Choosing Guide

How to choose the right cylinder

What are the parameters to keep in mind when choosing a cylinder? To help you choose the cylinder that best suits your customers’ needs, we’ve drawn up a simple, easy-to-use guide comparing the security features of the various CISA models.

How to make the right choice: some tips

Before you browse through the list of cylinders and their characteristics, check out this overview of the terminology commonly used to identify the various cylinder features and properties.

Resistance to Topolino-type decoders

These decoders use the technique of a lock profile, i.e. replicating the position and depth of the pins inside a lock cylinder with tool that has yielding elements aligning to the pin depths.

How has CISA addressed this? By adding a new, specially shaped pin into the cylinders. This limits the effectiveness of the decoder, preventing cylinder opening.

Resistance to bumping

This technique involves striking the pins in such a way as to move the respective drivers and clear the shear line.

How has CISA addressed this? Some cylinders feature the patented BKP Bump Key Power driver, while the RS5 and RX radial cylinders feature an innovative patented telescopic driver.

Resistance to picking

This technique involves using a tension tool and a lock pick: with the correct tactile feedback, the pins and drivers inside the cylinder can be set at the shear line.

How has CISA addressed this? By inserting special patented drivers into cylinders to counteract lock picking.

Resistance to snapping

This technique consists of attempting to extract the cylinder by breaking it using pincers or other tools.

How has CISA addressed this? Some cylinders feature the Snap Resistant system (a steel core that runs through the cylinder), others have a pre-cut for controlled snapping; in some latest-generation modular cylinders, it is the screw that provides protection.

Resistance to drilling

The drill break-in technique consists of attempting to drill through the cylinder, causing the pins to fall out or break and thereby open the lock.

How has CISA addressed this? By installing carbonitrided steel pins or protective steel inserts.

Protected duplication

For cylinders with patented keys, duplicates are conditional on presentation of the ownership card supplied with the cylinder. This prevents unauthorised duplicates.

Clutch-system cylinders

Clutch-system cylinders allow the cylinder to be opened from the outside, even if the key is inserted on the inside. This feature is useful in emergency situations (if someone inside the house is in difficulty) or simply for convenience.

Resistance to Topolino-type decoders
Bumping resistance
Protezione al grimaldello
Tearing resistance
Drill resistance
Protected duplication
Clutch system
CISA Score
Different Key combinations
RS5
Security Card
7
8 billion
RX
Security Card
7
8 million
AP4S
Security Card
6
40 billion
TEKNO iNOVATE
Security Card
5
1.6 million
ASTRAL S
5
1.6 million
C3000S
Security Card
5
240 thousand
C3000
Security Card
4
240 thousand
ASIX P8
Security Card
3
240 thousand
ASIX
2
30 thousand
C2000
2
30 thousand