Your front door lock is your home’s first line of defence. Yet most people spend more time choosing a doormat than the mechanism that protects everything they own.
Why Your Current Lock Might Not Be Enough
Here’s an uncomfortable truth: if your home was built in the last 30 years, there’s a high chance your locks were chosen by developers prioritising cost over security. Standard Euro cylinders can be defeated in seconds using simple techniques that criminals have long since mastered.
What Makes a Lock “Good”?
A quality lock achieves three things:
- Resists physical attack - Cannot be easily snapped, drilled, or picked
- Resists manipulation - Cannot be bumped or decoded
- Operates reliably - Works smoothly for years without failure
The difference between a £15 lock and a £100 lock often comes down to these resistance capabilities.
Understanding Lock Types
Euro Cylinder Locks
Found on most modern uPVC and composite doors. The cylinder is the replaceable part you insert your key into.
Pros:
- Easy to replace without changing the door
- Wide range of security options available
- Can be keyed alike with other locks
Cons:
- Standard versions are highly vulnerable
- Quality varies dramatically between brands
Mortice Locks
Traditional locks fitted into the door itself. Common on older wooden doors.
Pros:
- Inherently more secure design
- Cannot be “snapped” like cylinders
- Many meet insurance requirements
Cons:
- Require professional fitting
- Door must have sufficient thickness
- Replacing requires more skill
Multipoint Locking Systems
Modern systems that lock at multiple points (typically 3-5) when you lift the handle.
Pros:
- Excellent security when properly specified
- Convenient single-key operation
- Better seal against weather
Cons:
- Entire mechanism must be replaced if faulty
- Quality depends on the cylinder installed
Security Ratings Explained
TS007 Star Rating
The British Standard for enhanced security cylinders:
| Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1-Star | Enhanced resistance (use with 2-star handle) |
| 2-Star | Enhanced handle protection |
| 3-Star | Complete solution - cylinder resistant to all common attacks |
"For true protection, look for a TS007 3-star cylinder or a 1-star cylinder combined with a 2-star security handle.
BS3621
The British Standard for mortice locks, required by most insurance policies for wooden doors. Look for the kitemark.
Sold Secure
An independent testing organisation that rates locks from Bronze to Diamond. Diamond-rated products offer the highest resistance.
Key Features to Look For
Anti-Snap Protection
Cylinders with sacrificial cut lines that break at predetermined points, leaving the main mechanism secure. Essential for any Euro cylinder. See our detailed high-security cylinders guide for technical specifications.
Anti-Pick Pins
Special pin configurations that resist picking tools. Look for locks with at least 6 anti-pick pins.
Anti-Drill Protection
Hardened steel inserts that destroy drill bits before they can reach the mechanism.
Anti-Bump Design
Pins designed to resist bump key attacks, a technique that can open standard locks in seconds.
Anti-Extraction
Features that prevent the cylinder being pulled out after snapping.
Budget Considerations
Entry Level (£40-80)
Basic anti-snap cylinders from reputable manufacturers. Adequate for lower-risk properties but missing some advanced features.
Best for: Flats with communal access, properties with other strong security
Mid-Range (£80-150)
High-quality cylinders with full anti-snap, anti-drill, anti-pick, and anti-bump protection. This is the sweet spot for most homes.
Best for: Standard residential properties, most insurance requirements
Premium (£150-300)
Top-tier cylinders with restricted key systems (keys cannot be copied without authorisation), superior materials, and comprehensive protection.
Best for: High-value properties, those wanting maximum security
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Buying on Price Alone
A cheap lock is no bargain if it fails. The average UK burglary costs over £3,000 in losses and damage—far more than the difference between a budget and quality lock.
Mistake 2: Ignoring the Full System
A brilliant cylinder in a weak door or with poor handles offers incomplete protection. Security is only as strong as the weakest component.
Mistake 3: Incorrect Sizing
Cylinders that protrude too far from the door furniture are easier to attack. Professional fitting ensures optimal sizing.
Mistake 4: Forgetting Secondary Locks
Insurance policies often require additional security on back and side doors. Don’t focus solely on the front entrance.
How to Check Your Current Lock
Perform this quick assessment:
- Look at protrusion: Does the cylinder stick out more than 3mm from the handle plate? This is a vulnerability.
- Check for markings: Quality locks display their certifications
- Test the feel: Worn locks feel gritty or loose
- Examine the keys: Modern high-security keys have complex profiles, not simple cuts
Making Your Decision
Ask yourself these questions:
- What type of door do I have? (uPVC, composite, wood)
- What does my insurance require? (Check policy documents)
- What’s my realistic budget? (Remember: this protects everything)
- Do I want a keyed-alike system? (Same key for multiple doors)
- Do I need restricted keys? (Prevent unauthorised copying)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do quality locks last?
A well-made cylinder should function reliably for 10-15 years with minimal maintenance. Mortice locks can last even longer.
Can I fit a new lock myself?
Replacing a Euro cylinder is straightforward for DIY-confident homeowners—it typically requires just a screwdriver. Mortice locks require more expertise and are best fitted professionally.
Will upgrading void my door warranty?
Replacing the cylinder shouldn't affect most warranties, but check your documentation. The door mechanism itself remains unchanged.
How do I know if my lock meets insurance requirements?
Contact your insurer or check your policy documents. Most require BS3621 mortice locks for wooden doors or TS007 3-star cylinders for composite/uPVC.
What about smart locks?
Smart locks offer convenience but vary widely in security. Many have weaker physical protection than quality traditional locks. If considering smart, ensure it has solid mechanical backup.
What is a TS007 3-star rating?
TS007 is the British Standard for enhanced security cylinders. A 3-star rating means the cylinder alone resists all common attacks including snapping, drilling, picking, and bumping.
How much should I spend on a front door lock?
Budget £80-150 for mid-range protection that meets insurance requirements. Premium locks cost £150-300 and offer restricted key systems where keys cannot be copied without authorisation.
What is lock snapping and is my lock vulnerable?
Lock snapping is a technique where burglars snap the cylinder in half to access the mechanism. Most standard Euro cylinders are vulnerable. Look for anti-snap cylinders with sacrificial cut lines.
Take Action
Your front door lock is an investment in peace of mind. Don’t wait until after an incident to realise your protection was inadequate.
For most UK homes, we recommend a TS007 3-star rated cylinder from a reputable manufacturer, professionally sized and fitted. This single upgrade dramatically improves your security posture at a fraction of the cost of what a break-in would take from you.