What is Lock Snapping?

Lock snapping is a technique used by criminals to gain entry to properties and is being used more and more.

Each week, as Locksmiths, we attend numerous properties which have been targeted using this specific technique. Most commonly we are seeing this type of attack linked to car theft.

It is estimated that around 27% of all burglaries are carried out through this method.

The method is extremely quick and silent, leaving the victims unaware that their property is being broken into. In fact, most people don’t know until the morning after the burglary has taken place. 

Lock cylinders are made of Brass because it is a hard-wearing metal. However, this also makes it brittle. Therefore, applying the right amount of force will result in the lock snapping.

 

How to prevent lock snapping in your home 

1. 3-star rated locks

An effective way of preventing lock snapping is by updating your lock. Ideally, this upgrade should be to a cylinder lock which has a three-star rating under TS007. Locks made to these higher standards are safer than other locks, not just in terms of resisting lock snapping but also in a variety of other forced entry techniques. SS312 Diamond standard locks are also highly resistant to lock snapping – locks made to either of these standards are an excellent way of preventing lock snapping.

2. Locks to watch out for

There are certain euro cylinder locks which are more highly susceptible to lock snapping, with three main culprits:

  • Thumbturn cylinders – thumbturn cylinder locks are those which can be locked from the inside without the use of a key, by turning a knob.
  • Double cylinders – double cylinder locks allow access, with keys or without, from both inside and outside.
  • Single cylinders – single cylinder locks allow access from only one side.

 

3. Snap resistant features

Some lock manufacturers have built-in features to their locks to make them snap resistant. A common feature in snap resistant locks is a snap-off section. This will essentially mean that if someone tries to snap the cylinder, instead of the whole thing breaking, a short section will snap off the end which will not affect the overall integrity of the lock. 

If the burglar’s intended method of entering your home was through the lock snapping technique and they found that your lock had a snap-off section, either through initial observation or trying to snap it, it’s likely that they’d move on.

 

4. Ensure the correct fit

Lock snapping can generally only be achieved when leverage can be applied to the end of the lock. For this to be possible, the lock needs to protrude from the door enough to get enough purchase with a lever, to apply enough force to snap the lock. 

This is often avoidable if the lock that is fitted is the right size for the door. The cylinder itself should never protrude from the door or handle – if it does, it’s a good indicator that you need a new, more appropriately sized lock fitted to your door.

 

5. Hire a professional locksmith

Hiring a professional locksmith will be the most effective way of preventing lock snapping. The locksmith will come to your home, to conduct a survey of the property. Based on that survey, they will be able to make recommendations on how best to improve the security of your house. In terms of lock snapping, this might include suggesting new locks, potentially also new, thicker doors as well to support those locks. Euro cylinders, the most susceptible to lock snapping, are often used in thinner, uPVC doors, which are often weaker themselves.

Want to work with our team of emergency locksmiths at Sure Locks to ensure that a) you’re getting the correct locks fitted and b) you’re having your locks fitted in the right way? We can help. Contact our team today or call on 0161 427 7025.