminum, and most often they are made of silumin, which is even worse. By saving a couple of hundred you can lock the doors and find yourself trapped. The minimum for such a mechanism is 180 - 200 grams.

When purchasing a cylinder, pay attention to the weight of the mechanism.

The main protection against drilling of the mechanism is steel pins made of hardened metal. Not a single drill, not even a drill with Pobedit soldering such a pin will not be able to overcome.

Steel pins protect the lock from drilling.

There are larvae with so-called vertical key milling, they are also called laser keys. Popular rumor ascribes to these mechanisms an increased level of protection, so, there is nothing extraordinary in these mechanisms, you are being deceived, this head opens just as easily as the English one.

Among robbers, there is a hacking method called “Bumping”; to put it simply, it is simply knocking out the cylinder from the lock. A device like a chisel is placed, and with one strong blow with a sledgehammer the mechanism is knocked out.

There are also several ways to protect against bumping. One of the most common is installing a double-sided steel spring, as in the photo below. Naturally, this protection is provided by the manufacturer himself.

One of the options for protecting the larva from being knocked out.

Among middle and luxury class locks, the most reliable are mechanisms with magnetic pins. In this case, a small magnet is built into the key and when the key is inserted into the keyhole, a certain pin reacts to this magnet. Traditional master keys are powerless here.

Cylinders with magnetic key are considered one of the most protected.

People often determine the quality of a larva by its cost. According to experts, you shouldn’t even pay attention to mechanisms that cost 200 rubles. Secrets for 350 – 400 rubles. are already more reliable.

Determining the quality of a mechanism by its price is a good way, but not always reliable. From a particularly “greedy” merchant on the market you can buy not the most best product, so the price is to some extent a lottery.

Briefly about the manufacturers

The Mauer brand is famous for its unique reliability; the developers have especially advanced in providing protection against the so-called intelligent hacking, in other words, against master keys.

The vast majority of Mottura models are well protected from bumping, but they have another problem - the designers paid little attention to drilling the cylinders, which is no less important than insurance against knocking out.

Among our manufacturers, we can highlight products from the Astex Trading and Riko trademarks; in recent years, these brands have greatly displaced foreigners in the middle price niche.

Many professionals recommend installing a cylinder with good protection from drilling and picks, and protecting the mechanism from knocking out with a separate armor plate, so you get more complete protection for quite reasonable money. Among the manufacturers of armor linings, the leaders are Cisa and the above-mentioned Mottura.

Conclusion

Finally, I would like to answer a frequently asked question regarding self-repair mechanism. So, repairing the lock cylinder at home is impossible. More precisely, you can repair it; the key will turn, but the cylinder will begin to open even with a pin. So only replacing the cylinder will help.

Repairing the larva of a house is difficult, almost impossible.

One of the most popular, sought-after, reliable and constantly developing systems locking mechanisms is cylinder. She was born just over a hundred years ago.

This system is easy to use, does not require any extra effort when opening the lock, and if the key is lost, it is enough to replace only the cylinder without touching the entire locking mechanism. Another undoubted advantage of cylinder type locks is that all cylinders are combined with locks different manufacturers. If you need to replace the cylinder, which will meet all quality standards, you should understand which cylinder is better. We’ll talk about how to really choose the best cylinder in this article.

What kind of tricky “beast” is this cylinder?

First, let's try to figure out what a cylinder is. This is a special device with which the bolts are opened - the force of the key turned in the keyhole is transmitted to the internal mechanism that ensures the movement of the shutoff valves. In addition, it is in the cylinder that all the secrecy of the lock is hidden.

The incredible accuracy and peculiarity of the cylinder structure allows only the “original” key supplied with the product to open the lock (most often there are from three to five “original” keys).

The cylinders are available in two of the most popular shades, harmonizing with locks and doors of any color:

• nickel plated;
• brass

Depending on the type of locking mechanism, cylinders come in two systems:

• key-key (a key is used to close or open the door from the outside and inside);
• key-screw (the lock is opened and closed from the outside with a key, and from the inside - with a rotary handle).

When trying to understand which cylinder is better, you should realize that no matter how reliable the mechanism is, it needs the additional protection that is provided.

How to buy the perfect cylinder

There are many types of cylinders, distributed according to the level of secrecy and reliability, resistance to force. The main parameters that you first need to pay attention to are:

• ease of operation;
• durability and wear resistance;
• reliability.

How wear-resistant the lock is directly depends on the quality of the internal components of the product, as well as the materials from which they are made. The lubricant used in the device must be taken into account.

If we add here the build quality of the components and the entire device as a whole, then we can talk about the reliability of the mechanism. The higher the reliability and wear resistance of the cylinder, the lower the likelihood that at some point it may refuse to function or will be opened with a master key.

Is there no method against scrap?

The reliability of the cylinder also depends on how effectively it can withstand forceful hacking options:

• drilling;
• knocking out;
• breaking;
• tearing out, etc.

Today there are many developments that help counter any of the above options. First of all, they relate to the raw materials from which they are made - for example, it can be hardened steel or other hard alloys undergoing hardening. Almost no drill can take such materials.

Separately, we can recall Mauer cylinders, made using a special “red line” technology, when when trying to break the mechanism, only the front part breaks off, and the cylinder itself remains inaccessible to burglars, but at the same time continues to function reliably when using the original key.

Almost all cylinder models trademark Mottura (Mottura), in turn, are equipped with a special knock-out protection system, and therefore they effectively resist any method of force, except drilling.

Most cylinder manufacturers offer consumers to purchase additional cylinders, which will significantly increase the security of the mechanism and, accordingly, the safety of the room.

Therefore, when determining which cylinder is better, do not forget about the linings, which are divided into two types depending on the installation option:

• mortise;
• invoices.

The first type of lining is mounted on the lock. The company's products are considered one of the most reliable. It is virtually impossible to tear these models away from the door leaf, and therefore their protective properties are incredibly high.

The overhead protection is mounted on the outer door leaf. Although, they are often considered more decorative, since they provide protection from drilling only until they are torn off. The most popular products are from Kale, Ritko and others.

Intelligent cylinder protection

One of the options for opening cylinders is the intelligent method, the essence of which is the selection of keys and master keys. Modern models cylinders resist quite effectively this method, however, not all. For example, cheap devices wear out quite quickly, making them easy to open with any key.

In general, the burglary resistance of cylinders is divided into several classes and depends on the time it takes the attacker to open it. The simplest, weakly protected cylinders open in two to three minutes. It takes a burglar at least half an hour to open expensive, complex mechanisms. However, in most cases, robbers simply don’t have that much time. Therefore, if you really want to understand which cylinder is better, ask the seller for documentation accompanying the product. It must indicate the burglary resistance class of the mechanism.

To avoid opening the cylinder with a master key, manufacturers equip the internal secret part with false grooves into which the master key falls. Small wells are quite common complex design, into which it is extremely difficult to insert a master key.

Reliable cylinders must also effectively withstand the so-called automatic master keys, which operate on the principle of vibration, leading to the opening of the locking elements. In theory, even the most expensive and reliable model of cylinder can be opened in this way, however, as practice shows, in fact it only works on inexpensive models, and even then not always.

One of the most common methods of opening locks is “bumping,” when a pre-prepared key model is inserted into the keyhole and hit with all the force with a hammer or other heavy tool. As a result of such an impact, the pins and pins diverge and turn easily. Modern expensive models of locking mechanisms easily resist this method of hacking due to several factors:

1. A small keyhole, for which it is difficult to select a workpiece.
2. Durable internal elements and components that can withstand increased force loads during impact.

There are many models designed to withstand “bumping”, but in general, cylinders from many companies can withstand this method hacking For example, these are products from the following manufacturers:

• EVVA;
• Mul-t-lock;
• Cisa et al.

The most popular hacking methods were given above, but there are others. In practice, they are not actually used, since they have long become ineffective. Such methods include the use of acid, which, according to some, corrodes the internal filling of the mechanism. However, on the metal used in locks, under the influence of acid, a salt coating is formed, which does not allow the acid to have any further effect. Negative influence. In addition, the internal parts of cylinders and locks today are most often made of hardened steel or cupronickel, which are virtually unaffected by the effects of acid.

A big secret

When trying to determine which cylinder is better, be sure to check its security rating. This concept often used to express the number of possible combinations of a cylinder created by its pins. According to manufacturers, the most reliable models cannot have less than a thousand combinations, and in elite, expensive cylinders the number of combinations reaches several million.

In fact, everything is much more complicated and the concept of secrecy should include many characteristics, including:

• wear resistance;
• resistance to force;
• resistance to intellectual influence;
• number of cylinder combinations;
• the probability of opening the lock with keys similar to the “native” one, etc.

In addition to the above characteristics, the secrecy of the cylinder is directly influenced by the quality of its manufacture, which has a positive effect on its durability and reliability.

What are the prices for cylinders for the people?

The easiest way to determine which is better is to look at its cost. Thus, even a schoolchild can easily open the cheapest models in a matter of minutes by reading or watching relevant literature or videos on the Internet. Quite often, the cheapest cylinders are sold even without packaging, indicating the manufacturer. Such products not only cannot increase the protective properties of the door, but also fail very quickly, which leads to the need to buy a new product and, accordingly, additional money expenses.

Buying a cheap cylinder is only justified if it is purchased as a temporary constipation. For example, when conducting repair work in a newly purchased apartment, which in the future involve the purchase new door with a full, reliable lock.

For the entrance door to an apartment or house, it is recommended to purchase medium cylinders price category. Models from this group of products are significantly superior to cheap products in terms of reliability and ability to withstand various options hacking Even an experienced specialist will have to spend a lot of time opening the lock, drilling or knocking it out, making a lot of noise, which will attract neighbors or people simply passing by. And even then, such opening options are not always effective, since hardened steel is used to produce cylinders, which prevents the product from breaking. Considering the use of modern, reliable materials, cylinders in the mid-price category operate flawlessly for many years, do not break down and do not require replacement. Models in this price category are installed in at least 70% of doors.

The third category of cylinders, the most expensive, guarantees the maximum level of protection and safety. Only hacking geniuses, of whom there are not so many in the world, can open them. Cylinders of this type able to withstand force and intellectual hacking methods. Particularly durable materials innovative developments, used in the production of locks of this type, can even completely block the device at the slightest attempt to break into it, be it drilling or selecting master keys. Naturally, the cost of such cylinders, used in conjunction with specially designed ones, is incredibly high. It is recommended to install them only if you are confident in the overall reliability of the door, which cannot be broken or cut off its hinges. Otherwise, spending on expensive cylinders is not entirely justified and it is better to limit yourself to a locking mechanism in the middle price category.

We hope you can now understand which cylinder is better and purchase a truly reliable and durable mechanism. When purchasing a product, be sure to take into account all the above parameters and characteristics of the cylinders. Do not be guided only by the promises of the seller and the fame of the brand that produces the mechanisms.

The cylinder is the main secret part of the lock, containing a special code. When choosing and purchasing a new lock, manufacturers reserve the buyer the right to choose the cylinder for the locking mechanism. Buying a new cylinder is also necessary if the old one breaks or the key is lost.

Lock cylinder parameters

First of all, you need to decide which cylinder is needed for the lock in each specific case. If, for example, for the lock cylinder there is a through groove in the form of a drop, the dimensions of which are: 34 mm in height, 10 mm in the width of the protruding part of the part, and 17 mm in the diameter of the rounded part, then such a lock cylinder is made according to European standards DIN. When choosing a European standard larva, certain difficulties may arise. Of course, any cylinder is suitable for the lock, since they all have the same dimensions. On the other hand, we have a wide range of products.

If the larva does not correspond to European standard sizes or has a different shape, then there is not much choice here, and only the same mechanism from a certain manufacturer will do. In the worst case scenario, it could be a Chinese copy of very dubious quality.

Separately, it is necessary to note some models of locks from popular manufacturers from Israel - Mul-t-lock and SuperLock. These models comply with European standards and are equipped with a non-standard drive, which has the form of a gear rather than a cam. However, this does not pose any problem, since manufacturers of lock secrets supply their products with gear drives, so for such locks you can easily select a cylinder from any suitable manufacturer.

It should be noted that with the same cross-section, the length of the outer and inner parts of the cylinders may differ. In this case, the length of the internal part of the larva affects only the appearance of the part. The most important thing is that the end of the secret itself is not hidden behind the decorative lining of the lock or door handle. As for the length of the outer part, it plays a more important role. If the design of the lock does not imply the presence of an armored lining, then the end of the cylinder must be strictly at the same level as the door strip. In this case, a small protrusion is allowed - no more than 3 mm.



The larger the protrusion, the easier it is for a thief to open the larva by destroying it using, for example, a regular hammer. If there is an armored lining, then the end of the secretion should be as close as possible to its surface.

Types of keys and quality of lock cylinder secrets

The type of larvae mechanism can most easily be determined by appearance key For example, classic cylinder locks operate with an English key. The blade of such a key is flat or shaped, equipped with a toothed cut, reminiscent of a saw blade.

All locking elements are in the same plane. Almost all cylinder-type locks belong to the budget segment of products. You can buy an inexpensive cylinder that can be opened with an English key for those premises that are not at great risk of being opened, or in cases where there is a need to provide the key to the premises to strangers.



If the key is cross-shaped, then such a lock can be easily broken. Despite the fact that the cross-shaped key looks quite impressive, the secret of the lock contains only a few hundred combinations, which makes selecting a master key much easier. In addition, the hole of such a lock is convenient and wide enough for working with a master key. Such a lock will only help against “ good people", for professional thieves it does not pose a serious obstacle. The Chinese especially like to make cross-shaped mechanisms.



A semicircular disk wrench for DIN standard cylinders is quite rare, and the attitude towards such products is quite ambiguous. In the vast majority of cases this is very simple mechanisms with minimal resistance to hacking and basic security. However, there are also very reliable products, mainly from Finnish manufacturer Abloy. That is why such keys are usually called Finnish. If you decide to buy a mechanism of this type, then you should choose Abloy products.



The most serious protection can be provided by locking mechanisms that are opened using a punched card key. This key looks like a rectangular plate with a large number of recesses and grooves. Perforated keys are double-sided and are inserted horizontally into the keyhole. Larvae of this type belong to the middle price category. It is almost impossible to open them using conventional means. To enter a room, criminals use special equipment or try to destroy the entire lock or door.



Resistance of different types of locking mechanisms to opening

The highest quality and most reliable keys are made on the basis of special designs - punched cards. For reliability, manufacturers equip mechanisms with special magnetic or electronic recognition systems, combine different types secrets. In addition to indentations and protrusions, the surface of the key may also contain lateral teeth, various kinds irregularly shaped grooves, etc. All secret elements are located with some offset from the vertical direction, asymmetrically.

For any key, you can choose a cylinder of suitable quality. If the cylinder mechanism is “sharpened” primarily for secrecy, then the materials from which all the moving parts of the lock mechanism are made are responsible for its service life. It is preferable that all the main elements of the castle are steel. If a manufacturer uses silumin, brass and other low-quality and fragile materials, this is a bad manufacturer and the quality of its products is corresponding.

Most buyers traditionally consider the level of secrecy to be the main indicator of the quality of a larva. But in practice, the very concept of “secrecy” is rather conditional.

It implies that the mechanism contains a number of associated elements that occupy a certain position necessary to unlock the lock.

The simplest and cheapest models have only 4-5 pairs of pins, the point of contact of which must be strictly on the turning line to ensure free rotation of the core. Inside the complex and expensive devices the number of pins reaches 12 or more pairs. In any case, the number of possible combinations indicates more about the technical perfection of the lock than about its “secrecy,” which depends, first of all, on the quality of work and the features of the technological process.



Thus, the number of mating pairs of parts is of secondary importance, and the method of arrangement and location of the pins relative to each other comes first. Developers of locking mechanisms first of all try to make the task as difficult as possible for burglars - they make a keyhole small size and complex shapes, supply the lock additional elements, which prevent the pick from working effectively, create false channels and moves, complicate the topography of the contact surfaces, add the need to make an extra turn, etc. - To list all the methods of combating lock picking, a separate article is needed.

Thus, even mechanisms with an average level of security can greatly complicate the work of even the most experienced burglar - as a result, opening the lock will take a long time, if possible at all.

However, criminals are also watching developments modern technologies. IN Lately The so-called bumping has become particularly widespread. This hacking method does not require any special qualifications or preliminary preparation. All you need is a set of special bumper keys different configurations. Such a key is inserted into the keyhole, turned slightly to slightly tighten the mechanism, after which the attacker strikes the head of the bump key. Vibration causes the elements of the lock to move into the desired position, and the lock opens.



Bumping protection can be ensured using special electronic or magnetic codes, as well as installing special cylinders without springs.

The lock cylinder is the coded part of the mechanism, which ensures the secrecy of the structure and moves the bolts. Because the cylinder is inserted inside the body and looks like an oblong part, it was popularly called a “larva.”

Many buyers are wondering how to choose a cylinder for a lock, what needs to be taken into account and, in general, what types of this mechanism exist. Let's try to understand all the structural diversity of "larvae" by considering the basic standards, parameters and nuances.

Before choosing a cylinder, you should know that there are many types of “larvae”. Let us designate the most common models that meet European DIN standards (Europrofile). In addition, their widespread use has supplanted other similar types of cylinders.

Certified mechanisms are produced in many countries: from Japan to Portugal. The price of the "larva" directly depends on design features and manufacturer (from 100 to 30,000 rubles). The more serious the brand and better mechanism, the higher its cost. Here you can add some innovative ideas, original material, etc.

In order for the average person to understand how to choose a cylinder, it is necessary to clarify the basic parameters responsible for the operation of the mechanism.

Length and offset

The first parameter is length: the distance from one edge of the cylinder to the other. Depending on the thickness of the door leaf and lock, the dimensions vary.

The next thing is the displacement of the "larva". As a rule, the cylinder is divided by a rotary cam, which is shifted to one side, dividing the mechanism into outer and inner parts. If the cam is exactly in the middle, then the cylinder is considered equilateral.

Dimensions

For example, the dimensions of the cylinders for Turkish-made locks of the English type are as follows: 71 mm with an offset of 40 and 31 mm, respectively. This design is used mainly in plastic products: office and verandas, gazebos, etc.

The most common cylinder sizes for locks are Chinese mechanisms with a total length of 90 mm. This size is commonly used at entrance and interior doors made in China, which literally flooded our market.

When choosing a lock for a cylinder, it is important to take into account that the entire structure does not protrude beyond the plane of the door leaf on either one side or the other. If the door is made of wood, then the “cylinder” should be flush with the decorative trim. The maximum permissible protrusion of the “larva” is 3 mm: anything that goes beyond this limit can easily be used by burglars. If the lock is equipped with an armored lining, then the length of the outer part of the mechanism will depend on the specific dimensions of this lining and the door itself.

Cylinder for lock with pinwheel

Sometimes the cylinder may be equipped with a rotary spinner for convenience. It allows you to easily open and close the mechanism without a key. It is worth noting that the turntable has no “dead” points, so no matter the position of the slider, the original key on the other side will always open the lock.

The main model range is represented on our market by Chinese manufacturers (60 mm mechanism) and more expensive Italian models with a rotary handle (72 mm).

Other cylinder standards

If the models indicated above are suitable for almost any lock and you can safely buy them at standard doors, then the following mechanisms have specific dimensions and may only be suitable for specific design or one manufacturer. Therefore, always pay attention to the "cylinder" specification before choosing a cylinder.

The most striking example of originality is the products of the Turkish company Kale Kilit. Their locks are highly reliable, but are only suitable for mechanisms of the same type. Some competent craftsmen can convert a Chinese lock into a cylinder from Kale Kilit, thereby obtaining a significantly reduced cost of the mechanism.

Domestic castles

Domestic producers do not lag behind imported ones, although prices for similar quality are sometimes higher than Turkish ones. Kirov cylinders with a cross key have proven themselves to be excellent, and just as in the previous case, a domestic mechanism cannot be inserted into an imported case and vice versa.

Before choosing a cylinder, you should take into account that for some domestic mechanisms you can purchase a “cylinder” separately. A striking example is the often breaking “Fort” mechanism, which is produced in Petrozavodsk. The obvious cheapness of the design has its undeniable disadvantages: the security mechanisms, together with the main components of the cylinder, are made of waste and fragile silumin alloy, hence the frequency of breakdowns, and at the same time the opportunity to buy a new cylinder assembly (good

Other domestic mechanisms like Glazov and Iset suffer from similar problems: the materials are too fragile, coupled with the low quality of the product. But, unlike Kirov locks, specific cylinders are not sold separately by factories, so you have to order them in China.

Secret

In most cases, the cylinder is the weakest link in the locking mechanism. Attackers break them, drill them out, or simply pick up a master key, so reliable secret The castle is the main obstacle to this kind of encroachment. You need to choose the mechanism wisely and there is no point in saving on the cylinder. Let's look at the main hacking methods and how to avoid them.

Selection of master keys. A smart manufacturer always equips its mechanisms with false grooves, significantly complicating the process of selecting a key.

Bumping. The method is based on brute force: any suitable key is inserted into the hole, then it is struck with a hammer. The pins and pins come apart and the mechanism is no longer useful. In this case, high-strength cylinder material and a non-standard well help.

Drilling. The only protection against this type of hacking is reinforced alloys and metals that cannot be drilled.

Knocking out. The main protection is again the materials from which the cylinder is made. The best option- these are carbide elements that do not bend, do not crumble and reliably protect against this type of hacking.

Summarizing

When choosing a cylinder for a lock, you should never save money. Good materials They are not cheap, so a junk Chinese design for 300-500 rubles will not save you even from an amateur scammer. It is also worth considering factors such as the durability of the mechanism, design and ease of operation. If you have children in your family to whom you entrust the key, then the lock should not be an obstacle to quickly getting home. Be sure to take this point into account. Sometimes, in pursuit of anti-burglary mechanisms, people forget about such obvious things as ease of use, and suffer with inconvenient keys and tricky locks. Therefore, this factor must also be taken into account.