If your door uses a euro cylinder and it isn’t TS007 rated, your home could be more vulnerable than you realize.
Lock snapping remains one of the most common forced entry methods used against uPVC and composite doors. Yet many homeowners still have older, unprotected cylinders fitted.
This guide explains what TS007 actually means, how the star rating system works, and when upgrading becomes a smart — and necessary — decision.
What Is TS007?
TS007 is a British security standard developed to stop a specific break-in technique known as lock snapping.
This method targets euro cylinder locks. Criminals apply force to the exposed section of the cylinder, snap it, and gain access within seconds.
To address this growing issue, the industry introduced TS007 — a standard developed in collaboration with bodies including the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), representing UK glazing and door hardware specialists.
A cylinder that meets TS007 has been independently tested against snapping and other forms of forced entry.
The Star Rating System (1 Star vs 3 Star)
TS007 operates on a star-based rating system.
⭐ 1-Star Cylinder
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Provides basic anti-snap protection
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Must be combined with a 2-star security handle
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Designed as part of a complete system
⭐⭐⭐ 3-Star Cylinder
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Maximum standalone anti-snap protection
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No additional handle upgrade required
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Tested to higher resistance thresholds
For most homeowners, a 3-star cylinder offers the simplest and strongest upgrade path.
| Feature | Standard Cylinder | TS007 3-Star |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-snap | ❌ | ✅ |
| Anti-drill | Limited | Reinforced |
| Insurance alignment | Uncertain | Widely accepted |
| Break resistance | Basic | Tested |
If your door uses a euro profile mechanism, upgrading to properly rated TS007 euro cylinder locks significantly reduces vulnerability to snapping attacks on uPVC and composite doors.
Is TS007 Better Than a Standard Euro Cylinder?
Yes — in practical terms, it is.
A standard, non-rated euro cylinder may:
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Snap under force
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Lack reinforced break sections
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Offer limited drill or pick resistance
A TS007 3-star cylinder is engineered to:
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Break in a controlled way without unlocking
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Protect the cam mechanism
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Resist drilling and manipulation
If your current cylinder has no visible star marking, it is almost certainly not built to modern attack standards.
Is TS007 the Same as “Insurance Approved”?
Not exactly — but it aligns closely with what insurers expect.
Most UK insurers require:
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Locks that meet recognised British Standards
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Resistance to common forced-entry techniques
TS007 3-star cylinders are widely accepted as meeting modern security expectations.
However, always review your specific policy terms.
If you want to understand how TS007 compares with other lock types and standards, our guide to the best high security door locks for UK homes explains how different security ratings work together.
Do All Doors Need TS007 Locks?
TS007 is particularly important if you have:
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uPVC doors
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Composite doors
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Doors fitted with euro cylinders
These door types are the most frequently targeted for snapping attacks.
If you have a timber door with a mortice lock, TS007 may not apply directly — but reviewing overall door security is still worthwhile.
You can compare certified solutions within our full range of high-security door locks, designed specifically for UK homes and modern forced-entry resistance.
How to Tell If You Should Upgrade
You should strongly consider upgrading if:
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Your cylinder has no visible star marking
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It protrudes beyond the handle
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It was installed over 8–10 years ago
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You’ve never changed it since moving in
Many older cylinders were fitted before anti-snap standards became widely adopted.
Replacing a vulnerable cylinder is typically far cheaper than dealing with forced entry damage.
Why TS007 Locks Cost More — And Why That Matters
TS007-rated cylinders include:
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Reinforced sacrificial sections
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Hardened steel anti-drill pins
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Anti-pick mechanisms
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Controlled break design
Cheaper cylinders omit these features.
The price difference is minor compared to:
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Locksmith callouts
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Insurance excess
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Door repairs
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Replacing stolen items
When it comes to physical home security, small savings upfront can create significant costs later.
What This Means for Your Home Security
If your euro cylinder isn’t visibly TS007 rated, upgrading to a 3-star model is one of the most straightforward security improvements you can make.
It doesn’t require replacing the entire door.
It doesn’t involve structural changes.
It simply replaces a vulnerable component with one engineered to resist modern attack methods.
For many UK homeowners, that small upgrade dramatically reduces risk.
Strong security isn’t complicated — it’s about choosing certified, properly tested protection that closes known vulnerabilities before they’re exploited.
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