How to Upgrade Measuring, Removing and Replacing Euro Cylinder Locks.

Upgrading Euro Cylinders is easy -
when you know how.

There is nothing too tricky about upgrading to a high security, insurance approved euro cylinder like the Yale Platinum Anti-Snap Euro Cylinder, or Yale Anti-Bump locks. Whatsmore, no special tools are required, just a cross-head screwdriver. Perhaps the most important part of upgrading is making sure that you order the correct size: a cylinder that sticks out too far on the outside is more vulnerable and is an invitation to burglars.

Get the Right Size Euro Cylinder

No special gauges are required to accurately measure the cylinder size, instead you can use a simple metric ruler, or our handy Euro Cylinder Measurement Template. It is possible to place the ruler against the open edge of the door and use your eye to judge the measurements from the outside face of one backplate to the cylinders fixing screw and from the fixing screw to the outside face of the other backplate. However, we do not recommend this technique. Instead we suggest that you take the cylinder out, particularly as it often only takes a few moments and gives the most accurate measurement.

Measure from the Existing Cylinder

Before the cylinder is removed for accurate measurement, check that the cylinder does not stick out significantly from the handle backplate. Ideally, the cylinder should sit flush or just slightly protruding. A cylinder should never stick out more than 5mm.

Euro cylinders are held in place by a Fixing Bolt that is screwed from the door edge through a threaded hole on the side of the cylinder under the cam. The cylinder size required is determined by the distance from each edge of the cylinder to the centre of the Fixing Hole.

Mark Long Cylinders - If the cylinder stick out more than 5mm then use a pencil to clearly mark the cylinder at the point that it leaves the backplate. This mark should then be used for measuring, rather than the end of the cylinder.
Remove the Euro Cylinder - If you are unsure, see below for instructions on how to remove a euro cylinder lock.
Lay the Cylinder Down - Place cylinder on it's side for measuring.
Get Measurement (a) - Measure from the left end of the cylinder to the centre of the Fixing Hole. If you marked the left side of the cylinder with a pencil, then measure from the mark rather than the end.
Get Measurement (b) - Measure from the centre of the Fixing Hole to the right end. If you marked the right side of the cylinder with a pencil, then measure to the mark rather than the end.
Check Measurements - Measure the overall length required, either from end to end or between pencil marks if marks were made. The overall length should equal the sum of measurements (a) and (b).

Measuring a Euro Cylinder uPVC Door Lock

If measurement a = 35mm and measurement b = 45mm then the size required is referred to as 35/45 (80mm overall). Some double cylinders (key operated at both ends) like the Yale Anti-Bump feature security on both ends. So, ordering a 35/45 cylinder is the same as ordering a 45/35 cylinder. However, some, like the Yale Platinum and thumbturn cylinders are handed, with security on only one side. When measuring these cylinders, you should measure the inside side of the cylinder first as measurement a.

Measuring to the Fixing Hole is the most common method of measuring cylinders. However some sellers do not include the 10mm cam space in the centre of the cylinder. Therefore, they would refer to the example above as 30/40 (80mm overall). Always check with suppliers when placing an order for cylinders.

Once you know what size you require, take a look at the high security euro cylinders on offer to see what best fits your needs.

Removing an Existing Euro Cylinder

To remove the cylinder you will require a cross-head screwdriver to release the Fixing Bold, which is visible just under the latch on the edge of the door.

Open the Door - Insert key to unlock and open the door. The key should be left in the lock.
Remove Fixing Bolt - Cylinder is held in place by a long threaded bolt/screw. The head of the screw should be visible under the latch on edge of door.
Pull Out the Cylinder - Turn the key while apply slight pressure to the opposite end of the cylinder. As you do so the cam will line up with the rest of the lock and you will be able to slide the cylinder out towards yourself. The key usually needs to be turned approximately 25° clockwise or anti-clockwise.

Fitting a New Euro Cylinder

Fitting a euro cylinder is like a reverse of the removal process.

Align Cam and Cylinder - Insert and turn the key until the cam no longer sticks out and is lined up with cylinder.
Insert Cylinder - Holding the key, guide the cylinder through the euro cylinder cutout on the door.
Fit Fixing Bolt - Insert Fixing Bolt through hole in door edge and feel to locate the euro cylinders Fixing Hole. When it feels like the Fixing Bolt has found the Fixing Hole, screw the bolt until it and the cylinder are secure.

Download our handy Euro Cylinder Measurement Template to simplify the measurement of euro cylinders.