What does 'European' mean?

[beardyweirdy]

Sorry for the n00b question, but having looked in various glossaries and wiki, I cannot find a definition of 'European' locks.

Does it mean...

Made in Europe?
Made by a company called 'European'?
Or is it a general style or design?

Thanks.

[EmCee]

Hi beardyweirdy

I've assumed it refers to locks that are made in and/or for the European market and/or are commonly fitted in Europe (compared with, say, America where many site members come from) - including lever locks and also Euro cylinders (the ones you see in uPVC doors). Lever locks require different tools to pin tumbler locks; and the pin tumbler locks used in Europe tend to have narrower keyways and therefore need 'slimline' tools.

Cheers...

[beardyweirdy]

okey dokey, thanks mc.

[nostromo]

Beardy-Weirdy, I've assumed "European" implied manufacture, design or common usage from european areas. In picking terms, I think 'narrow keyway' for pin tumblers.

[SadisticPsycopath]

Just a quick question.
Rather nooby infact. I'm assuming that, living in the UK, (FTW), it would be a good idea to buy European picks?

Yeah. Like I said, nooby question, but better to be right, that without money.

[nostromo]

SadisticPsycopath-

You can never have enough lockpicks. 'European" style picks just imply a narrow shank, which you would need for ANY narrow keyway. Like a smaller master padlock.

[Rickthepick]

I wasnt aware there was a difference til joining here Im just used to narrow keyways and anything wider is a bonus

[slimjim123]

interesting, I was not aware..

Do conventional picks work on Euro locks? or are they too small, are there Euro picks?

[scholls]

Locks in Europe are also commonly mounted upside down compared to American locks...so that could be a new challenge too!

Greetz
scholls

[Schuyler]

Don't forget about the format. American locks are very different in their physical form factor than Euro locks. Lots of little differences & availability make for their own forum