Euro Cylinder Choices

[special_dx]

Hi All

I am looking to replace the euro cylinder on my back door as it is the usual cheapo no-name effort and I was able to pick it in 30 seconds (I'm a rock-bottom novice) and I am sure it is a doddle to bump or open destructively too. I would much appreciate some guidance, below are my thoughts, please correct me if my assumptions are wrong.

I'm not looking for fort knox standards, but something with good resistance to real world threats. My front door (UPVC) is highly visible from the street and several retired neighbours properties, so I went for an economical option and fitted a CISA Astral S and a PAS24 security handle. We have now replaced the back door with a UPVC type, it is in a secluded location, but protected by a wooden framed glass porch accessed through an old wooden door with a Chubb sashlock and two bolts. To add context, we have old type double glazing that can be removed from the outside, so I have assumed this is the most likely route of entry if the door is too difficult.

I am thinking about fitting another Astral S (I know this can be bumped, but the key profile is not easily sourced as a bump key), this time the PAS24 variant with a break line as well as laminated body or an EVVA 3KS+ and a PAS24 handle. Protec would be nice, but they are pricey and hard to find in unequal sizes. I have also seen the Avocet ABS, but the sales pitch makes me think of carpet bags and snake oil for some reason, so opinions would be welcome on that one too as I have heard it can be picked, but I do not know if it is better than the Astral S. I am not bothered with keyed alike as we never go in through the back, perhaps always securing the door from the inside provides other possibilities?

Thanks for reading, hopefully spme of you will share some intuition.

Regards
Matt

[sparkster]

I would go for the astral S with a pas24 handle, although it can be bumped it would serve as a deterent to someone who is thinking of getting in to your property using a bump key, at least it will give a little more protection than the cheap no brand lock you already have on there, if like you say, you dont use the back as an entry point then why not add a couple of sash jammers on the door as well, obviously this wont stop the determined burglar but if they were not bothered abt making noise then they wouldnt be bumping/picking a lock they would use other methods to gain entry, i've seen doors with some decent locks on and unfortunately the security of the building lets it down, eg: door not fitting correctly due to the lock being fitted with to much of a gap between the door and the keep, i've even seen premises where they have a upvc door and the window frames are wooden, the frames are rotted and the putty is falling out, (you've seen the sort of thing on the tv of derelict houses,,lol).

[Rickthepick]

If its a pvc door i wouldnt go spending mental money on a cylinder cuz theres plenty of ways around that.
Get good solid handles fitted and a branded cylinder that some chancer wont open.

Id always advise against fitting ultra secure locks to your home as you want to be able to get in yourself in an emergency....

....As i found out a few nights back when the wifes keys vanished n all i had to get in was an old screwdriver. My poor wooden door

[EmCee]

I'd opt for Sparkster's advice and fit sash jammers if you don't regularly use the door. You can get them with or without key locking. In the former case, if anyone picked the lock they wouldn't be able to open the door unless the door has glazing that can be smashed to reach inside to the jammers...but if they are prepared to make that much noise they'd likely opt for a window anyway; in the latter case then, as Rick pointed out, there would be a need to assess the risk of you having to leave the house in emergency.

Cheers...

[special_dx]

I'm liking this idea, but like you say, I will need to keep safety in mind.

Glad to see that Astral S is liked, I always felt they were good value for what they offer. I might still go with the 3KS+ just to feed my lock fetish!

I'd opt for Sparkster's advice and fit sash jammers if you don't regularly use the door. You can get them with or without key locking. In the former case, if anyone picked the lock they wouldn't be able to open the door unless the door has glazing that can be smashed to reach inside to the jammers...but if they are prepared to make that much noise they'd likely opt for a window anyway; in the latter case then, as Rick pointed out, there would be a need to assess the risk of you having to leave the house in emergency.

Cheers...

[special_dx]

Now you got my attention, the door in question is a budget option, but fitted with a hook lock, a single full length glazing unit (fitted from the inside) and hinged inside. I watched it go in, so I know it is very securely fixed into bricks and the floor. What should I be looking for with regard to vulnerabilities aside from the handle and cylinder?

If its a pvc door i wouldnt go spending mental money on a cylinder cuz theres plenty of ways around that.

[Rickthepick]

A good solid handle (most do come with a steel skeleton as standard now). Will prevent the handle being ripped off and the lock snapped

Most pvc doors are vunerable to frame spreaders (usually the spade left in the garden)

There are additional internal fixings as mentioned such as sash jammers... if its not the last exit in your home.

Hard steel plates are now available in euro profile to prevent drilling to bypass the cylinder and can be fitted between the lock case and the door skin.

The main preventative measure is just good old common sense though, dont leave anything on show in your windows, dont leave keys in doors or near doors with letterboxes, windows closed.

[LockSafe]

I'd go for the Astral S as well, a good mid range cylinder that won't put too big a hole in your pocket. I'm fitting these all the time, customers like them and they offer approprate security when fitted on a uPVC door.

[special_dx]

Cheers All

I ordered another Astral S this morning and took enough measures to ensure the vendor would not easily be able to find my home address. I also received another Hoppe Tokyo PAS24 handle set today, should have them both on by the weekend.

Matt