Types of Lock Cylinders – What’s The Difference?

You will almost certainly need to specify the type of cylinder you require when ordering locks. Mortise, rim, key in the knob, key in lever, deadbolt, and profile are just a few of the options. But don't be fooled by this; each form of a cylinder is quite easy to discern.

1. Mortise Cylinder

Mortise cylinders are screwed into the lock body and have a round threaded cylinder. You may need to use spacers to make the cylinder flush with the lock, depending on the cylinder's depth. Standard keyway and replaceable core mortise cylinders are likewise offered.

2. Rim Cylinder

The rim cylinder is another typical type of cylinder. It's mostly utilised in exit devices. It has a lengthy tailpiece on the end and resembles a mortise cylinder. If you have an exit device with keyed access from the outside, you will almost always need to order a rim cylinder. However, mortise cylinders are used by some brands of exterior trim and exit devices. Rim cylinders, like mortise cylinders, come in both regular keyway and replaceable core configurations.

3. Key in Knob/Lever

In the lever cylinder, there is a cylinder key. On a standard knob lock or lever set, you'll see a key in the cylinder. The cylinder is the component of the lock that you insert your key into. A normal keyway cylinder would resemble a variant of the image to the right if the cylinder was removed. Depending on the brand of lock, it may be a little longer or shorter, and the end may look slightly different. The cylinder's depth is determined by the lever's depth, and the cylinder's end is determined by how the cylinder engages the lever's locking mechanism. Interchangeable core levers and knobs are made differently and will not take ordinary cylinders.

4. Deadbolt Cylinders

The deadbolt cylinder is another type of cylinder that most of us use every morning as we leave the house. To retract the deadbolt, a key must revolve the cylinder from the outside of the door. Depending on which option your order, the inside of a lock can be controlled with a thumb turn or a key.

5. Profile Cylinder

Except for storm doors, profile locks are prevalent in Europe but not so much in the United States. They come in oval or teardrop designs and have a central cam that operates both sides of the lock.

WUXI GMB International Corporation, which was established in 2005, is a major exporter and professional provider of door hardware goods such as lock bodies, door handles, lock cylinders, padlocks, door hinges, ball-bearing slides, and other furniture hardware. GMB has created long-term commercial relationships with key organizations in numerous countries and regions, thanks to a strong foundation in the hardware locks industry spanning over 15 years. Year after year, the WUXI GMB business has grown, and our volume has increased. We have been focusing on market exploitation and cultivation, as well as developing, designing, and manufacturing high-quality products.