uPVC Door Lock Upgrades | Cusworth Master Locksmiths

Why uPVC lock upgrades are a good investment.

The types of cylinders found in most uPVC doors in Stockport are often poor quality, may not be suitable to satisfy your insurance requirements and can be vulnerable to the most common methods of attacks used by burglars.

uPVC Doors and Lock Snapping

1. What is lock snapping?

Lock snapping is an increasingly common method of attack used by burglars to gain entry to your property in Stockport and surounding areas. The method involves snapping the cylinder at a weak point, which allows the attacker to manipulate the lock open quietly within a few seconds.

2. What types of locks are vulnerable?

Lock snapping exploits a vulnerability inherent in the design of Euro Profile Cylinders, which are used on almost all uPVC doors. Whilst you may think that all the multi locking points on your door make it secure, it’s important to realise they are all locked in position by the cylinder – this is the weakest point and if compromised all the locking points are free to move.

3. How common is lock snapping?

Lock snapping requires no specialist knowledge or tools. It can take just 5-10 seconds for a thief to snap a lock. About 8% of all burglaries nationwide involved lock snapping in 2019. However, it is also important to note that this figure reflects a significant decrease from over 15% of burglaries in 2011 because of the introduction of anti-snap locks which are now fitted on new uPVC doors. Locally we have not seen a significant reduction in lock snapping in the Stockport area

3. What can I do to protect against lock snapping?

Lock snapping poses a real threat to the security of your home, but the important thing to realise is that there’s a simple solution. It’s not something to be afraid of, simply something to be aware of and take action to prevent by installing anti-snap locks.

How can I tell whether I have anti-snap locks already?

Standard uPVC door lock euro cylinders which are not resistant to lock snapping.

A standard euro cylinder

If your lock was fitted before 2011, or it was fitted after but does not carry the 3-star logo, it is vulnerable to lock snapping.

SS312 Diamond Approved Cylinder

SS312 Diamond is the highest level of approval for a euro cylinder lock. A lock bearing this logo is an anti-snap lock.

TS007 3 Star Kitemark

Locks with this logo are also resistant to lock snapping. The logo can be found anywhere on the lock.

❗ Please Note: A lock must have been approved by one of these 3rd Party standards to ensure it is truly snap resistant. Do not rely on claims made by the manufacturer or installer.

Cylinder Upgrades

If your current uPVC locks do not currently protect against lock snapping, you might consider upgrading to one of the following.

ABUS X60 Door Cylinders

Certified according to BSI***, Sold Secure Diamond & Secured by Design. This means they have been independently tested and shown to be resistant to lock-snapping attacks

Brisant Ultion anti-snap locks for upvc doors meet the diamond and kitemark standards.

Brisant Ultion (SS312 Diamond Cylinder)

Brisant Ultion cylinders are SS312 Diamond approved and provides robust protection against lock snapping.

Kitemarked 3 star cylinders for upvc doors are resistant to lock snapping.

3 Star Kitemark Cylinder

Cylinders which meet the TS007 3 Star Kitemark standard are resistant to lock snapping.

Handle Upgrades

Upgrading the lever handles to your uPVC and composite doors can greatly improve the security of your home. Our current preferred product has many advantages over standard style lever handles.

Internal Switch

Double lock the door from the inside using the switch mechanism. This holds the handle firmly even if the cylinder is broken or unlocked with a key.,,

Keyless and With-Key Options

LockLock handles can be fitted with or without an external cylinder. This is a great option for doors which you never lock from the outside like patio doors because there is no external cylinder for a burglar to attack.

Approved by British Standards and Sold Secure

When used in conjunction with a 1 star Kitemark cylinder or above, these handles meet the 3 star Kitemark and Sold Secure Standard. This means they have been independently tested and proven to protect against lock snapping attacks.

210% Stronger than Standard uPVC Door Handles

The design and construction of the handles make it impossible for a would-be burglar to remove them without significant amounts of effort and noisy tools. Its use of strong steel alloys makes it resistant to blow torch attack and larger M6 fixings and a curved design resists the grip of any tools.

Unlike a regular handle, the spindle is upgraded so that any leverage or excessive force to the handle will cause a deliberate weakness to sacrificially twist, protecting the door and the locking mechanism.

Interested in upgrading your uPVC door locks?

Get in contact today to arrange a free security survey of your property.

uPVC Door Lock Upgrades Reviews

Cusworth Master Locksmith offers cost-effective and high quality uPVC door lock upgrades to Wilmslow, Stockport, Macclesfield and the surrounding areas. Read our testimonials from our happy customers.

Brad Walker

''Danny recently carried out work at my house after being burgled on New Years Eve. He came round within half an hour of calling to look at the damage that had been caused to the lock and secured the door. The work was carried out in a professional and efficient manner and would certainly recommend Cusworth Master Locksmiths.'''

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Anon

''Searched via Which for a Locksmith to repair my side door which I was unable to open. Danny's company happened to be the first on the list in my area. He had an overall five star rating and good reviews. He answered my call immediately and called later in the day to carry out the repair. He identified what was an uncommon problem and fixed it after some tricky drilling work. He also gave me some good advice concerning locks and their suitability in preventing a break in. I am very happy to endorse all the other five star reviews and would have no hesitation in recommending Danny or using his services again in the future.''

Which? Trusted Traders

Charles

Greater Manchester

''I needed new snap proof locks fitted and this was handled in an effective and timely manner and everything was carried out to the highest standard. Would have no hesitation in recommending the service to others.''

Which? Trusted Traders

Anon

''I had problems with the handle for a 25 year old double glazed door. Danny arrived on time, quickly understood the problem. He made a temporary fix and then left to get a replacement. Due to the age this wasn't possible but between him and the supplier managed to adapt a new handle to fit. He assembled the replacement and I am delighted with the result. He also helped adjust a difficult window lock which now is as new. He is polite, hard working, neat & tidy and very reasonable. I have no hesitation in recommending him to others and would definitely use him again should the need arise.''

Which? Trusted Traders

Anon

Greater Manchester

''I telephoned Cusworth Locksmiths as my front door Yale lock had started to stick and the chub was becoming temperamental too. The added complication - or so I thought - was that we wanted the same key for the outer porch door locks too. Having got through on the phone to Danny without a problem, it was well explained what I needed, which was not, thankfully, the expense of full new locks. The appointment was made and Danny arrived right on time as arranged and set to work, completing the task professionally and without fuss, changing the Yale barrels and just the insides of the chub. Both doors sorted and the same key to both doors - all within the hour. Thank you for such an efficient service. I will certainly use you again.''

Which? Trusted Traders

Mark Moran

''Great service. Quick Response. Needed help after an attempted burglary. Danny had most of the parts needed in his van and those he didn't he returned with quickly. Very knowledgable and offered sound advice on door security. Highly recommended.''

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