Against the backdrop of the advent of all new lock 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 classical 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, however, not every one of them will be able to properly perform its function. In order not to be disappointed in the choice, it is necessary to understand in more detail the features and capabilities of castles of this kind.
Cylinder lock device
As with other types of mechanical locks, the secret component of the cylindrical device is enclosed in a metal case. The basis of the secretory 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 to the code pins elements that provide for the locking of the rotor in relation to the housing.
One of the most important components from the point of view of the mechanics of action is the rotor, or plug-in. Actually, this is a movable core, thanks to which a cylindrical lock provides interaction between the user and the locking system. In the body of the rotor there are holes in which the mentioned locking and combinational pins are present. In order for the locking system to take its original state when closed, the design also provides spring mechanisms that return the pins.
Operating principle
The essence of the action of locks of this type is based on the locking of the rotor with pins, which are mechanically controlled by the spring block. Again, the manipulation of the lock is implemented in relation to the body. Most importantly, when using a standard key, that is, a suitable key, both groups of pins are aligned in one line. This configuration allows the rotor to crank. When using a non-native key, the corresponding placement of pins will not occur, respectively, there will be no rotation of the rotor. How reliable the lock mechanism is, it is precisely the complexity of the pin device that shows: the more intricate the algorithm for their mutual arrangement, the more difficult the attacker’s hacking task will be. However, opening such locks through rebuffing with pins is almost impossible today.
The highest, but also doubtful likelihood of such a rebuff is present in Chinese cylindrical castles. But in this case, the problem of weak secrecy is caused not so much by the initial gap in the device of the pins, but by 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 collections of pressure variations increases. Therefore, in the question of which lock is better, the reliability of the inner filling in terms of physical strength and wear resistance should be noted first. And now it’s worthwhile to examine in more detail the more realistic approaches of attackers to hacking cylindrical systems.
Methods for breaking a cylinder lock
One common hacking option involves knocking out an insert using a hammer or sledgehammer. The fact is that the insertion itself has a weak fixation point, so this option is theoretically possible. After a successful failure attempt at the attachment points, it remains only to remove the core with a screwdriver. Another theoretically possible method is drilling boring mats. The insert is drilled a little lower in level than the location of the key hole. Having coped with the tsugalami responsible for the set of code for the key, you can simply deprive the cylinder mechanism of secrecy.
Now, nevertheless, it is worth paying attention to attempts to open with the help of master keys. The task of the master key is the same alignment of 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 features
Not every cylinder mechanism has a high degree of protection against burglary. At least we can talk about differences in the level of secrecy between different models. According to the standards, the protective qualities must correspond to the degree of potential danger for which a particular castle is designed to protect against. 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 it is not recommended to use it as the main barrier to an attacker. Even the second class justifies itself if it is planned to integrate it into the door, which is not the only border for ensuring security. For city apartments, for example, it is recommended to use models of locks of the third and fourth protection classes.
Types of cylinder locks
Different modifications are distinguished depending on the internal configuration of the location of the pins. For example, there are single-row models, which are both classic locking and code systems. Such devices are usually made of steel and brass. Bilateral models involve the use of appropriate keys. The presence of a two-row system is not doubled, but significantly increases reliability. You can also find a cylindrical lock, which pins rotate. However, this option is less common compared to cruciform locks. Similar models can be recognized even by a quick inspection of the keyhole - as the name implies, it has a cross-shaped shape. The key itself differs by the same sign. 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 operate. The mechanism does not cause any special difficulties in handling, and the keys have compact dimensions, 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 completely modernized with technological improvement.
Cons of cylinder locks
Of course, there are drawbacks to this system, which are important to consider when buying. First of all, this is a relatively low level of resistance to cracking. Moreover, this applies to the so-called quiet, and to force methods. Especially when it comes to inexpensive models of low quality initially. Nevertheless, one can speak of a low level of reliability only in the context of comparison with more advanced modern devices of other types. Against their background, of course, not every cylindrical castle will be able to compete successfully. On the other hand, large manufacturers have not yet abandoned this concept, regularly increasing the technical reliability of such mechanics.
Differences from the lever mechanism
Cylindrical mechanisms are generally similar to those of a lever mechanism in terms of performance. But there are important fundamental differences. So, leveling systems still have a higher level of security. But this applies to secrecy. The fact is that manufacturers insure secrets against breaking by additional means, in particular by introducing false grooves. But if we talk about force breaking, then, for example, a mortise mortise lock , which is considered the most reliable in the class, also has many design weaknesses. A feature of such locks is a through wider key hole, through which both air flows and noise pass. For cylinder models, this drawback also applies, but to a lesser extent.
Castle manufacturers
Despite the variety of models available on the market, there are not so many truly reliable products as well as well-proven manufacturers. For a long time in Russia, the companies "Elbor" and "Guardian" are popular. They produce pretty high-quality locks, but without special technological innovations. If you need a modern, functional door lock, which should provide the highest level of protection, it is best to immediately contact the KALE and Abloy models. These are less well-known, but large and conscientious manufacturers of cylindrical and level mechanisms. True, their modifications are worth a lot of money.
Price issue
I must say that cylindrical models therefore 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. Locks from 10 thousand represent the middle segment. If you need reliable locks with modern principles of user interaction, you should prepare about 20-30 thousand. As a rule, these are models that can also be interfaced with the electronic infrastructure of alarm systems.
How to choose a suitable lock?
It’s worth starting the choice with the brand of the model and evaluating the level of privacy. It is advisable to purchase a castle from a family of large manufacturers of the level of the mentioned companies. In terms of secrecy, potential risks should also be identified in order to evaluate the appropriate class. For example, a mortise lock with a cylinder mechanism is fully capable of cutting off threats from most ordinary crackers. If you buy a model of the fourth class of secrecy and supplement it with another locking mechanism as support, then you will not have to worry at all about the level of security. You should also consider all the nuances of design choice. If the core can be replaced in the future, it is advisable to install the housing with the expectation of long-term use. The selection evaluates the configuration of the “box”, as well as its parameters.
Conclusion
With all the shortcomings regarding the level of reliability, cylindrical devices are the optimal solution for most consumers. This is due to ease of installation, and low maintenance, as well as the ability to replace the core and other positive qualities of the product. As for the direct task of ensuring security, it is necessary to think over several conditions that will increase the reliability of the mechanism. They must be taken into account by those who decide to purchase a mortise mortise lock as an alternative or additional solution. So, first of all, you should not save on models. As already mentioned, high-quality internal filling is more important than the basic structure of the secret. The second nuance concerns installation operations - you should correctly approach the mechanical fixation of the case. Plus, do not forget about auxiliary systems and devices, which in general increase the reliability of doors.