121 Locks & Building Hardware Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk THE door industry journal winter 2025 3 Star Cylinder Locks in Practice: 1. What are the most common issues you see with 3 star cylinders already installed? Customers don’t always like the restricted key duplication or the cost of replacements. I’ve also seen rising failure rates in 2025, often because people use the wrong lubricants or buy cheaper 3-star cylinders that don’t meet the same quality standards. 2. Do you see 3 star locks undermined by poor installation? Not often, but I have seen cases where the anti-snap side is installed on the inside or retaining screws overtightened with impact drivers — both completely avoidable mistakes. 3. How important is correct sizing for 3 star locks, and is this often overlooked? It’s crucial. The lock should sit flush with the handles, ideally on both sides. If the handles are snapped off, a correctly sized lock leaves less exposed cylinder to attack. Here’s how to measure a euro cylinder lock professionally. 4. Have you seen break-ins involving 3 star locks, and how did they hold up? I’ve attended break-in attempts where 3-star locks were damaged but still prevented entry. They generally perform excellently—even locksmiths can struggle with them. They’re the best of the best and rigorously tested by Sold Secure. 5. Which 3 star brands stand out—good or bad? Installation is similar across brands, but in terms of quality and reliability, Apecs and Mul-TLock are my top choices in 2025. 6. Does a 1 star cylinder + 2 star handle perform as well as a dedicated 3 star lock? Yes, that’s a strong combination. Still, many customers choose a 3-star cylinder upgrade alone—it’s often more cost-effective and easier to manage. 7. Do specifiers consider long-term maintenance enough? Not always. Many new door sets come with 3-star locks, which is great, but end users often don’t know where to get keys or what lubricants to use. That leads to performance issues and reduced lifespan. 8. How well do end users understand what the 3 star rating means? Generally, not well. Whether residential or commercial, most people have little understanding of what 3-star actually signifies for their security. 9. Have you ever advised against fitting a 3 star lock? Yes—when customers want easily replaceable keys or have a tight budget. In such cases, a 1-star euro lock may be more appropriate. 10. What’s one supply decision that needs rethinking? Locksmiths should stick with brands that offer fast ordering, easy delivery, and smooth warranty processes. In 2025, there’s a lot of choice, and expectations are high. 11. Is there enough feedback between manufacturers and installers? Not really. Some brands ignore feedback on recurring faults. That’s short-sighted—it only leads to warranty issues and distrust. A stronger feedback loop is essential. 12. Will 3 star cylinders become the universal standard? They’re now standard on many new doors, but consumer understanding still lags behind. Until that changes, demand may remain lower than it should be. From Site to Spec: A New Series from the Front Line This article marks the first in a new series examining how the real-world experiences of locksmiths and installers can inform smarter decisions across the door and hardware sector. Over the coming months, we’ll explore topics including retrofit realities, smart hardware integration, post-spec maintenance challenges, and more. If there’s an area you’d like to see covered — or if you’re a frontline professional with insight to share — we’d love to hear from you.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mzg2Nzk=