What is the difference between a lock and a door cylinder?
A lock and a cylinder are two distinct components of a locking system, although they are often confused. Here are the main differences between the two:
1. The lock :
Definition: The lock is the complete locking mechanism installed on a door. It comprises several components, including the lock case, bolt, strike plate and cylinder.
Function : The lock operates the mechanism that locks or unlocks the door. It receives the action of the key (via the cylinder) to move the bolt (the part that fits into the strike plate on the doorframe) and thus block or unlock the door.
Types of locks : There are several types of lock, such as mortise locks (hidden in the door), surface-mounted locks (surface-mounted), or multi-point locks (with several locking points) ...
2. The cylinder (or barrel) :
Definition: The cylinder is a specific part of the lock where the key is inserted. It is a removable and interchangeable component.
Function : The cylinder is the element that recognises the key and operates the lock. When the correct key is inserted and turned, it aligns the pins inside the cylinder, allowing the rotor to turn and actuate the lock mechanism.
Cylinder types : There are single cylinders (key on one side), double cylinders (key on both sides) and knob cylinders (key on one side, knob on the other). They can be of different sizes and levels of security (for example, with anti-drilling or anti-pick protection).
Summary:
The lock is the complete device that locks the door.
The cylinder is the part of the lock into which the key is inserted and which operates the locking mechanism.
What are the different types of armoured door?
There are several types of armoured door, adapted to different security needs:
Single-leaf armoured door: This is the most common model, consisting of a single reinforced door, ideal for standard entrances to flats and houses.
Double-leaf armoured door : Made up of two leaves, this door is used for wider entrances, such as those to buildings or houses with spacious entrances.
Armoured fire doors : As well as protection against burglary, it offers fire resistance, useful for commercial and residential buildings.
Armoured glass door : Includes one or more panels of armoured glass, combining security and aesthetics while letting in light.
Acoustic armoured door : Specially designed to reduce noise, ideal for city flats or offices.
Which security lock should I choose?
The choice of security lock depends on your desired level of security and the type of door:
Multipoint lock : Recommended for entrance doors, this lock locks the door at several points (3, 5 or 7), offering enhanced security.
High security cylinder lock : Includes an anti-drilling, anti-pick and anti-pull cylinder. Ideal for those looking for optimum security.
Electronic or connected lock : For secure, modern access management, this lock can be opened using a smartphone, a card, a code ...
What is the difference between a door unit and a door leaf?
Door block : This is a complete unit comprising the door, frame, hinges and often the lock. The door unit is ready to be installed in a single piece in a wall opening.
Door leaf : Refers only to the moving part that opens and closes. It requires a separate frame to be installed correctly.
How to secure a door from the inside/outside
From the inside : Install an additional lock or a security bar to reinforce the lock. Use an optical peephole to see who is at the door without opening it.
From the outside : Choose a high-security cylinder and fit a cylinder protector to prevent drilling attempts. Install reinforcements to protect the door unit against crowbar attacks ...
How can I make my door more secure?
To secure a house door :
- Use an armoured door or add reinforcement plates to an existing door.
- Installing a multi-point security lock.
- Use a high-security cylinder and a cylinder protector.
- Add an optical peephole to check visitors.
- Consider alarm systems or surveillance cameras to warn you of a break-in in progress.
What is the role of a fire door?
The role of a fire door is to delay the spread of fire and smoke between different areas of a building for a specified period (e.g. 30, 60, 90 minutes). It is essential for the safety of occupants, facilitating evacuation in the event of fire and limiting material damage.
In Belgium, there are certifications that confirm whether the door is fireproof or not, as well as its resistance time.
- If the building or renovation permit was issued before 7/2022, the door may comply with standard NBN 713.020 and must be Benor ATG-certified.
- If the permit is issued after July 2022, the door must comply with the EN 13-501-1 standard, be classified Ei 1 and may be classified Benor ATG (manufacturing control by an independent body).
How do I duplicate a key?
To duplicate a Lince key, simply :
As the key is protected by patent, our liability is engaged. For the copy of the key we require the following documents depending on the model:
- Model Z: a copy of the ownership card (with the key code)
- Model X: a copy of the ownership card (with the key code) and identity card, together with the national number.
- XA1 model: a copy of the ownership card, the code shown on the head of the key (on one side) and the identity card as well as the national number.
- C5, C6, C7 or W model: a copy of the ownership card, with the code shown on the head of the key (on one side), which is different from the code on the card, and of the identity card, together with the national number.
How do you secure a lock?
To secure a lock :
- Use a high-security cylinder that is at least resistant to picking, drilling and tearing.
- Install a cylinder protector to protect the mechanism against attempted break-ins.
- Add a reinforcing plate around the lock to protect it from attack by crowbars, screwdrivers, chisels, etc.
- Use armoured fittings to increase the strength of the lock.
When should a fire door be installed?
The term armoured door is simply a synonym for a burglar-resistant door, which is the more correct concept.
Armoured door" is more akin to a door that has been reinforced, which is not the case with G-Block doors, which are directly designed in their structure to resist.
Definitions
What is a burglar-resistant door?
Unlike a detection system that warns you of an intruder, a security door is a protective barrier against break-ins. The intruder remains outside the area to be protected.
What is a security or safety lock?
A safety lock is a lock designed to offer enhanced security, often used for entrance doors. It incorporates complex mechanisms such as reinforced cylinders and multiple bolts, and is resistant to burglary techniques such as picking, drilling and tearing.
What is a multipoint lock?
A multi-point lock locks the door in several places (usually three, five or seven) along its height, offering increased security. It is particularly effective at distributing the force applied in the event of an attempted break-in, making it more difficult to force the door open.
Glossary
Anchoring
The point at which the lock is attached to the door, offering enhanced security. Locks can have several anchor points to increase resistance to burglary.
Stand
The door handle used to operate the lock mechanism from the inside.
Anti-panic lever handle
Device enabling a door to be opened quickly from the inside in an emergency without the use of a key.
Central Box
The main part of the lock where the various locking mechanisms are integrated.
Square
Square metal part connecting the handle to the lock mechanism. Standard size is often 8 mm.
Doorframe
A doorframe is a frame around a door, either flush with the wall or projecting slightly beyond it. It acts as a finishing touch and joins the sash to the surface of the wall. It consists of two uprights or two vertical leaves and a horizontal lintel.
Hinge
A mechanical part that allows two elements to rotate relative to each other, such as a door and its frame. Hinges are essential for the smooth operation and longevity of doors.
Safe
A safe is a piece of furniture used to protect valuables from theft or accidental destruction.
Race
Distance travelled by the bolt when it is operated to lock or unlock the door.
European cylinder (PZ)
A type of lock cylinder common in Europe, characterised by an inverted pear shape and a specific 15 mm bit.
Magnetic release
Device located on the door frame, used to activate the automatic locking mechanism of hook bolts.
Diverter
Auxiliary mechanism in a multipoint lock which distributes the locking points towards the bottom and/or top of the door leaf.
Striker
Part fixed to the door frame into which the bolt engages to lock the door. Often not included in lock sets.
Retractable grille
Metal protection system designed to secure openings such as doors and windows. Retractable, it can be folded or slid away for easy access when not in use.
Frame
All the elements that frame a door or window, usually made of wood or metal, and which serve as a support for the door.
Judas
The optical peephole is a lens-based optical device. Also known as an eyecup, bullseye or "magic eye", it comprises a fisheye lens (known as a "fish eye") and an eyepiece, also known as an "œilleton".
Launching
Technical term for a part of a lock or mechanism used to operate or lock a door.
Deflection mechanism
A system for distributing locking points over several sides of the door leaf, thereby increasing security.
Hinges
Double support and rotation member, consisting of a male arm fixed to the frame and a female arm fixed to the door leaf. The hinges allow doors to be opened and closed without difficulty and contribute to the door's stability and safety.
Bolt
Lock component that engages in the strike plate to lock the door. Can be dead (moving only when the door is closed) or latching (operated by the handle).
Latch bolt
Bolt that keeps the door closed without locking it completely. It retracts automatically when the handle is operated. Also known as a latching bolt.
Dead Bolt
A bolt that remains in place once the lock is locked and does not retract without the use of the key.
Throwing Bolt
Bolt operated by the handle, allowing the door to be opened and closed without using the key, often reversible to adapt to left or right-hand opening doors. Also known as a latch bolt.
Anchor points
The different points where the lock attaches to the door to reinforce security. A multi-point lock has several anchoring points.
Door
Movable structure used to close or delimit an opening in a wall. Doors can be designed with different levels of security, insulation and design depending on their use (interior, exterior, armoured, fireproof).
- Armoured door (synonymous with burglar-resistant door)
- Door that has been reinforced to resist break-in attempts.
- Burglar-resistant door (synonymous with armoured door)
- Door designed directly into its structure to resist attempted break-ins.
Pre-painted
Refers to a product, often made of metal or wood, which is supplied with a coat of primer paint, ready to be painted according to the user's final preferences.
Cylinder protector
Accessory that protects the lock cylinder against attempts to remove or drill it.
Hardware
All metal parts or accessories used in construction or renovation, such as locks, handles, hinges and other fasteners.
Multipoint lock
A lock offering several locking points on the same door, usually on the sides, top and bottom, for added security.
Automatic Locking System
Mechanism that automatically locks the door when it is slammed, without the need to turn the key.
Headrest
Metal plate fixed to the edge of the door to hold and guide the lock bolt. Can be of different sizes and shapes, such as flat, rounded or rectangular, or U-shaped (faceplate).
Door Tie Rods
Bars or elements fixed to the surface of the door leaf to help it open or close more easily when the leaf is unlocked.
Leaf
Movable part of the door that pivots on the hinges and is fitted with the lock.
Hook Locks
A type of locking where metal hooks engage deep into the strike plate, offering superior resistance to burglary by separating the leaf from the frame.


