The Locksmith Journal 112 September 2025 | Page 19

As new attack methods emerge, security must continue to evolve. Only by raising the standards can the industry stay one step ahead, and support locksmiths in keeping homes and businesses safe.

Cylinders are subject to dedicated testing to determine their resistance to new cylinder attack methods, such as freezing and glueing. This is a recognition of the need to align certification with the methods intruders are attempting to use in real life. The standards that have seen an update in 2024 are Sold Secure and BSi TS007, updated to SS312 Diamond 2024 and BSi TS007-1:2024, respectively.

The Sold Secure SS312 Diamond standard update demonstrates the durability of a cylinder, tested to withstand a multitude of common real-world burglary techniques, which now includes the new attack methods.

BSi TS007-1:2024 refers to the updated 3-star standard, the level of resistance against forced entry methods such as snapping, drilling, bumping, picking, plug extraction, and now freezing and glueing.

New standards offer a clear framework to explain to customers why standards matter and why cylinders already meeting these requirements are the best option for longterm protection.

By investing in solutions that meet and exceed requirements now, they provide locksmiths with proven products to recommend, especially during the darker winter months when burglary rates consistently rise.

All cylinders claiming 3-star must comply to TS007-1: 2024

The framework of standards may appear complex, yet each plays an important and complementary role.

TS007-1:2024, created by the Door & Hardware Federation( DHF) and the Glass and Glazing Federation, applies a star rating system to cylinders and hardware, with three stars indicating the highest level of resistance.

SS312 Diamond, managed by Sold Secure, subjects cylinders to prolonged and sophisticated attempts to compromise them.

Together, these standards ensure cylinders are evaluated against a broad spectrum of risks.

The credibility of these measures lies in the organisations behind them. The British Standards Institution( BSi), Sold Secure and the DHF all develop requirements with input from locksmiths, insurers, and the police.

Insurance companies also rely on these standards, with many policies requiring TS007-three-star or SS312 Diamond approval, for cover to remain valid. For both locksmiths and end users, this demonstrates compliant safeguards with physical security and financial peace of mind.

Overlaying these standards is Secured by Design, the police-backed initiative recognising products proven to reduce crime. When locksmiths recommend cylinders accredited under Secured by Design, they are offering customers an additional layer of reassurance based on independent, crimeprevention expertise.

Security Padlocks Diamond

Independent certifications help locksmiths recommend with confidence and give customers lasting peace of mind.

Security standards never stand still. As intruders develop new attack methods, governing bodies raise the bar with tougher testing. For Mul-T-Lock, this is not just a challenge to meet, but an opportunity to lead.

By working closely with the British Standards Institution, Sold Secure and the Door & Hardware Federation, Mul-T-Lock builds compliance into every stage of product development. From the MTL800 Premium Protection system to the MTL300 robust cylinder, the range already meets or exceeds, TS007 3-Star and SS312 Diamond requirements.

Each product is engineered for long-term peace of mind, with patented key protection, proven break-secure design and durability testing that goes far beyond the minimum. This gives locksmiths the confidence to fit solutions today that will continue to deliver tomorrow— reflecting Mul-T-Lock’ s long-term commitment to staying one step ahead and keeping people, property and communities secure.