Cylinders

Door cylinders are locking mechanisms that work alongside a multi-point or mortice lock to fully secure entrance doors. Separate pins align upon insertion of a key which allows a key to turn the cylinder.

We have a range of door cylinders from euro cylinder locks, Invincible locks as well oval style cylinders, suitable for a variety of doors and applications.

Our TS 007 3 Star door cylinders have been rigorously tested against modern security standards to achieve snap, bump, pick and drill resistance.

Choose a cylinder lock that will maximise your client’s front door security and offer them ultimate peace of mind. 

The door cylinder is arguably the most critical single component in any entrance door security specification.

Think of it like the lock on a safe — the rest of the door hardware can be first class, but if the cylinder isn't up to scratch, the whole system is only as strong as its weakest point.

That's why ERA offers a comprehensive range of door cylinders across multiple security ratings, profiles and configurations, giving trade installers the right option for every project and every budget.

For projects where the highest level of security is required, ERA's British Standard 3-star cylinders — available across both our Invincible and Fortress euro profile ranges — are the specification of choice.

Achieving TS007 3-star certification means these cylinders have been independently tested and proven to resist the most common and most aggressive methods of forced entry, including cylinder snapping, picking, bumping and drilling.

For installers specifying to Secured by Design, PAS 24 or insurance-compliant standards, a 3-star British Standard Kitemarked cylinder is an essential part of the hardware package.

Our Invincible cylinder range offers an additional layer of assurance through its unique design, which works exclusively with compatible ERA multi-point locking systems.

This dedicated pairing means the security of the cylinder and the lock are engineered to work together, removing the compatibility uncertainty that can arise when mixing components from different manufacturers.

For projects where a high-quality cylinder is required but the full 3-star specification is not a stated requirement, ERA's British Standard 1-star euro profile cylinders and euro profile security cylinders provide a reliable and well-priced option.

These cylinders still offer solid protection against common attack methods and are suitable for a wide range of residential and light commercial applications.

Oval profile cylinders remain a popular choice for certain door types, particularly older timber and traditional doors where the euro profile format is not compatible.

ERA stocks oval profile security cylinders to ensure installers can source the right cylinder regardless of the door configuration they're working with.

Cylinder guards are an important finishing consideration that is sometimes overlooked.

Fitted over the exposed face of the cylinder, a cylinder guard provides physical protection against snapping attacks by reinforcing the most vulnerable point of the cylinder.

ERA stocks cylinder guards compatible with our cylinder range, making it straightforward to specify a complete, layered security solution for any entrance door.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a door cylinder and how does it work?

A door cylinder is the core locking mechanism within an entrance door lock, operated by a key. When the correct key is inserted, internal pins within the cylinder align to the correct height, allowing the key to rotate and engage or disengage the locking mechanism. Cylinders work in conjunction with a multi-point lock or mortice lock to fully secure the door. The quality and security rating of the cylinder is one of the most important factors in determining the overall security performance of an entrance door.

What is the difference between a 1-star and 3-star British Standard cylinder?

The star rating refers to the level of security testing the cylinder has passed under the TS007 standard. A 1-star cylinder provides a solid baseline of security and has passed testing for pick and drill resistance. A 3-star cylinder has passed more stringent testing that additionally covers snap resistance — protection against cylinder snapping, which is one of the most common methods of forced entry used by burglars. For any project where enhanced security is a requirement, a 3-star British Standard Kitemarked cylinder is the recommended specification.

What is cylinder snapping and how do ERA's cylinders protect against it?

Cylinder snapping is a method of forced entry where the exposed part of a euro profile cylinder is physically snapped off using leverage, leaving the internal mechanism exposed and allowing the door to be opened without a key. ERA's TS007 3-star cylinders are specifically engineered to resist snapping through reinforced internal construction and anti-snap break points that cause the cylinder to fail safely — sacrificing the outer portion while keeping the internal locking mechanism intact and the door secure.

What is ERA's Invincible cylinder and what makes it different?

ERA's Invincible cylinder is a British Standard 3-star rated cylinder designed to work exclusively with ERA's compatible multi-point locking systems. Because the cylinder and lock are engineered as a matched pairing, the security performance of the combined system is optimised. Invincible cylinders are Kitemarked and available in a range of sizes and configurations, making them a strong specification choice for installers working with ERA's multi-point lock range.

What is a euro profile cylinder and where is it used?

A euro profile cylinder is the most widely used cylinder format in modern entrance doors, including PVCu, composite and aluminium doors fitted with multi-point locking systems. It is characterised by its distinctive oval-shaped cross section and is available in a wide range of lengths to suit different door thicknesses and lock configurations. ERA stocks euro profile cylinders across multiple security ratings, from economy options through to British Standard 3-star certified cylinders.

When should an oval profile cylinder be specified instead of a euro profile?

Oval profile cylinders are typically specified for older timber doors and certain traditional door types where the lock mechanism is not compatible with the euro profile format. They are commonly found on nightlatch-style locks and some older mortice lock configurations. ERA stocks oval profile security cylinders to ensure that installers working with a wide range of door types and replacement scenarios can source the correct cylinder for the application.

What is a cylinder guard and do I need one?

A cylinder guard is a hardened metal plate that fits over the face of the door cylinder, providing physical protection against snapping attacks by reinforcing the most exposed and vulnerable part of the cylinder. While a high-quality anti-snap cylinder significantly reduces the risk of snapping, fitting a cylinder guard as part of the installation adds an additional physical barrier and is considered best practice on any project where maximum security is a priority. ERA stocks cylinder guards compatible with our cylinder range.

Are ERA's door cylinders suitable for Secured by Design specifications?

ERA's British Standard 3-star Kitemarked cylinders — across both the Invincible and Fortress euro profile ranges — are suitable for use in Secured by Design compliant installations. Secured by Design is a police-backed initiative that sets standards for physical security in residential and commercial buildings, and specifying TS007 3-star cylinders is a key requirement for compliance. Trade installers working on new build developments or social housing projects will frequently encounter Secured by Design requirements, and ERA's 3-star cylinder range provides a straightforward and well-regarded solution.