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New Yale AS Platinum Euro Lock Vs ABS 3 Star Euro Lock

Please note this review is based on the old AS Platinum cylinder which has been updated and replaced by a totally new design offering much better features and TS007 2014 / 15 3 star compliant. New review on the new cylinder is here > New review on the new Yale Platinum TS007 3 star anti snap euro lock

We are proud to be one of the first Yale euro lock specialists to have the new Yale AS Platinum euro lock in real life to do some direct comparisons with the current UK leading 3 star cylinder from ABS Avocet.

As we are a Yale Authorised Support Centre and an ABS Super Elite Centre we have no axe to grind - but want to give our customers a balanced view on the pro's & cons of each 3 star euro lock.

First of all both locks are excellent for protection against the most common forms of attack - IE Lock snapping, Lock bumping, Lock Picking and drilling. They both also have all the 'hardware' built into the external side of the cylinder - so please make sure you measure your replacement correctly and make note of the internal and external measurements as they must be fitted the right way round.

The new Yale AS 3 star euro cylinder is an upgraded version of their 'retail' 1 star anti snap lock which will remain in production alongside its 3 star brother. The key system is 'open' profile using the same 'KTM' blanks which means your keys can be copied easily with or without your knowledge. Some customers like easy key replacement and others prefer to know their keys can not be copied without their permission IE like the ABS locks.

Yale have not changed the main front & back ends of the cylinders, however they have made significant changes to the rotating cam by adding much more protection and harder metals than its 1 star version.

Currently the retail pricing seems to be in the £40-£50 region depending on size, which puts it well above the cost of the ABS locks.

One major draw back is the inability for the Yale AS euro locks to be keyed alike - so if you want to replace 2 or more euro locks then you will have to put up with several keys all looking the same on your keyring - which can be a pain when wanting to open or lock your doors.

The ABS system allows key alike options for all of their euro locks and thumb turn versions, plus the rim cylinders for night latches, pus the half euro cylinders for garage doors and the ABS padlocks.

BSi Kitemark - both are BSi kite marked, however this is a rather old system and no longer really plays any part in the security features of modern euro lock design.

TS007 rating: This is the real test of a modern euro lock. Both locks are TS007 3 Star rated, which is currently the highest possible for a euro cylinder, however this rating does not consider key security, which the ABS system wins hands down.

Sold Secure Diamond Standard: This is a standard developed my the Master Locksmiths Association to test security products for industry, the insurance sectors, the Police and the general public. ABS euro cylinders have the highest rating - Diamond standard. As yet the Yale cylinder has not been given any rating - but we will update the article if this changes.

What do you get in the box?

Yale AS Platinum: Cylinder, 2 fixing bolts (for different sized backsets) 3 standard KTM keys

ABS Euro Lock: Cylinder, 2 fixing bolts, 3 security keys (magnetic) and the ABS security code card required for extra keys to be cut online via an ABS approved dealer or over the counter. ABS Avocet also allow you to register your key codes on their secure website to prevent them ever being lost.

Summary:

Yale offers good protection Vs attack, no key security, no key alike options and more expensive. As yet no record of how they will perform or any reliability issues - however we trust Yale will not have many issues here over the next few years as they get installed & used on a daily basis.

ABS offers good protection Vs attack, high key security, key alike options and is approx £10 cheaper. ABS 3 star cylinders have also been installed for a number of years already with a proven track record of reliability.