What is Lock Snapping?
Lock snapping is now the preferred method used by burglars. This is done by applying pressure to the lock cylinder which then snaps the cylinder in two parts. This then enables the burglar to remove the outer part of the lock, unlock the door and enter your home.
This method can literally take seconds to do and does not need specialist tools. A burglar using this method can gain access to your home in a matter of seconds. Using this method does not involve any technical knowledge or experience which is why it is so common.
The locks that are vulnerable to lock snapping are euro cylinder locks that are NOT approved and tested to TS007 3* or SS312 Diamond British Standard. These types of locks are most common in uPVC doors and also timber and aluminium doors which have been fitted within the last 10-15 years.
Are Your Locks Anti-Snap?
The only way to know for sure if your lock is an anti-snap lock is to remove it from your door and see if it has the anti-snap lines running along it. If you are thinking about removing your lock, then we would recommend using a professional locksmith. When your locks are removed and refitted again, you need to make sure it is fitted properly. Even if the lock sticks out by just a few millimetres then this can easily be picked out. Do not jeopardise the security of your home by doing this. Pontefract Locksmith Solutions can fit your locks properly making your property secure.
Even if your lock displays the British Kitemark, this does not mean it is an anti-snap lock. The best advice we can give is ask a professional locksmith to check your locks for you.
How Can I Prevent Lock Snapping?
You can fit your doors with an Anti-Snap Lock to help prevent a break in anti-snap locks have a higher security marking and are more resilient to the lock snapping technique. If you are wondering if anti snap locks snap? Yes, they can snap but they are designed to snap in certain place which is away from the centre of the lock mechanism which is the weakest part of the lock.
Anti-Snap lock cylinders have a line cut into the cylinder which must face the outside of the door. This line is known as a sacrificial snap line. When pressure is applied to an anti-snap cylinder, just the point will snap off which means your door will remain locked as the locking mechanism will remain intact.
Different Anti Snap Locks.
SS312 DIAMOND STANDARD
The SS stands for Sold Secure and with it should be an illustration of a diamond on the lock.
The SS312 was introduced in around 2011 and was produced to try and deal with the outbreak of lock-snapping. This lock is considered to be the highest level of approval for cylinders in the UK.
THE TS007 KITE-MARK
The TS007 kite-mark symbol is normally pictured next to the face of the lock cylinder. It may also have some stars next to it which refer to the quality of the lock. If it has one star, then this has NOT been tested for anti-snapping, but if it has 3 stars, then it has been fully tested. Locks that are marked with three stars and the BSI Kitemark are known as a SUPER CYLINDER.
The advantages of having a BSI Kitemark approved TS 007 lock is that they can prove that these locks have been independently certified by a third party. A third-party accreditation is an assurance that the lock has been independently approved and tested by another organisation as well as the manufacturer.
If you would like to know more about anti snap locks or you would like us to check your current locks, then please call us on 01924 637498