A cylinder lock, often referred to as a “Euro cylinder,” is the barrel-shaped part of the lock mechanism that a key is inserted into. For UPVC doors, this cylinder works in conjunction with a multi-point lock.

The key features of a UPVC sliding door cylinder are:

• Euro Profile: It has a specific shape and size (the “euro profile”) that is standardized across most UPVC doors in Europe and many other parts of the world.

• Size (60mm): The “60mm” refers to the overall length of the cylinder. This measurement is crucial and must be accurate for the lock to fit and function correctly. A cylinder that is too long will protrude, making it vulnerable to “lock snapping,” a common burglary technique. A cylinder that is too short won’t operate the lock mechanism properly.

• Operation: The cylinder is what operates the “cam,” a part in the middle of the cylinder that, when turned by the key, engages with the multi-point lock mechanism to lock or unlock the door.

Types of 60mm Cylinders for UPVC Doors

You will typically find three main types of 60mm euro cylinders:

1. Double Cylinder (Key-to-Key): This is the most common type for external doors. It has a keyhole on both the inside and outside. To lock or unlock the door from either side, you must use a key.

2. Thumbturn Cylinder: This type has a keyhole on the outside and a thumbturn knob on the inside. You can lock and unlock the door from the inside without a key, which is convenient for a quick exit in an emergency (e.g., a fire).

3. Half Cylinder (Single Cylinder): This cylinder has a keyhole on one side only. It’s not typically used on main external doors but may be suitable for a garage door or a storage unit where access is only required from one side.