Cylinder Replacement in Paris: Price, Buying Guide and Tips
How to choose the right cylinder in Paris? Price, A2P security levels, brands and installation tips: the complete guide to replacing your cylinder with confidence.
Cylinder replacement is one of the most common locksmith jobs in Paris. Whether to secure your home after moving, replace a worn cylinder, or upgrade to a higher security level, this guide gives you everything you need to make the right choice.
Why replace your cylinder?
KEY TAKEAWAY
For a cylinder in Paris: measure E/I before buying, aim for at least A2P** (10 min in lab testing) on the ground floor, and have an RNCP locksmith fit it for insurance compliance.
There are several valid reasons to replace your lock’s cylinder:
- ✓After moving in: you do not know how many key copies are in circulation. Changing the cylinder is the only guarantee that no one else has access to your home.
- ✓After a burglary or attempt: the cylinder may be damaged, and thieves now know your lock type.
- ✓Lost or stolen keys: if you cannot rule out that a key has been copied, replacement is the safest option.
- ✓Worn cylinder: difficulty turning the key, play in the mechanism, a key that catches — these are signs your cylinder is failing.
- ✓Security upgrade: moving from a low-end cylinder to a certified A2P model to better protect your home.
How to measure your cylinder
Before buying or ordering, precise measurement is essential. A cylinder that is too short or too long will not work properly.
The European cylinder (the most common in Paris) is measured in millimetres, outside (E) + inside (I). The notation is E/I, for example 30/30 or 35/45.
How to measure:
- Unscrew the central screw of the lock (visible on the edge of the door) and remove the cylinder.
- Measure from the outer edge to the centre of the fixing screw → outside (E).
- Measure from the screw centre to the inner edge → inside (I).
- Add them together for the total length.
If in doubt, a locksmith can take this measurement during the diagnosis.
Security levels: understanding A2P certification
The A2P certification (Assurance Prévention Protection) is the French standard for burglary resistance:
Certification
Resistance (minutes)
Recommended use
A2P* (1 star)
5 minutes
Standard flat on an upper floor
A2P** (2 stars)
10 minutes
Ground floor, exposed flat
A2P*** (3 stars)
15 minutes
House, business, maximum level
Minimum resistance time in laboratory testing (CNPP) — in real conditions, noise and visibility usually slow break-in attempts further.
High-security cylinders also protect against:
- ✓Picking (manipulating the pins)
- ✓Drilling (built-in hardened pins)
- ✓Pulling (anti-pull escutcheon)
- ✓Snapping (reinforced cylinder body)
Recommended brands for Paris
Mul-T-Lock
An Israeli brand recognised worldwide for the quality of its pin systems. The Mul-T-Lock MT5+ and Interactive+ cylinders are among the most pick-resistant available.
ASSA Abloy / Medeco
Premium brands with patented key systems offering protection against unauthorised copying.
Fichet
A historic French brand, very common in Paris flats. Fichet cylinders in the F3D and Unikey ranges offer an excellent level of security.
Bricard
Found on many Paris locks. The Serie X range offers a good quality/security balance with A2P certification.
Cylinder replacement prices in Paris
| Cylinder type | Price incl. VAT (parts + fitting) |
|---|---|
| Standard cylinder (replacement) | From €150 |
| High-security A2P** or A2P*** cylinder | From €220 |
| Premium brand cylinder (Mul-T-Lock, Fichet) | Quote by model |
These rates include the diagnosis, the cylinder suited to your lock and fitting by a certified technician. A set of keys is supplied with each new cylinder.
For multipoint locks, the cost can vary depending on the number of locking points and the lock model. See our simple cylinder and high-security cylinder pages for details.
What our intervention includes
At 247 Serrurerie, every cylinder replacement follows several steps:
- On-site diagnosis: checking the lock type, precise measurement of the existing cylinder, overall condition assessment.
- Recommendation: we offer several options based on your budget and desired security level.
- Replacement: removing the existing cylinder, fitting the new one, checking correct operation.
- Handing over the keys: you receive the agreed number of keys and maintenance instructions.
Our team is RNCP certified and works across Paris and all of Île-de-France.
Cylinders and home insurance
A certified A2P cylinder can positively influence your home insurance premium. Some insurers require a minimum certification level to cover you in the event of a burglary. Check your policy conditions and share the fitting certificate with your insurer.
Request a free quote for your cylinder replacement in Paris or see our price list.