Most uPVC and composite front doors in Swindon use a euro cylinder: the barrel your key goes into. Many are good. Some older or basic cylinders have a known weak point and can be snapped, which is why snap-resistant cylinders exist.
The long dark evenings are a sensible time to check which one your door has. It takes about five minutes and needs a torch and a tape measure.
I'm Ian from Handyman Plus Van. I change locks on uPVC and composite doors myself, as part of a booked session. Here's what I look at first.
Check 1: how far the cylinder sticks out
Look at the outside of the door from the side. A cylinder that sits flush with the handle or keyhole plate, or only a few millimetres proud, is what you want. One that sticks out well past the handle is usually the wrong length for the door, and it gives an intruder more to work with.
Check 2: the markings on the cylinder
Shine a torch on the end of the cylinder next to the keyhole and look for:
- BSI Kitemark, TS 007, three stars. A three-star cylinder meets the standard on its own.
- TS 007, one star. This needs security handles rated two stars to reach the same three-star level overall.
- Sold Secure Diamond (SS312). Another recognised standard for snap-resistant cylinders.
- No markings. This isn't proof the lock is weak, but there's no evidence it's strong either.
No markings and a cylinder sticking out past the handle is the combination worth sorting first.
Check 3: measure before ordering
Euro cylinders come in many lengths, and they're often offset (longer on one side). With the door open:
- Find the long fixing screw in the edge of the door, level with the keyhole.
- Measure from the centre of that screw to the outside end of the cylinder.
- Measure from the centre of the screw to the inside end.
- Note both figures, outside first.
That pair of measurements is what you order by. Too long on the outside and you've rebuilt the problem. Too short and the key may not turn properly.
When a new cylinder isn't the answer
If the key turns easily with the door open but is stiff with it shut, the cylinder is rarely the issue. That's usually alignment of the multipoint lock and keeps: see stiff multipoint lock on a cold morning. If the handle droops, read floppy uPVC door handle.
It's also worth reading your home insurance policy wording. Some policies set out what locks they expect on external doors. Check yours rather than assuming.
Want it checked and changed for you?
A cylinder swap is typically one job on a list, so it sits well alongside other jobs in a session. Handyman Plus Van is a one-man service, insured and DBS checked, rated 4.9 on Google. 3-hour sessions cover Swindon, and full-day bookings typically reach about 30 minutes around Swindon. I'll do my best to get through your list in the time booked. Small bits from the van aren't charged. Bigger parts, such as a new cylinder or security handles, go on the invoice at cost, within a sensible limit on what I buy in on the day. No electrics, no gas, no full door replacements.
Book a session, see the changing locks service, or message me free on WhatsApp on 07729 689420.
For a lighter take on the same checks, read the blog post: Is your front door lock snap-safe?
