Choosing a Security Lock

Types of Locks: Understanding the Basics

We replace locks every week across Brussels, and the question we hear most is "which one should I get?" The honest answer is that it depends on your door, your neighbourhood, and what you can afford — there is no one-size-fits-all solution. But there are clearly better choices than others. This guide shares what we actually recommend to our own customers, based on what we see in the field day after day.

European Cylinder (Most Common in Belgium)

The European cylinder, also known as a profile cylinder or barrel, is the most widespread lock mechanism in Belgian homes. It is the removable part of the lock into which you insert your key. When you want to improve the security of your front door, replacing the cylinder is often the first and most effective step.

A high-quality cylinder resists several common break-in techniques:

• Lock picking: security pins make it impossible to manipulate the lock without the correct key
• Bumping: a technique that uses a specially cut key to open low-grade cylinders in a matter of seconds
• Snapping: a reinforced cylinder with anti-snap protection prevents intruders from breaking it off by force
• Drilling: hardened steel elements inside the cylinder resist drill bits

If your current cylinder is a standard model with no particular protection, we strongly recommend replacing it with a high-security cylinder. We work with trusted brands such as Mul-T-Lock, Fichet, and Bricard, whose cylinders provide certified protection against all of these techniques. Visit our lock replacement page to learn more about the work we carry out.

Multipoint Lock (3, 5, 7 Points)

A multipoint lock secures your door to its frame at several positions simultaneously, rather than at just one locking point. The more locking points there are, the better the door resists being forced open.

• 3 points: the minimum recommended for a front door in Brussels. The locking points are typically located at the top, middle, and bottom of the door. This is the standard for most apartments.
• 5 points: offers a higher level of security, particularly suited to detached houses and ground-floor flats in more exposed Brussels municipalities.
• 7 points: the maximum level of protection, recommended for isolated properties or oversized doors. The locking points are distributed across all four sides of the door.

The right number of points depends on your situation: the type of door, how exposed your property is, and the level of risk in your area. In municipalities like Saint-Gilles, Ixelles, or Schaerbeek, where attempted break-ins on front doors are frequent, a 5-point lock strikes a good balance between security and practicality.

Surface-Mounted vs Mortise Lock

The difference between a surface-mounted lock and a mortise lock comes down to how the mechanism is fitted to your door.

A surface-mounted lock is screwed onto the interior surface of the door. It is visible and easier to install or replace. You will find this type frequently on older Brussels townhouses, particularly the traditional "maisons de maitre" in the European Quarter or the southern municipalities. It has the advantage of being suitable for doors that are not thick enough to accommodate an embedded lock.

A mortise lock is built into the thickness of the door itself. It is invisible from the outside, giving a cleaner, more modern appearance. This is the standard on contemporary doors and reinforced doors. Most current multipoint locks from brands like Fichet or Picard are mortise models.

The choice between the two depends mainly on your existing door. During a lock replacement, our technicians assess on site which type is best suited to your installation.

A2P Certification: The Security Label

The A2P (Assurance Prevention Protection) certification is the benchmark for measuring a lock's resistance to break-in attempts. Issued by the CNPP in France and recognised throughout Europe, including Belgium, this certification grades locks according to their performance in standardised resistance tests.

There are three levels of A2P certification:

• A2P one star (*): resists break-in attempts for a minimum of 5 minutes. Suitable for upper-floor apartments in buildings with a secure entrance.
• A2P two stars (**): resists for 10 minutes. Recommended for houses and ground-floor apartments in Brussels.
• A2P three stars (***): resists for 15 minutes. The highest level, ideal for particularly exposed homes or for maximum peace of mind.

In Belgium, home insurance providers increasingly take the level of lock protection into account. Installing an A2P-certified lock can simplify your claims process and, in some cases, influence the terms of your policy. Check with your insurer for the specific requirements of your contract.

A mistake we come across regularly: a homeowner invests in a premium cylinder but has it fitted into a cheap lock body. Always verify that both the cylinder and the lock carry A2P certification. One without the other is like putting a vault-grade deadbolt on a hollow-core door.

Comparing Certifications: A2P, EN 1303 and SKG

Three security standards coexist in Belgium. Understanding what each one measures helps you pick a cylinder that matches your actual risk level.

In practice, Belgian insurers accept all three standards. An A2P 2★ or SKG ★★★ cylinder is sufficient for the majority of homes. For reinforced doors or high-value properties, we recommend an A2P 3★ cylinder paired with a multipoint lock.

The Brands We Install (and Why)

We work with manufacturers whose reliability and quality have been proven over decades. Here are the brands we regularly install in Brussels homes:

• Fichet: a leading French manufacturer of high-security locks. Their multipoint locks and cylinders are among the most resistant on the market. Fichet offers A2P three-star certified solutions, designed for front doors and reinforced doors.
• Bricard: a long-established brand offering a complete range of cylinders and multipoint locks. Bricard cylinders deliver excellent protection against picking and bumping, with a strong balance of quality and durability.
• Vachette: widely present on the Belgian market, Vachette supplies cylinders and locks for every security level. Their products are particularly popular in Brussels co-ownership buildings and apartment complexes.
• Mul-T-Lock: an internationally recognised Israeli manufacturer known for its double-pin-row cylinders. Their products offer outstanding resistance to picking. Mul-T-Lock is widely used in embassies and official buildings in the European Quarter of Brussels.
• Picard: a French manufacturer of reinforced doors and high-security locks. Their multipoint locks integrate perfectly into a door reinforcement project.

The right brand depends on your door, your needs, and your existing setup. We would never recommend the same thing for a studio flat in Ixelles and a townhouse in Uccle — that is exactly why an on-site look is always worth more than a decision made from a product catalogue.

Smart Lock: Who Is It For?

Smart locks are becoming increasingly popular in Brussels, particularly in new-build properties and high-end renovations. They allow you to lock and unlock your door using a smartphone, badge, or code, without a physical key.

A smart lock can be especially useful in the following situations:

• Short-term rentals: you manage a flat on a rental platform in Brussels and want to assign temporary codes to your tenants without having to travel to hand over keys.
• Large families: no more lost spare keys from the children. Each family member gets their own code or smartphone access.
• Remote access: you can open your door for a delivery driver, a tradesperson, or a family member from your workplace.
• Entry tracking: a log of openings and closings lets you see who entered and when.

We work with Nuki, whose smart locks can be fitted onto most existing European cylinders. The advantage of Nuki is that it mounts directly onto your current cylinder: you keep your physical key as a backup while adding all the connected features.

To find out more about installation and options, visit our dedicated smart lock page.

Which Lock Type for Your Situation

To help you make the right choice, here are our recommendations based on the most common scenarios we encounter across Brussels:

• Upper-floor apartment with a standard landing door: a high-security cylinder (Mul-T-Lock or Bricard) combined with a 3-point lock provides effective protection. This is the most common setup in apartment buildings in Ixelles, Etterbeek, or Woluwe.
• Ground-floor apartment: a 5-point multipoint lock with a cylinder certified A2P two stars at minimum. You should also consider door reinforcement to strengthen the overall structure.
• Detached house: a 5- or 7-point lock with A2P certification, paired with a Fichet or Mul-T-Lock cylinder. Do not neglect the lock on any internal garage door that connects to the living space.
• Traditional Brussels townhouse with a period door: a surface-mounted multipoint lock can be installed without altering the original door. Our team takes care to preserve the character of your door while delivering modern security.
• Shop or office: a high-security lock with an anti-drill and anti-snap cylinder, optionally complemented by a smart lock to manage staff access.

Every property in Brussels has its own characteristics: door thickness, frame type, level of exposure. If you are unsure which option fits your situation, the quickest way to find out is to send us a photo of your door and current lock via WhatsApp — we will tell you what makes sense and what is not worth the investment. Reach us at 0495 205 400, covering all Brussels municipalities and Brabant.