Cylindrical lock: the device, pluses and minuses. Lock on the door

Against the backdrop of the emergence of all new lock systems, including on modern electronic principles of action, traditional devices also remain popular. These include the cylindrical mechanisms that provide acceptable for most private homeowners reliability. I must say that this is far from the best option, even among the classical solutions, but it is valued for a variety of operational advantages. In addition, the cylinder lock is one of the most affordable options, which is also very important. In the domestic market locks of this family can be found easily, but not all of them can properly perform their function. In order not to be disappointed in the choice, it is necessary to understand in more detail the features and capabilities of locks of this kind.

The device of the cylindrical lock

As with other types of mechanical locks, the secret component of the cylindrical device is enclosed in a metal casing. The basis of the secretion is formed by the pin elements - code and lock. In the first case, we are talking about a set of elements that simultaneously interact with the key and with the pins of the locking group. In turn, the locking pins are adjacent to the code pins elements, which ensure the locking of the rotor in relation to the body.

One of the most important components in terms of the mechanics of action is the rotor, or plag. Actually, this is a movable core, thanks to which the cylinder lock provides user interaction and locking system. In the body of the rotor there are holes in which the mentioned locking and combining pins are present. In order for the locking system to take its original state in a closed form, the design also provides for spring mechanisms that return the pins.

Operating principle

The essence of the action of locks of this type is based on the locking of the rotor by pins, which are mechanically controlled by the spring unit. Again, manipulations with locking are implemented with respect to the body. The most important thing is that when using a regular, that is, a suitable key, both groups of pins are aligned in one line. This configuration allows the rotor to spin. When using a "non-native" key, there will be no corresponding placement of the pins, accordingly, there will be no rotation of the rotor either. How reliable is the lock mechanism, it shows exactly the complexity of the device pins: the more intricate the algorithm of their mutual arrangement, the more difficult it will be for the attacker to hack. However, the opening of such locks through the rebuff of pins today is almost impossible.

The highest, but also doubtful, probability of such a rebuff is present in Chinese cylindrical locks. But in this case too, the problem of weak secrecy is due not so much to the initial gap in the device of the pins as to their poor quality. As practice shows, cheap mechanisms have an elementary wear of sensitive pins, so after a long time of operation the number of suitable sets of defensive variations increases. Therefore, in the question of which lock is best, it is first of all necessary to note the reliability of the inner filling in terms of physical strength and wear resistance. And now it is worthwhile to consider in more detail the more realistic approaches of intruders to the breaking of cylindrical systems.

Methods of breaking a cylinder lock

One of the common variants of hacking involves knocking out the insert using a hammer or sledgehammer. The point is that the insert itself has a weak fixation point, so theoretically this option is possible. After a successful attempt to break in the fastening points, it remains only to remove the core with a screwdriver. Another theoretically possible method is the drilling of the trawlers. The insert is drilled slightly lower in level than the location of the hole for the key. Having dealt with the trains responsible for the code set for the key, you can simply deprive the cylinder mechanism of secrecy.

Now, nevertheless, it is worthwhile to pay attention to attempts of opening with the help of skeleton keys. The task of the master key is the same alignment of the pins in one line. However, this method is impossible today with most locks even in theory, since manufacturers complicate the ability of key entry into the core of the rotor.

Security Properties

Not every cylinder mechanism has a high degree of protection against burglary. At least, we can talk about the differences in the level of secrecy between different models. According to the standards, the protection qualities must correspond to the degree of potential danger, the protection against which a particular lock is calculated. Although in Russia the cylinder mechanism is not certified, in the labeling you can find information on the class of secrecy. Today, four degrees of protective properties are distinguished.

The first class is minimal, and it is not recommended to use it as the main barrier to an attacker. Even the second class justifies itself in the event that it is planned to be integrated into a door that is not the only security boundary. For urban apartments, for example, it is recommended to use the third and fourth class security locks.

Types of cylindrical locks

Allocate different modifications, depending on the internal configuration of the location of the pins. For example, there are single-row models, which are both classical locking and code systems. Such devices are usually made of steel and brass. Two-sided models assume the use of appropriate keys. The presence of a two-row system is not twice, but significantly improves reliability. You can also find a cylinder lock, which pivots rotate. However, this option is less common in comparison with cross-shaped locks. Such models can be recognized even with a quick examination of the keyhole - as the name implies, it has a cross-shaped shape. The same key is different and the key itself. According to experts, the most reliable mechanism, the key of which has conical milling at the end.

The advantages of the cylindrical mechanism

Such models are easy to operate. The mechanism does not cause special difficulties in handling, and the keys have compact dimensions, which also goes into a plus. Also, if a fault is detected in the cylinder itself, it can be replaced. Today, manufacturers produce unified enclosures for this type of model, so it will be sufficient to update only the core. There is another advantage. You can install such a lock on the door with the expectation of a future improvement. As experts note, the design of most cylindrical mechanisms is fully modernized with technological improvement.

The disadvantages of cylindrical locks

Of course, there are drawbacks to this system, which are important to consider when buying. First of all, this is a relatively low level of resistance to burglary. And this applies to the so-called quiet, and to force methods. Especially when it comes to low-cost, low-quality models. Nevertheless, it is possible to speak about a low level of reliability only in the context of comparison with more sophisticated modern devices of other types. Against their background, of course, not every cylinder lock can successfully compete. On the other hand, large manufacturers do not yet abandon this concept, regularly improving the technical reliability of such mechanics.

Differences from the lever mechanism

Cylindrical mechanisms are generally similar to those on performance. But there are important fundamental differences. So, the systems of the systems still have a higher level of security. But this refers to the part of ensuring secrecy. The fact that manufacturers insure the secrets from hacking additional means, in particular by introducing false grooves. But if we talk about force hacking, then, for example, the mortise lock lock , which is considered the most reliable in the classroom, also has many weaknesses in the design. A feature of such locks is a through wider well for the key, through which both air flows and noise pass. To the cylinder models this drawback also applies, but to a lesser extent.

Manufacturers of locks

Despite the variety of models available in the market, there are not so many truly reliable products as well as those that have proved themselves from the best side of the manufacturers. Elbor and Guardian have been popular in Russia for a long time. They produce quite good quality locks, but without any special technological innovations. If you need a modern, functional lock on the door, which should provide the highest level of protection, it is better to immediately apply to the models KALE and Abloy. These are lesser known, but large and conscientious manufacturers of cylindrical and lever mechanisms. True, their modifications are worth a lot of money.

Price issue

I must say that the cylindrical models do not leave the specialized store windows, because thanks to a relatively simple mechanism they cover a wide segment in the budget niche. The cheapest models are estimated at 3-4 thousand rubles. The average segment represents locks of 10 thousand. If reliable locks are required with modern principles of interaction with the user, then about 20-30 thousand should be prepared. Typically, these are models that can also be coupled to the electronic infrastructure of signaling complexes.

How to choose the right lock?

The choice begins with the brand of the model and the assessment of the level of secrecy. To acquire a lock is desirable from a family of large manufacturers of the level of the mentioned companies. With regard to secrecy, then to assess the appropriate class should also identify the potential risks. For example, a mortise lock with a cylinder mechanism is fully capable of cutting off threats from most ordinary crackers. If you buy a fourth-class model of secrecy and supplement it with another locking mechanism as support, then you can not even worry about the level of security. Also it is necessary to take into account all the nuances of choice by design. If the core can be replaced later, the housing should be installed with the expectation of long-term use. In the selection, the configuration of the "box" and its parameters are evaluated.

Conclusion

With all the drawbacks related to the level of reliability, cylindrical devices are the optimal solution for most consumers. This is due to ease of installation, and undemanding maintenance, as well as the ability to replace the core and other positive qualities of the product. As for the direct task of ensuring security, it is necessary initially to think over several conditions that will increase the reliability of the mechanism. They need to be taken into account also by those who decide to purchase the mortise lock lock as an alternative or additional solution. So, first of all you should not save on the model. As already mentioned, quality internal filling is more important than the basic device of the secretion. The second nuance concerns installation operations - it is necessary to approach competently to the mechanical fixing of the case. Plus, do not forget about the auxiliary systems and devices, which generally improve the reliability of the doors.