European Lock, plus and features


A lock is defined as European when its internal mechanism is given by a shaped cylinder (or European profile). This shaped cylinder is nothing more than the upside-down pear-shaped block that was patented in the nineteenth century by Sir. Linus Yale (the internationally known brand). A European lock is safe when the mechanics with which it is built are of high quality and when it includes anti-burglary systems that trip if tampered with by burglars (also called lock with trap).

Why is it useful and safe?

The European lock is considered safe when it offers guarantees of resistance to the Bulgarian pick, tearing, milling, extraction and breaking, those techniques that are most frequently used by burglars to open the locks.

There are also higher grade European locks that offer guarantees for resistance to more advanced burglary techniques, such as:

  • Bumping - the attacker uses a tool (flexible hammer) that allows him to force and align the lock pins and then open it easily;
  • Picking - the attacker can decode the encryption of the key using a picklock or other tools;
  • Tracing - the attacker can track/recognize the key encryption and then duplicate it (to prevent the lock tracing, the lock must be designed in such a way as to be able to recognize the counterfeit duplicate and lock it with the counterpins).

What a European lock looks like

The standard European lock consists of:

  1. Lock: the box containing the locking mechanism and the latch, i.e. the metal pin that keeps the door closed when it is pulled over;
  2. European cylinder: not all European cylinders have the same burglar-proof grade, so it is important to opt for cylinders that offer guarantees and certifications of high resistance (see if they are completely made of steel, if they have reinforcements, etc.).
  3. Defender: the name itself "defender" explains its use, is the cylinder case, is applied frontally and must have a burglar-proof high grade (the best defender are hardened steel, have resistance to drilling, burglary and their beveled shape prevents easy grip or tearing with professional tools;
  4. Counter defender: it has the same function as the lock nut, in other words it blocks the cylinder from the inside, preventing it from being pushed with force so that it falls (this action would allow the lock to be opened easily).

Tips and tricks

The burglars, whether they are more or less of the professionals, tend to train more and therefore to prefer the most sold locks (even better those with commercial medium-low price range). For this reason, with the same degree of anti-burglary the suggestion is to address non-commercial locks and certainly little known. This choice could save you twice:

  • in case of a novice burglar, he may decide to leave it alone, opting for apartments or neighboring companies with locks with which he is more familiar
  • in case of a professional burglar, the unknown lock can bring some hiccups by wasting precious time