Changing cylinder locks

FreddieFrugal

Hello, we recently had an extension built at the back of the house with upvc French doors. They only have a standard euro cylinder.

I want to replace them with locks that conform to the latest standards - kite marked.


I know that you either buy a 3 star cylinder, or a 1 star cylinder + 2 star handle.

I was hoping just to replace the cylinders, however I cannot find 3 star locks that are available to buy in keyed alike pairs. Don't want to have to faff with two different keys for the same door.


The one I can find is the Avocet ABS lock. However Im put off that as the key is magnetic - read reports of it causing problems with cards kept in the same pocket - or losing magnetism and then being locked out of the house! Also seen that they're actually easy to pick using a tool available online.

Was hoping to get two Yale Platinums but can't find them anywhere (been looking online for several hours) keyed alike.

So I may have to instead buy two new 2 star handles and two 1 star cylinders (as I can find Yale Superiors (1 star) available keyed alike in lots of places online) but that is going to cost best part of £100.

If it hadn't been for the fact the doors are mostly glass, I'd have just bought two cylinders with different keys but had one on a thumb turn internally. So you only need to unlock one door from the outside. But I don't think that's a great idea - as the thumb turn would be visible from the outside and an open invitation to smash the door glass.

Just wondered if anyone had any input on the best way to go about this. Thanks

TheCyclingProgrammer

I didn't fancy the magnetic keys for the Avocet ABS either, so we went with a Brisant Ultion. You can get them keyed alike I think.

http://www.brisant-secure.com/ultion.php

stator

Avocet ATK can be purchased keyed alike and is 3 kitemark

FreddieFrugal

Thanks, I've looked at both of these locks but can't find the Ultion actually available to buy online. ATK where I have found it, I haven't seen it being sold with the option to get them keyed alike.

EDIT: I have actually found one place that does sell the ATK keyed alike

martinsurrey

FreddieFrugal wrote: »

Thanks, I've looked at both of these locks but can't find the Ultion actually available to buy online. ATK where I have found it, I haven't seen it being sold with the option to get them keyed alike.

EDIT: I have actually found one place that does sell the ATK keyed alike

don't be greedy, share the name!

FreddieFrugal

Lockandkeyshop.co.uk

Though with delivery it would cost more than getting the handles and cylinders.

Depends which is actually the most secure - 3 star or 1 + 2 star. I suppose the benefit with the handles is that they are a more obvious visual deterrent as they have the cylinder guard and Secured by Design stamped on the front.

I haven't been able to find any mention anywhere of which is actually the most effective.

Wassa123

We got our Avocet from LockAndKeyShop.


But in all honesty... if they're in your back garden, with the intent to break into your house, they won't be put off by any euro cylinder or handle on the door, they'd just smash the window....

TheCyclingProgrammer

FreddieFrugal wrote: »

Thanks, I've looked at both of these locks but can't find the Ultion actually available to buy online.

I think you need to purchase it through an approved locksmith.

FreddieFrugal

Wassa123 wrote: »

We got our Avocet from LockAndKeyShop.


But in all honesty... if they're in your back garden, with the intent to break into your house, they won't be put off by any euro cylinder or handle on the door, they'd just smash the window....

Well yes, if someone has actually specifically targeted my house and is determined to break in - then there's lots of ways that they could. point of these cylinders is to avoid them being able to quickly and quietly gain entry. That would put off the majority of burglars who are looking for a quick and easy target.

Smashing the glass to try and gain access would make a lot of noise directly below our bedroom window.


Very unlikely to attract the sort of burglar who'd be determined to break in to our house, I'd hope. Just wanting to put off the opportunists.