Replacing Euro Cylinder in a Banham 363 Lock?

MonsieurT

Hello. Home insurance up for renewal; also, been reading about an increase in lock "snapping" break-ins so I decided it'd be a good idea to update the front door lock. I would replace the whole lock but it's too expensive for me right now (about £300) so I'm thinking just the euro cylinder...

Issue: it's an old Banham 363 type lock using a twin-cam cylinder. Replacements for this type online seem thin on the ground; also they tend to be lower-rated at 1 star TS007 standard... 3 star being fully anti-snap would be my preference.

Does a Banham 363 lock definitely require a twin-cam cylinder? If so, what are my other options?

Any suggestions appreciated. Also, thoughts on buying such a product online rather than via a high street locksmith with a registered key service.

Doozergirl

I'm not a locksmith by any stretch of the imagination, but Banham are very precious about their products.   They also have good customer service, so it's probably worth giving them a ring.  

MonsieurT

Doozergirl said:

I'm not a locksmith by any stretch of the imagination, but Banham are very precious about their products.   They also have good customer service, so it's probably worth giving them a ring.  

Probably the best course of action, I agree. Only, I won't be able to afford any of their products based on a gander at their website, and anyway they don't appear to sell cylinders separately.

MonsieurT

Called Banham earlier. They're quoting me £220 for a bloomin' twin-cam cylinder. A 3-star single-cam one can be bought for a 5th of that price but it's not compatible. May have to change the whole lock then.

TheGreenFrog

Would this fit?

https://www.lockshopdirect.co.uk/products/gege-pextra-plus-banham-363-type-mortice-euro-double-cylinder-39323/?StockCode=PPBANMORTB

Or you probably want thumb turn if front door?

https://www.lockshopdirect.co.uk/products/gege-pextra-plus-banham-363-type-mortice-lock-euro-key-and-turn-cylinder-39327/?StockCode=PPBANMORTKTB

Also available (and in stock apparently) elsewhere.

MonsieurT

TheGreenFrog said:

Would this fit?
[...]

Hello TGF. Thanks for your suggestion.

It would fit but it has no Kite Mark or obvious security rating. On the same site, I was actually looking at this cylinder, which is rated 1-star.

I would buy it but I need a brass version. Also, I'm wondering which of these online shops is safe to order from as this is a front door lock after all. Hmmm...

TheGreenFrog

Re ordering from online lockshops, I get a relative to order to their address.  1 star probably fine, especially as your Banham lock probably has a good quality security escutcheon?

MonsieurT

TheGreenFrog said:

Re ordering from online lockshops, I get a relative to order to their address.  1 star probably fine, especially as your Banham lock probably has a good quality security escutcheon?

Haha, that's interesting, getting a relative to order for you; what if they get a visit during the night?

Not sure I can convince someone to order for me... Why aren't lock-sellers obliged to register with some relevant official body?

The escutcheons on our door are old, weather-beaten things but still intact.

I did find a site for the "Master Locksmiths' Association" so I'll ring around some of their registered members to see if they can help, but the mark-up compared to these online sellers is going to be significant.There's the rub...

MonsieurT

MonsieurT said:

Doozergirl said:

I'm not a locksmith by any stretch of the imagination, but Banham are very precious about their products.   They also have good customer service, so it's probably worth giving them a ring.  

Probably the best course of action, I agree. Only, I won't be able to afford any of their products based on a gander at their website, and anyway they don't appear to sell cylinders separately.

Just an update on this: having called Banham, they do sell cylinders separately but they cost at least £222! And they don't seem to be anti-snap, and probably require new escutcheons (due to a cowl). What a racket...

casper_gutman

MonsieurT said:

Haha, that's interesting, getting a relative to order for you; what if they get a visit during the night?

Presumably the point is that if you order the locks to your own address there's a risk that a dishonest employee of the lock seller may pop round and let themselves in with a spare key. If the delivery address isn't where the locks are installed, their key will be useless and they'll be no better off than anyone else who wants to break a window or snap a lock to gain entry.