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American vs. European Lock Cylinders: Key Differences and How to Identify Them
American and European (Euro) cylinders are two common lock cylinder styles. Both can be single, double, or dummy (non-working), but they differ in shape and in how they connect to the lock.
Key Takeaways
- Euro cylinder: the cylinder is the same shape on both sides of the door and goes straight through the lock. Turning the key directly moves the lock.
- American cylinder: the key goes into the front, and the back has a flat metal piece. When the key turns, that flat piece moves the lock.
- Not interchangeable: the cylinder opening and drive method must match your lock.
European (Euro Profile) Cylinder
A European cylinder (often called a Euro profile cylinder) is the same basic shape from the front side to the back side. It passes through the lock case and sits in a matching Euro-shaped opening in the lock mechanism. This style is common in many multipoint locks and modern door hardware systems.
See Euro cylinder options on MPLocks
American Cylinder
An American cylinder has a key face on the exterior, but the back end is different. Instead of continuing as the same shape, it typically ends in a flat tailpiece/rod that extends into the hardware and drives the lock mechanism through the handle/lock opening.
See American cylinder options on MPLocks
Common Questions About Cylinders
Are American and Euro cylinders interchangeable?
No. American and Euro cylinders are different shapes and do not directly replace one another. In some situations, an adapter can be used to allow a Euro profile cylinder to work in hardware designed for an American cylinder.
How do I tell which cylinder style I have?
- Euro cylinder: same profile front-to-back, made to sit in a Euro-shaped cutout in the lock case.
- American cylinder: key face on the front with a flat tailpiece/rod on the back that drives the lock.
If your door uses escutcheon plates, you can often spot the cylinder profile through the plates. You may also see the difference at the lock mechanism where the cylinder opening matches the required style.