# TS007 3-Star vs Sold Secure Diamond: Anti-Snap Cylinder A plain-English comparison of TS007 3-star and Sold Secure Diamond (SS312) for anti-snap cylinders, including what the ratings cover, how to check your own door, and when to ask a locksmith. If you are upgrading your door cylinder and have seen references to TS007 3-star and Sold Secure Diamond, you may be wondering which one matters more. Both are recognised UK security ratings for cylinders, but they come from different schemes and measure slightly different things. The short answer is that TS007 3-star is a product standard for the cylinder itself, while Sold Secure Diamond is an independent certification that often covers the cylinder and its associated hardware as a complete set. For many doors, the most practical approach is to look for a cylinder that carries both, fitted correctly, and to check your own insurance policy wording or product markings rather than relying on general claims. ## What TS007 actually covers TS007 is a UK technical specification for cylinders and associated hardware used in locks. It sets out performance requirements for resistance to common physical attacks, including snapping, drilling, picking and bumping. The scheme uses a star rating system, and you will most often see it applied to euro profile cylinders. A TS007 1-star cylinder offers a basic level of attack resistance. A 2-star cylinder provides a higher level, but on its own it does not necessarily mean the whole door is protected against snapping unless it is paired with a 2-star security handle or a 3-star cylinder. A TS007 3-star cylinder is tested to resist snapping, drilling, picking and bumping to a higher standard, and it is designed so that the cylinder itself provides the full 3-star level of protection without relying on a separate security handle. In practice, a 3-star cylinder is often the simplest way to upgrade a door because it addresses the cylinder directly. However, the cylinder still has to be the correct length and fit the door properly. A 3-star cylinder that protrudes too far from the door face can be more vulnerable to attack, and poor alignment between the door and frame can put strain on any cylinder. ## What Sold Secure Diamond means Sold Secure is an independent testing and certification body in the UK. It tests security products against realistic attack methods and awards Bronze, Silver, Gold or Diamond ratings. For cylinders, the relevant standard is often SS312, which is a Sold Secure standard for cylinder locks. A Sold Secure Diamond rating indicates that the product has passed a high level of testing against a range of attacks. One important difference is that Sold Secure certification can apply to a complete cylinder and handle set, not just the cylinder alone. This means a Diamond-rated product may include a matched handle and cylinder that have been tested together. If you fit only the cylinder from a Diamond-rated set and keep an old or incompatible handle, you may not achieve the same level of protection that was tested. ## Key differences at a glance - **TS007 3-star** is a UK product standard for the cylinder itself. It is widely recognised by insurers and often referenced in policy wording. - **Sold Secure Diamond (SS312)** is an independent certification that can cover a cylinder and handle combination. It is also recognised by many insurers and specifiers. - **Both** indicate a high level of resistance to common attacks, but they are not identical. A product can carry one, the other, or both. - **Fit matters.** Neither rating compensates for a cylinder that is the wrong length, a door that does not close properly, or handles that are loose or incompatible. ## How to check what you already have You do not need to remove the cylinder to check its markings. In most cases, you can see the relevant information on the face of the cylinder or on the handle. 1. Look at the face of the cylinder where the key enters. You may see a star symbol, the letters TS007, or a Sold Secure logo. 2. Check the handle. Some handles carry their own rating, especially if they are part of a matched set. 3. Look for any paperwork or receipts from when the lock was fitted. These often state the standard. 4. If you cannot see any markings, do not assume the cylinder is rated. It may be an older or unbranded product. If you are unsure, a locksmith can identify the cylinder type and advise on compatible replacements. You can also use our [anti-snap lock checker](/tools/anti-snap-lock-checker) to answer a few questions about what you can see. ## Does my insurance require a specific rating? Insurance policies vary. Some specify TS007 3-star for certain doors, others may accept Sold Secure Diamond, and some may not mention cylinders at all. The only reliable way to know is to read your own policy wording or ask your insurer directly. Do not rely on general statements that "insurers require 3-star" without checking your own documents. If your policy does specify a standard, keep a record of the product you fit, including the make, model and any certification marks. This can be useful if you need to make a claim. Our guide to [BS3621 locks and UK insurance](/blog/bs3621-locks-explained-uk-insurance-guide) explains how that standard fits into the wider picture, and you can use the [insurance lock checker](/tools/insurance-lock-checker) to review your final exit doors. ## When to choose 3-star, Diamond, or both There is no single answer for every door. Consider the following: - If your door already has a 3-star cylinder and you are replacing like for like, a TS007 3-star cylinder is a straightforward choice. - If you are upgrading from an older cylinder and want a matched cylinder and handle set, a Sold Secure Diamond product may be appropriate. - If your insurer specifies one standard, follow that. - If you want the highest level of assurance, look for a product that carries both TS007 3-star and Sold Secure Diamond. In all cases, the cylinder must be the correct size for your door. A cylinder that is too long or too short can affect security and operation. If your door has a multipoint lock, the cylinder may need to be a specific type, and the handle may need to be compatible. Our [anti-snap, anti-pick and anti-drill locks service](/services/anti-snap-locks) covers the assessment and fitting of suitable cylinders for your door. ## Fitting and compatibility A high-rated cylinder is only effective if it is fitted correctly. The cylinder should sit flush with the door face or within the limits recommended by the manufacturer. If it protrudes, it can be more vulnerable to snapping. The handle should be secure and compatible with the cylinder, and the door should close without needing to be forced. If your door is misaligned or the lock is stiff, fitting a new cylinder may not solve the underlying problem. In some cases, the door or frame may need adjustment. Our [door alignment and adjustment service](/services/door-alignment) can help if the door is rubbing or not latching properly. For uPVC doors, the multipoint mechanism may also need attention, which we cover under [uPVC repairs](/services/upvc-repairs). ## What to tell a locksmith When you contact a locksmith about upgrading your cylinder, have the following information ready: - The type of door (uPVC, timber, composite, aluminium). - Whether the current cylinder is a euro profile or another type. - Any visible markings on the cylinder or handle. - Whether the door closes and locks easily. - Any insurance specification you need to meet. A locksmith can then confirm whether a TS007 3-star or Sold Secure Diamond cylinder is suitable, and whether any other parts need replacing. If you are locked out or have a broken key, that is a separate issue; our [emergency lockouts service](/services/emergency-lockouts) covers urgent entry, and [snapped key extraction](/services/snapped-key-extraction) deals with broken key fragments. ## Summary TS007 3-star and Sold Secure Diamond are both recognised indicators of a high-security cylinder, but they are not the same thing. TS007 3-star applies to the cylinder itself, while Sold Secure Diamond often covers a cylinder and handle set. For most doors, a correctly fitted cylinder that meets your insurance requirements is the goal. Check your own policy wording and the markings on your existing hardware, and ask a locksmith if you are unsure about compatibility or fitting. ![TS007 3-Star vs Sold Secure Diamond: Anti-Snap Cylinder](https://fastlocksmiths-birmingham.co.uk/og/141.png?v=92697e759235) Author: LockSmith — Founder Experienced locksmith and founder with years of hands-on expertise in emergency lockouts, lock replacements, and residential and commercial security solutions across Birmingham. Dedicated to providing reliable, fast, and professional locksmith services. ## Is TS007 3-star the same as Sold Secure Diamond? No. TS007 3-star is a UK product standard for the cylinder itself. Sold Secure Diamond is an independent certification that can cover a cylinder and handle set. A product can carry one, the other, or both. ## Will a TS007 3-star cylinder meet my insurance requirements? It depends on your policy. Some insurers specify TS007 3-star for certain doors, others may accept Sold Secure Diamond, and some may not mention cylinders. Check your own policy wording or ask your insurer directly. ## Can I fit a 3-star cylinder myself? Replacing a cylinder can be straightforward if you have the correct size and type, but if you are unsure about compatibility or the door does not close properly, it is best to ask a locksmith. Incorrect fitting can reduce the protection the cylinder provides. ## Do I need to replace the handle as well as the cylinder? Not always. If you choose a TS007 3-star cylinder, it is designed to provide full protection without a separate security handle. If you choose a Sold Secure Diamond set, it may include a matched handle and cylinder that were tested together. ## How can I tell if my current cylinder is anti-snap? Look for markings on the face of the cylinder, such as a star symbol, TS007, or a Sold Secure logo. If you cannot see any markings, do not assume it is rated. A locksmith can identify the cylinder type for you. ## Contact Locksmith Birmingham | Emergency Help 24/7 Telephone: 07549624024 Landline: 0121 517 0524 WhatsApp: https://wa.me/447549624024?text=Hello%2C%20I%20need%20a%20locksmith.%20My%20postcode%20is%3A%20 Canonical: https://fastlocksmiths-birmingham.co.uk/blog/ts007-3-star-vs-sold-secure-diamond-anti-snap-cylinder Updated: 2026-10-10T10:03:28+01:00