European Vs. American Locks

[strangedream]

I was just wondering if I decided to move to somewhere in Europe and start up a business there could I apply most of the knowledge I learned about locks here in America to the locks over there or would I have to start all over because your locks are so different then our locks?

[jordyh]

Where would "somewhere in Europe" be?

In general, i think the basics for locks is the same, but still, you might notice some differences.
For instance:
-locks are installed pins down in europe.
-There is a brand here that makes C-clams in full rings, making you need special tools for repinning.
-etcetera, etcetera.

I guess that if you buy a copy of LSS, and read it trough a bit, you'll be fine.

[Raccoon]

Europeans tend to use better and more secure locks than Americans. Your pick times may increase if you're particularly used to opening kwikset 90% of the time.

I'd be intersted if someone could post a list of locks by country, with approximation on their % of use. This could be done by visiting or working at a hardware store.

[Chucklz]

Many Euro cylinders are more pick resistant and of higher quality than US locks, but they are often installed just as badly as locks in the US. For example, at the restaurant at the Hauptbanhof in Muenchen, the euro sticks out of the door almost 3cm. It would be nothing to snap those cylinders and walk in at night. (Police would definately stop you rather quickly).

You would have to learn alot about Euro cylinders, and perhaps lever locks, but that depends on where in Europe you will be. But, I think the best would be to learn to do things correctly. Good work is always more profitable than shoddy.

[limerick007]

what is it with those euro profile cylinders...

why is it that the keyhole has to be upside down ?
some have thought that they are 'more' secure ?
well maybe when the springs collapse and you
can't 'raise' a dropped downward pin... lol

[Wizer]

what is it with those euro profile cylinders...

why is it that the keyhole has to be upside down ?
some have thought that they are 'more' secure ?
well maybe when the springs collapse and you
can't 'raise' a dropped downward pin... lol

There are not so many euro profile locks here in Finland, but..
I wonder why the Americans put their locks upside down?
We have springs to raise those pins that dropped.

There are many different locks that come in Euro-format, even some U.S. locks like Medecos. And some that are just maddeningly difficult to pick, like Geges or even Abloys.
It´s just a different way to install cylinders.

[GWiens2001]

There seem to be pluses and minuses to both directions of mounting.

Euro profile cylinders do mount the locks with the pins on the bottom, but typically use stronger springs to counter gravity, and likely, some light debris. However, if dirt or ice gets into the keyway, it has a greater chance of binding the pins. Also, if a spring breaks, it would be difficult to lift the key pin in order to open the lock.

Locks mounted in North American style, with the pins at the top of the keyway, typically use weaker springs which are more susceptible to breaking, but are less prone to having dirt and water go against gravity upwards into the pin channels, causing binding. And a broken spring, as another poster noted, will have much less of an effect on lock operation.

If others who are more knowledgable, of which a vast majority of members here are, have other opinions, I would love to hear them, so I can learn more.

Gordon