Against the background of the emergence of more and more new locking systems, including those based on modern electronic principles of operation, traditional devices remain popular. These include cylindrical mechanisms that provide reliability acceptable to most private homeowners. I must say that this is far from the best option even among the classic solutions, but it is appreciated for its many operational advantages. In addition, a cylinder lock is one of the most affordable options, which is also important. It is not difficult to find locks of this family on the domestic market, but not every one of them will be able to properly perform its function. In order not to be disappointed in the choice, you should take a closer look at the features and capabilities of locks of this kind.
Cylinder lock device
As with other types of mechanical locks, the secret component of the cylindrical device is encased in a metal case. The basis of the secret is formed by pin elements - code and locking. In the first case, we are talking about a set of elements that simultaneously interact with both the key and the pins of the locking group. In turn, the locking pins are adjacent tocode pins elements that ensure the locking of the rotor in relation to the body.
One of the most important components in terms of action mechanics is the rotor, or plug. Actually, this is a movable core, thanks to which the cylindrical lock provides interaction between the user and the locking system. In the body of the rotor there are holes in which the said locking and combination pins are present. In order for the locking system to assume its original state when closed, the design also provides for spring mechanisms that return the pins.
Operation principle
The essence of this type of locks is based on the blocking of the rotor by pins, which are mechanically controlled by a spring block. Again, the locking manipulations are implemented in relation to the body. Most importantly, when using a standard, that is, a suitable key, both groups of pins line up in one line. This configuration allows the rotor to turn. When using a "non-native" key, the corresponding placement of the pins will not occur, respectively, there will be no rotation of the rotor. How reliable the lock mechanism is is shown precisely by the complexity of the pin arrangement: the more intricate the algorithm for their relative position, the more difficult the attacker's task of hacking will be. However, opening such locks through repulse with pins is almost impossible today.
The highest, but also doubtful probability of such a rebuff is present in Chinese cylindrical locks. But in this case toothe problem of weak secrecy is due not so much to the initial gap in the design of the pins as to their low quality. As practice shows, in cheap mechanisms elementary wear of sensitive pins occurs, therefore, after a long time of operation, the number of suitable selections of repulse variations increases. Therefore, in the question of which lock is better, one should first of all note the reliability of the internal filling in terms of physical strength and wear resistance. And now it is worth considering in more detail the more realistic approaches of attackers to hacking cylindrical systems.
Methods of cracking a cylinder lock
One of the common hacking options involves knocking out the insert using a hammer or sledgehammer. The fact is that the insert itself has a weak fixation point, so this option is theoretically possible. After a successful attempt to break at the attachment points, all that remains is to remove the core with a screwdriver. Another theoretically possible method is the drilling of tsugals. The insert is drilled slightly lower in level than the keyhole location. Having coped with the cuffs responsible for typing the code for the key, you can simply deprive the cylinder mechanism of secrecy.
Now it's still worth paying attention to opening attempts with the help of master keys. The task of the master key is to line up the pins in one line. However, this method is not possible today with most locks, even in theory, as manufacturers complicate the ability of keys to enter the core of the rotor.
Security properties
Not every cylinder mechanism has a high degree of protection against burglary. At the very least, we can talk about differences in the level of secrecy between different models. According to the regulations, the security qualities must correspond to the degree of potential danger against which a particular lock is designed. Although the cylinder mechanism is not certified in Russia, information on the class of secrecy can be found in the marking. Today, four degrees of protective properties are distinguished.
The first class is minimal and is not recommended as a primary barrier against an attacker. Even the second class justifies itself if it is planned to be integrated into a door that is not the only security frontier. For city apartments, for example, it is recommended to use models of locks of the third and fourth security classes.
Types of cylinder locks
There are different modifications depending on the internal configuration of the location of the pins. For example, there are single-row models, which are both classic locking and with code systems. Such devices are usually made of steel and brass. Double-sided models require the use of appropriate keys. The presence of a two-row system does not double, but significantly increases reliability. You can also find a cylindrical lock, in which the pins turn. However, this option is less common compared to cruciform locks. Similar models can be recognized even with a cursory examination of the keyhole - as can be seen fromname, it has a cruciform shape. The key itself differs in the same way. According to experts, the most reliable mechanism, the key of which has conical milling at the end.
Pros of the cylindrical mechanism
Such models are easy to use. The mechanism does not cause any particular difficulties in handling, and the keys are compact in size, which is also a plus. Also, if a malfunction is detected in the cylinder itself, it can be replaced. Today, manufacturers produce unified cases for models of this type, so it will be enough to update only the core. There is another advantage. You can install such a lock on the door with the expectation of future improvement. According to experts, the design of most cylindrical mechanisms is fully upgraded with technological improvement.
Cons of cylindrical locks
Of course, there are disadvantages of this system, which are important to consider when buying. First of all, this is a relatively low level of burglary resistance. And this applies to the so-called quiet, and to power methods. Especially when it comes to inexpensive models of initially low quality. Nevertheless, a low level of reliability can be spoken of only in the context of comparison with more advanced modern devices of other types. Against their background, of course, not every cylindrical lock will be able to compete successfully. On the other hand, large manufacturers have not yet abandoned this concept, regularly improving the technical reliability of suchmechanics.
Differences from the lever mechanism
Cylindrical mechanisms are generally similar to lever mechanisms in terms of performance. But there are important fundamental differences. So, lever systems still have a higher level of security. But this is part of the secrecy. The fact is that manufacturers insure secrets against hacking by additional means, in particular by introducing false grooves. But if we talk about power breaking, then, for example, a lever mortise lock, which is considered the most reliable in the class, also has many weaknesses in the design. A feature of such locks is a wider through hole for the key, through which both air flows and noise pass. This drawback also applies to cylinder models, but to a lesser extent.
Lock manufacturers
Despite the variety of models available on the market, there are not as many truly reliable products as there are manufacturers that have proven themselves from the best side. The Elbor and Guardian companies have been popular in Russia for a long time. They produce fairly high-quality locks, but without any special technological innovations. If you need a modern, functional door lock that should provide the highest level of protection, then it is better to immediately turn to the KALE and Abloy models. These are less known, but large and conscientious manufacturers of cylindrical and lever mechanisms. True, their modifications cost a lot of money.
Question of price
I must say that cylindrical models do not leave the windows of specialized stores because, thanks to a relatively simple mechanism, they cover a wide segment in the budget niche. The cheapest models are estimated at 3-4 thousand rubles. The middle segment is represented by locks from 10 thousand. If reliable locks with modern principles of user interaction are required, then about 20-30 thousand should be prepared. As a rule, these are models that can also be interfaced with the electronic infrastructure of alarm systems.
How to choose the right lock?
Starting the choice is with the brand of the model and the assessment of the level of secrecy. It is desirable to purchase a lock from a family of large manufacturers of the level of the mentioned companies. With regard to secrecy, in order to assess the appropriate class, potential risks should also be identified initially. For example, a mortise lock with a cylinder mechanism is fully capable of cutting off threats from most ordinary burglars. If you purchase a model of the fourth class of secrecy and supplement it with another locking mechanism as support, then you can not worry about the level of security at all. You should also take into account all the nuances of the choice of design. If the core can be replaced in the future, then it is desirable to install the case with the expectation of long-term use. The choice evaluates the configuration of the "box", as well as its parameters.
Conclusion
With all the shortcomings regarding the level of reliability, cylindrical devices arethe best solution for most consumers. This is due to ease of installation, and undemanding maintenance, as well as the possibility of replacing the core and other positive qualities of the product. As for the direct task of ensuring safety, several conditions should be initially thought out that will increase the reliability of the mechanism. They should also be taken into account by those who decide to purchase a mortise lock as an alternative or additional solution. So, first of all, you should not save on the model. As already mentioned, high-quality internal filling is more important than the fundamental device of the secret. The second nuance concerns the installation operations - you should correctly approach the mechanical fixation of the case. Plus, do not forget about auxiliary systems and devices that generally increase the reliability of doors.
