What Is Lock Snapping And How Do You Prevent It?

Burglars can enter your home through various entry points, but the front door is frequently the first option due to known vulnerable points. Lock snapping is becoming more common as uPVC and composite front doors become more popular. Although blunders like putting keys beneath doormats and fake rocks or failing to lock the door frequently lead to theft, unskilled robbers can now break into your home with the simplest equipment even if you have taken all security steps. Lock snapping is undoubtedly the simplest forced entrance method that even inexperienced burglars can master. This article delves into the technique of lock snapping and how to avoid it.

What Exactly Is Lock Snapping?

Lock snapping, also known as cylinder snapping, is a simple break-in technique that requires no particular expertise or sophisticated equipment. Because it only takes a hammer and a screwdriver to break a lock, it is the preferred method of forced entry for both amateur and professional burglars. The method works with the majority of euro cylinder locks found on uPVC and composite doors. Despite having many locking points, the integrity of a euro cylinder lock is dependent on a single cylinder. Buglers can compromise the lock by snapping the cylinder into two halves with little force. After snapping, the cylinder reveals its inner mechanics, allowing the thief to manipulate the lock with common household items like a screwdriver.

How Widespread is Lock Snapping?

Many composite and aluminum doors in commercial and residential establishments use euro cylinder locks, hence snapping is one of the most prevalent forced entry tactics. According to numerous sources, lock snapping is used in one out of every four house invasions. Understanding common strategies used by bulglars in your area will help you decide on the best security measures to implement. It also aids in the selection of the most skilled professional locksmith service to use, one that can supply current security measures to keep you ahead of the game.

When and How Does a Lock Snap Occur?

Lock snapping is widespread because it makes less noise and takes less time, hence does not raise much suspicion. Lock snapping takes about 2 minutes on average to gain entry. When a door lock fails to meet anti-snap criteria, it snaps. Standard euro cylinder locks have a weaker center that can be exploited with little power. The exterior component of a euro cylinder lock is shattered during snapping, revealing the inner components, which can be easily manipulated to open the door.

Which Locks are Prone To Snapping?

Single cylinders (operational from one side), double cylinders (operational from both sides), and thumb turn cylinders (operational from the inside without a key) are all susceptible to snapping. Depending on the thickness of the door, installing the incorrect size lock leaves it susceptible to snapping. If your lock protrudes from the door handle, it is also vulnerable to snapping. Locks with a euro cylinder design that protrudes more than 3mm from the handle are the most vulnerable to such burglar antics.

Anti-snap Lock Standards

While some manufacturers claim their locks are anti-snap, you should always double-check that they are third-party approved. Anti-snap Cylinders are rated from one to three stars, indicating their level of security. Check for a 3-Star Kitemark Logo on the front or side of a lock to ensure it fulfills anti-snap standards. Older euro cylinder locks made before 2011 were most likely not tested for snapping, making them susceptible. The Sold Secure SS312 diamond standard, launched in 2011, was the first anti-snap test standard. The highest approval standard for anti-snap on euro cylinder locks is SS312 Diamond. The second best certification is the TS007 3-star Kitemark standard, which should be combined with a 2-star door handle or cylinder guard.

How Do Anti-snap Locks Function?

To properly avoid lock snapping, inspect all entries to your home to ensure that the locks are expertly placed and that no vulnerabilities are left unattended. You should also make certain that reputable third parties have approved your locks for anti-snap capabilities. A British Standard Kitemark engraved on the face of the lock is one way to identify an anti-snap lock. When force is applied to the lock, engravings on the lock guide how the lock snaps. A snap-off component is removed, reducing the length of the cylinder and maintaining the lock's integrity during break-in attempts.

How Can Locksmiths Assist You With Your Lock Snapping Needs?

If all of your home's entry are secured, you can have a professional locksmith test your locks for anti-snap capabilities. They can replace older unsuitable locks with newer types with better protection. Keep in mind that attackers are continually updating and adjusting their tactics to new security developments. Locksmiths may have to remove locks in order to check them before reinstalling them. If your locks are not anti-snap, a skilled locksmith can offer security modifications. Professional locksmiths will install the locks appropriately and ensure they do not protrude outside the door panel to reveal portions targeted during snapping.

Conclusion

Keeping in mind that homes protect valuable property, personal data, and human life, nothing should be left to chance while establishing security measures. While DIY solutions are less expensive in the short term, they might pose complications that result in considerable losses in the long run. Hiring expert emergency locksmiths for your home security, on the other hand, ensures that you have the best security systems and that someone will always respond quickly during emergencies such as lockouts.