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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)  High Security Cylinder Locks
 

Q. Im confused, which is the most secure cylinder?
A. There are many cylinders on the market which conform to Britsh Standard (kite-marked) , however not all offer the same resistance to attack. We have attack tested all the Kite-Marked cylinders on the market, and have selected Avocet ABS and Cisa Astral S as offering the very best security. Cisa Astral S will resist snapping  attack for enough time to deter most intruders. However the Avocet ABS MK3 is the only cylinder to pass the prestigeous "Sold Secure Diamond" level certification, the only test which includes testing against entry by the lock snapping method.

Q. Can I order different sizes and finishes of cylinder onto the same key?
A. Yes. All sizes and finishes can be keyed onto the same key (keyed-alike).

Q. Why do you offer both Avocet ABS and Cisa Astral S cylinders, if ABS if the best?
A. Before the Avocet ABS MK3 cylinder came onto the market, Cisa Astral S was the most secure cylinder against snap & bump key attack on the market. We still supply large numbers of Cisa Astra S cylinders to clients who require high security at a cost effective price.

Q. What is the difference between MK1 and MK2/3  Avocet ABS cylinders?
A. The original MK1 and later MK2 ABS cylinders offered good resistance to snapping attack, but were vulnerable to both picking and bump key attack. The latest MK3 includes devices to prevent entry by the use of bump keys, and picks. 

Q. What make the Avocet ABS MK3 cylinder more secure than all the other security cylinders which offer the same sacrificial ends?
A.   All  cylinders with the exception of ABS MK3 which employ sacrificial ends, can be snapped by first snapping the end off, then snapping the rest of the cylinder (we call them "Two Snap Cylinders"). The Avocet ABS MK3  cylinder is actually designed to snap twice which activates a Patented device which locks the enlarged sintered steel cam in place - effectively blocking access to the locking mechanism. Your key will still operate from the inside.

Q. Someone told me to measure my cylinder to the cam e.g 35/10/35, but most measure to the fixing hole, this is so confusing!
A. Measuring to the cam and not the fixing hole only applies to old Yale and Zone  branded cylinders. All other manufacturers take the measurement from the fixing hole which has long been adopted as the industry standard.

Q. Is it true that fitting a lock cylinder with a thumbturn on the inside may affect my home insurance?
A. Yes, it pays to check with your insurer directly if they will accept the "keyless exit" function of a thumbturn cylinder. This is because insurers usually demand both sides of the door to be equally secure. If entry is gained through a small opening window for example, it would be easy for the burular to remove large items though a door by unlocking the door from the inside, and not the point of entry. As a guide, thumbturn cylinders should only be used on fire exit doors in shared or sheltered accomodation.

Q. On a pair of french windows, do I need to upgrade the cylinders on both doors?
A. Replacing just the cylinder on the first opening door will increase your security. However, if the cylinder is overcome on the other door, this will allow movement of both doors which may allow a jemmy to be inserted between the two doors. If you replace both locks you can order Keyed-Alike locks, to enable operation of both doors with one key for your convenience.

Q. Are all keyed alike locks on the same key? I don't  want others having the same keys as me.
A.  All of our keyed alike lock orders are bespoke items, so are assembled only after we recieve your order. We do not stock cylinders onto the same key, then despatch them on a call off basis. Due to the number of different key combinations (differs) available with ABS, you are guaranteed your own unique keys. No-one else will have the same key GUARANTEED. We can turn keyed alike orders around within 24 hours from reciept of your order which is much quicker than our competitors because we have our own in-house team of dedicated locksmiths to assemble the locks for expess delivery.
 
Q. I ordered extra Cisa Astral keys from you company, and you did not ask to see my Cisa Key Card for authorisation. I was led to believe that no-one was allowed to produce keys without the card.
A. Cisa Astral S keys have no legal protection to stop duplication or supply of keys. The key card supplied with your lock is simply a method of storing your key number in your purse/wallet or safe in case your loose all your keys. If you require copy protection of your keys, then the Avocet ABS MK3 range is the product of choice

If you cannot find the answer to your questions here, please email or call us on 01226 203542.