Junying (CNClathing.com) is a leading China lock cylinder factory and CNC machining services company of precision machined lock parts and accessories for the mechanical security industry, we have been dedicated to the lock cylinder machining and production in standard and custom specifications for more than 10 years. Our CNC machining center, sophisticated manufacturing facilities and advanced inspection equipment, as well as professional engineers and skilled machinists are assisting our door locks cylinder manufacturing to meet the customers requirements, capabilities including CNC milling, turning, drilling, casting, and surface finish. We provide a complete selection of lock components including SFIC core, IC core, lock cylinder, mortise cylinders, cam lock housings, cam lock nuts, cam lock washers, door lock parts, push lock housing, push lock spring, blank key, key cylinder, key core, etc. Strict quality control system and a series of inspection procedure enable us to deliver each product with quality and performance conforms to the clients’ needs.
With the development of security industry in modern society, Computer Numerical Control machining has become the main manufacturing solution of a variety range of locks and keys. To ensure the safety and security of people, the quality of each part on the lock is important. As the essential device on security doors, home door, market entrance and other places, the demand for locks and lock parts is huge every year. CNC manufacturing is one of the most efficient and cost-effective production method for large-batch lock cylinder parts in same size. Based on the decades of experiences on the development and machining of lock cylinder, lock core, keys, and different lock parts, Junying is familiar the unique characteristics of lock accessories and things to notice during the fabrication process, and capable to produce non standard and OEM lock cylinder parts with various customized designs.
What Is a Cylinder Lock and How Does It Work?
A cylinder lock is a common and reliable type of lock used in homes,
offices, and many other places to keep doors secure. It is named after its
main part, the cylinder, where you insert a key. Inside this cylinder are
small pins that must line up perfectly when the right key is pushed in. The
key’s unique cuts match the pins, and when they align at the correct height,
the cylinder can turn smoothly. This turning action moves a latch or bolt,
locking or unlocking the door. Cylinder locks are popular because they are
strong and can be easily replaced or re-keyed without changing the entire
lock, making them both convenient and cost-effective. Many modern cylinder
locks also include special features that protect against picking, drilling,
or bumping, which helps stop burglars from breaking in.
Different Types of Cylinder Locks
Euro Cylinder Lock
The Euro cylinder lock is the most widely used cylinder lock in Europe, especially in the UK. It has a unique shape—narrower at the bottom and rounded at the top, much like a lollipop. Euro cylinders come in many sizes and styles, making them very versatile. They fit into multipoint locking systems often found in front doors, and can include features such as a thumbturn on the inside for easy locking without a key or symmetrical keys that work the same way from both sides. Because of their popularity, Euro cylinders are easy to find and replace, with many brands offering advanced security options.
Oval Cylinder Lock
Oval cylinder locks have an oval or egg-shaped profile and work similarly to Euro cylinders by using pins and keys to secure a door. However, they are less common today and mostly found on older or specific regional doors. Oval cylinders are harder to replace because fewer manufacturers produce them and fewer sizes are available. Although they offer solid security, their limited availability means there are fewer customization options or advanced features compared to Euro cylinders.
Double Cylinder Lock
Double cylinder locks require a key to lock or unlock the door from both the inside and outside. This means you cannot unlock the door from inside without a key, which adds an extra layer of security, especially useful if your door has windows or glass panels near the lock. Some models allow you to leave the key inside, working like a thumbturn, but you can remove it for increased security when you’re away. The downside is that in emergencies, you must have the key to get out quickly, which can be dangerous if the key is misplaced or hard to find.
Single Cylinder Lock
A single cylinder lock has a keyhole on the outside of the door and a thumbturn or knob on the inside. This means you use a key to unlock the door from outside, but you can quickly lock or unlock it from inside without needing a key. These locks are very convenient and commonly used in homes because they allow easy and fast exit in emergencies, like fires. However, if the door has glass panels near the lock, a burglar could break the glass and reach inside to turn the thumbturn, making single cylinder locks less secure in those cases.
Euro vs Oval Lock Cylinder Profile
The main differences between oval and Euro lock cylinders are the shape and uses. Oval cylinders have a true oval shape and are usually found in older British wooden doors or special commercial locks. They fit only into oval-shaped mortice lock cases, which are less common today. Euro cylinders, on the other hand, have a longer, more rectangular shape with rounded corners, making them the standard for modern UPVC, composite, and aluminum doors across Europe and the UK. This profile is much more common and easier to find in many sizes and styles. If you need, Junying is a metal machining factory that offers both Euro and oval profile door lock cylinders with wholesale prices and high quality.
Single vs Double Cylinder Locks
Single and double cylinder locks differ mainly in how they are operated on each side of the door. Single cylinder locks let you use a key on the outside and a thumbturn inside, making them very convenient and safe for quick exit. However, they may be less secure if the door has glass near the lock. Double cylinder locks require a key on both sides, which makes breaking in harder but can slow down emergency exits if the key isn’t immediately available.
What Is a Lock Cylinder?
A lock cylinder is the central part of a lock where you insert your key to lock or unlock a door. It is usually shaped like a small metal tube and contains the keyhole along with the internal parts that control the locking mechanism. When you put the right key inside and turn it, the cylinder moves its pins and springs in just the right way to release the lock, allowing the door to open. Made from strong materials like brass or steel, the lock cylinder works together with the door lock to keep things safe by controlling the bolts or latches that hold the door shut. Lock cylinders are found in many locks, such as deadbolts, padlocks, and knob locks, and some can be easily swapped out or re-keyed to change who can open them.
Lock Cylinder vs Lock Core
A lock cylinder and a lock core are closely related but not exactly the same. The lock cylinder refers to the entire metal tube assembly that you see on a door, it includes the outer housing and the internal parts that turn when you use a key, moving the bolt to lock or unlock the door. Inside this cylinder is the lock core, which is a smaller, removable module containing the keyhole, pins, and springs. The lock core is the part where the key actually fits and interacts with the pins to operate the lock. Because the core can be taken out and replaced separately, it allows for easy rekeying or upgrading without changing the whole cylinder. In simple terms, the lock core is the essential heart inside the larger lock cylinder body.
Main Parts of a Lock Cylinder
- Shell: The shell is the sturdy outer casing of the lock cylinder. It holds all the internal pieces securely and protects them from dirt, water, and damage, making sure the lock lasts a long time.
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Plug: Inside the shell is the plug, which is the part that actually turns when you use the key. The plug contains the keyhole and fits snugly inside the shell, allowing rotation only when the pins are aligned correctly.
- Pins and Drivers: These are small metal pins of different lengths arranged inside the cylinder. They block the plug from turning unless they are pushed to the right height by the key. When the correct key is inserted, these pins line up perfectly at a special point called the shear line, letting the plug rotate freely.
- Springs: Tiny springs sit on top of the pins, pushing them down into place. They keep the pins in the correct position until the right key lifts them to the shear line, so the lock can open.
- Plug Covers and Screws: The plug covers protect the ends of the cylinder, and screws hold the entire lock cylinder firmly inside the door or lock case, keeping everything in place and secure.
What Metal Are Lock Cylinders Made Of?
Lock cylinders can be made from various materials. CNCLATHING is specialized in lock cylinder machining and die casting using a wide selection of metals to manufacture the desired component.
Brass
Brass and copper lock cylinders are popular for both indoor and outdoor locks. Brass is easy to machine precisely, so the lock works smoothly without jamming. It is also very durable and can handle daily wear and tear without losing strength. Its warm, golden color is attractive, so it’s often used where the lock is visible. Many strong, high-security locks use brass cylinders because they resist picking and drilling well. You’ll find brass lock cylinders in homes, offices, cabinets, and padlocks.
Zinc Alloy
Zinc alloy lock cylinders are budget-friendly options and often used for in furniture, drawers, or locks that don’t need very high security. Zinc is easy to cast into complex shapes, which is common in decorative locks or those with unusual designs. Zinc alloy locks are lighter and simpler to install. However, zinc alloy isn’t as strong as brass or steel, it can wear out faster and is easier to break or drill through.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel lock cylinders are very strong and resistant to rust, corrosion, and harsh weather, which makes them ideal for outdoor use or places with lots of moisture, like near the sea. Grades like 304 and 316 stainless steel are often used because they can resist drilling and cutting better than brass or zinc. Stainless steel is heavier and tougher, so it lasts a long time even under heavy use. These cylinders are perfect for front doors or high-traffic areas where extra security and durability are needed.
Carbon Steel/Hardened Steel
Carbon steel, often treated or hardened and sometimes coated with nickel, is used mainly for the parts of locks that need extra protection, like the outer shell or anti-drill plates. This metal is extremely tough and helps prevent burglars from breaking, drilling, or prying the lock open. Hardened steel adds an extra layer of defense, making locks much harder to force. Because of its strength, steel is heavier and more expensive but is essential for high-security locks, especially on main entrances or commercial buildings.
Hot Sale Junying CNC Machining Lock Parts & Accessories List