TS007 Euro Cylinder Ratings: What Do the Stars Really Mean?

19 August 2025

When it comes to securing your front door, not all cylinder locks are created equal. TS007 is a British Standard Kitemark specifically designed to safeguard front entrance cylinders from common forced-entry techniques, including drilling, picking, bumping, snapping, and plug extraction.

What Makes TS007 So Important?

Until the TS007 standard was introduced, the most critical part of your lock (the cylinder) had never been rigorously tested against the techniques burglars commonly use. With cylinder snapping and bumping becoming increasingly frequent attack methods, TS007 aims to provide a much-needed benchmark of resilience. In fact:

Over 40% of burglaries in England and Wales involve forced entry through the front door, specifically targeting the cylinder.
Today, any door set going for a PAS 24 security door test must include a TS007 3-star cylinder to be compliant.

Decoding the TS007 Star Ratings

3-Star Cylinders
These meet the full TS007 standard, meaning they are tested against all five attack methods: drilling, picking, bumping, snapping, and plug extraction. Because of ongoing auditing, some cylinders may pass one year and fail the next, so always ask for up-to-date certification when purchasing.

1-Star Cylinders
On their own, these don’t meet the full standard. However, when combined with 2-star door furniture, such as handles or cylinder guards that carry the BSI 2-star rating, they combine to achieve the required 3-star level. Please note that 2-star accessories may be limited in style and finish, which can be a consideration for joiners and their customers when selecting door furniture.

Which Option Is Best for You?

Go with a 3-Star Cylinder Alone
For the best combination of security and flexibility in design, a standalone 3-star Kitemark cylinder is ideal. It gives you full protection and allows for freedom in your choice of door furniture, styles, and handle finishes, which are important when aesthetics matter.

Use 1-Star + 2-Star AccessoriesIf budget or availability of 3-star cylinders is an issue, this hybrid path still meets regulations, but you’ll require a 2 Star handle or cylinder guard. These products will have an effect on the overall design of the door; the finishes will often be limited, and your customers may not like these options.

Quick Comparison

Cylinder setup	Meets TS007 3-Star	Design Flexibility	Considerations
Standalone 3-Star Cylinder	Yes	High	Requires proper certification & auditing
1-Star Cylinder + 2-Star Accessory (for example handle or security guard)	Yes	Low-Medium	Accessories might affect the desired look of the door

Conclusion

Choosing the right Euro cylinder isn't just about ticking a compliance box; it’s about peace of mind. With over 40% of burglaries involving forced door entry, a proper TS007-rated lock is more vital than ever. For most, a 3-star cylinder offers the best security and the style needed for design integration. If that’s not feasible, the 1-star plus 2-star accessory combo can work, but comes with some aesthetic trade-offs.

View the door cylinders we offer here