Often overlooked, even completely ignored, the cylinder (where the key goes) is the heart of any keyed lock. The cylinder defines what key or keys open a given lock, thus, they also exclude other keys from working. A well made cylinder will have a good long service life, can be re-keyed, masterkeyed, and has some reasonable level of pick resistance based on it's design. I know most people don't go around picking locks open but that's no excuse to leave it  easy for potential pickers.



A poorly made cylinder won't last long under use, will allow other keys to work and is easy for a novice to pick open. They also have been known to suddenly fall apart with pins and springs flying out. With the millions of cylinders produced, there are bound to be some bad ones, from nearly every manufacturer.



Some manufacturers, however, make poor cylinders regularly. Even worse, some of them represent these cylinders as being as good as the OEM (Schlage, Master Lock, etc.) One of them suggests using them in place of OEM cylinders in commercial buildings and I've seen it done more and more.



OK, OK I tried them because they are inexpensive (from China) and I may still have some in stock. After spacing problems and being generally unimpressed with how they are made, I went back to Ilco for replacement cylinders. I usually replace the cast pot-metal cylinders (very bad!) that now come with aluminum storefront doors with solid brass ones. I do this at no extra cost to the user and I'm doing other locksmiths a favor by trashing the junk cylinders.



Cheap cylinders can be found in cars, padlocks, doors, desks, nearly anything with a lock. It's only getting worse. They are hardly secure and it may be difficult to get duplicate keys. Service can be difficult or impossible.



I offer you the most secure locks cylinders within their mechanical limits, that usually means what I consider medium security or better. I have products for most budgets. There are many products out there of such poor  manufacture that I would be  personally embarassed to have them in stock.



In summary, I'd advise you to inspect your locks and cylinders and just see how they feel. Do you feel quality, tight and substantial? Or do you feel and see a lack of quality, loose and empty? Regardless of brand, are you impressed?



Thanks for reading, see ya next time!



Chris G.