Door Lock Types & Adapters

Understanding lock types is essential for smart lock compatibility. The US and Europe use fundamentally different systems.

US vs European Locks

US Deadbolt

┌─────────────────┐
│     DOOR        │
│                 │
│  ┌───────────┐  │
│  │ DEADBOLT  │──┼──► Bolt extends into frame
│  │ (inside)  │  │
│  │           │  │
│  │ [THUMB]   │  │    Thumbturn on inside
│  │  TURN     │  │
│  └───────────┘  │
│                 │
│  ┌───────────┐  │
│  │  HANDLE   │  │
│  └───────────┘  │
└─────────────────┘

• How it works: Turn thumbturn → bolt slides into door frame
• Smart lock mounts: Over the thumbturn on the inside
• Common brands: Schlage, Kwikset, Baldwin, Defiant

European Euro Profile Cylinder

┌─────────────────┐
│     DOOR        │
│                 │
│  ┌───────────┐  │
│  │  EURO     │  │    Drop-shaped cylinder
│  │ CYLINDER  │──┼──► Key or thumbturn inside
│  │   ◉       │  │
│  └───────────┘  │
│                 │
│  ══════════════ │    Multi-point locking bar
│       │         │    (engages at 3+ points)
│  ══════════════ │
│                 │
│  ┌───────────┐  │
│  │  HANDLE   │  │    Lift handle to engage
│  └───────────┘  │
└─────────────────┘

• How it works: Turn key/thumbturn 360° → multiple bolts engage
• Smart lock replaces: The cylinder, or mounts over existing
• Common brands: Abus, EVVA, DOM, Dormakaba, KESO

The Tailpiece Problem

The tailpiece is the metal bar that connects the cylinder to the lock mechanism. It’s why adapters exist.

US Deadbolt Tailpiece

    ┌─────┐
    │     │  ← Thumbturn (you grip this)
    └──┬──┘
       │
    ┌──┴──┐
    │     │  ← Mounting plate
    └──┬──┘
       │
    ╔══╧══╗
    ║     ║  ← TAILPIECE (turns the bolt)
    ║     ║
    ╚═════╝
       │
    [BOLT]

Tailpiece shapes vary by manufacturer:

European Cylinder Tailpiece

    ┌─────────────────────┐
    │   EURO CYLINDER     │
    │         ◉           │  ← Keyhole
    └─────────┬───────────┘
              │
           ┌──┴──┐
           │     │  ← CAM (flat metal piece)
           └─────┘
              │
           [LOCK MECHANISM]

Euro cylinder tailpiece (cam) shapes:

Nuki Adapters

US Model - 3 Adapters Included

The Nuki Smart Lock (US) ships with 3 adapters for different tailpiece shapes:

Adapter 1        Adapter 2        Adapter 3
┌───────┐       ┌───────┐       ┌───────┐
│  ▢    │       │  ◗◖   │       │  ═    │
│       │       │       │       │       │
└───────┘       └───────┘       └───────┘
 Square          D-shape         Slotted

Fits most: Schlage, Kwikset, Baldwin, Defiant, Weiser

European Model - Knob Cylinder Adapters

Nuki sells 8 color-coded adapters for European knob cylinders:

Why so many? Each manufacturer uses slightly different knob dimensions.

When You Need a Custom Adapter

Signs the included adapters won’t work:

1. Tailpiece too long - Extends past the adapter
2. Tailpiece too short - Doesn’t engage the adapter
3. Wrong shape - Spins freely, doesn’t grip
4. Knob cylinder - European style with a knob, not a key

Solutions:

Measuring Your Lock

US Deadbolt

        ← 1.38" min →
    ┌───────┬───────┬───────┐
    │ FRAME │ DEAD  │ HANDLE│
    │       │ BOLT  │       │
    └───────┴───────┴───────┘
            ↑
        Center of deadbolt

For inward-opening doors:

• Deadbolt center to frame: > 1.38" (35mm)
• Deadbolt center to handle: > 1.38" (35mm)

For outward-opening doors:

• Deadbolt center to frame: > 1.58" (40mm)
• Deadbolt center to handle: > 1.38" (35mm)

European Euro Cylinder

    ← Inner length →   ← Outer length →
    ┌────────────────┬────────────────┐
    │     INSIDE     │    OUTSIDE     │
    │                │                │
    └────────────────┴────────────────┘
                     ↑
              Retaining screw

Measure from center screw:

• Inner length: Should not exceed 68mm
• Outer length: Should not exceed 55mm

Compatibility Quick Reference

Nuki Smart Lock (US)

Nuki Smart Lock Pro (EU)

Lock Standards by Country

The door industry is fragmented by region. What works in New York won’t fit in Berlin, Stockholm, or Tokyo.

World Map of Lock Types

Regional Details

North America (USA, Canada, Mexico)

Standard: ANSI/BHMA (American National Standards Institute)
Lock type: Single-cylinder deadbolt with thumbturn
Common brands: Schlage, Kwikset, Baldwin, Defiant, Weiser
Nuki model: Smart Lock (US) - 3 adapters included

Characteristics:

• Deadbolt + separate handle/knob
• Single-point locking (one bolt)
• Thumbturn on inside, key on outside
• DIY installation culture
• Big box store availability (Home Depot, Lowe’s)

Western Europe (Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland)

Standard: DIN 18252 (Germany), various national standards
Lock type: Euro profile cylinder in multipoint lock
Common brands: Abus, EVVA, DOM, Dormakaba, KESO, Winkhaus
Nuki model: Smart Lock Pro + color-coded adapters

Characteristics:

• Drop-shaped euro cylinder
• Multi-point locking (3+ bolts engage)
• Lift handle to engage all bolts
• Cylinder is modular (replace without changing lock)
• Professional locksmith culture

United Kingdom & Ireland

Standard: BS 3621 (British Standard)
Lock type: Euro cylinder OR night latch (Yale lock)
Common brands: Yale, ERA, Union, Chubb
Nuki model: Smart Lock Pro

UK has TWO common lock types:

1. Euro Cylinder (modern doors)

   • Same as Western Europe
   • Often in UPVC doors
   • Nuki Pro compatible

2. Night Latch / Rim Lock (older doors)

   • Surface-mounted on inside
   • “Yale lock” colloquially
   • Nuki does NOT fit these directly

Insurance note: UK insurers often require BS 3621 locks.

Scandinavia (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland)

Standard: SS/NS/DS/SFS (national standards)
Lock type: Scandinavian oval or round cylinder
Common brands: ASSA, Abloy, Ruko, Trioving
Nuki model: Smart Lock Ultra Nordics

Characteristics:

• Oval-shaped cylinder (not euro profile!)
• 360° key rotation
• Very high security standards
• ASSA/Abloy dominance
• Nuki made a specific “Nordics” model for this market

Australia & New Zealand

Standard: AS 4145.2 (Australia), NZS (New Zealand)
Lock type: Lockwood 001, oval cylinder, euro cylinder (newer)
Common brands: Lockwood, Gainsborough, Yale, Legge
Nuki model: Smart Lock Pro (for euro cylinder doors)

Lock types found in AU/NZ:

The Lockwood 001 problem:

• Australia’s #1 residential lock
• Rim-mounted deadlatch (not cylinder-based)
• Cannot use Nuki directly
• Solution: Replace with euro cylinder mortise lock, or use August/Level

Where to buy Nuki in Australia:

• YourSmartLife - ~$350 AUD
• Amazon AU - Ships from Germany
• Siegware

Adapter opportunity: 🖨️ Custom adapters for Lockwood oval cylinders

Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand)

Standard: Various (SS, MS, CNS, TIS)
Lock type: Euro cylinder mortise locks (dominant)
Common brands: Dormakaba, Häfele, Yale, Gateman, Kaadas
Nuki model: Smart Lock Pro

Good news: Southeast Asia widely uses euro profile cylinders in mortise locks, especially in:

• HDB flats (Singapore)
• Condominiums
• Commercial buildings
• Modern residential

Common setup:

┌─────────────────┐
│     DOOR        │
│                 │
│  ┌───────────┐  │
│  │  EURO     │  │  ← Euro cylinder (Nuki Pro fits!)
│  │ CYLINDER  │  │
│  └───────────┘  │
│                 │
│  ┌───────────┐  │
│  │  MORTISE  │  │  ← Mortise lock body
│  │   LOCK    │  │
│  └───────────┘  │
│                 │
│  ┌───────────┐  │
│  │  HANDLE   │  │
│  └───────────┘  │
└─────────────────┘

Cylinder brands in SEA:

• Dormakaba (German)
• Häfele (German)
• Yale (International)
• ISEO (Italian)
• Mul-T-Lock (Israeli)

Adapter situation: Most should work with standard Nuki Pro adapters since they use euro profile. Check cylinder brand against Nuki’s color-coded adapter chart.

Where to buy:

• Direct from Nuki shop (ships internationally)
• Amazon Singapore/Malaysia
• Local smart home retailers

Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam

Standard: PNS, SNI, TCVN
Lock type: Mixed - both US deadbolt and euro cylinder
Common brands: Corona, Yale, Häfele, local brands
Nuki model: Depends on lock type

Mixed market:

• US-style deadbolts: Common in houses (US influence)
• Euro cylinders: Common in condos, commercial
• Local variations: May need custom adapters

Decision tree:

What lock do you have?
         │
    ┌────┴────┐
    ▼         ▼
Deadbolt?   Euro Cylinder?
    │              │
    ▼              ▼
Smart Lock    Smart Lock
   (US)          Pro

Adapter opportunity: 🖨️ Local cylinder brands may need custom adapters

Japan

Standard: JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards)
Lock type: Mortise lock (MIWA, GOAL, ALPHA)
Common brands: MIWA, GOAL, ALPHA, Keiden
Nuki model: ❌ Not compatible

Characteristics:

• Pin tumbler mortise locks
• MIWA LA-type very common
• Digital locks increasingly popular
• Different form factor than US/EU
• Local brands dominate (Samsung, Epic not common)

Smart lock options: MIWA, GOAL, Qrio, Sesame (local brands)

South Korea

Standard: KS (Korean Standards)
Lock type: Digital mortise lock
Common brands: Samsung, EPIC, Gateman, iRevo
Nuki model: ❌ Not compatible

Characteristics:

• Digital locks are the DEFAULT
• Keypad/fingerprint/card standard in apartments
• Mortise-style integration
• Most advanced digital lock market
• Push-pull handles common

Note: Korea skipped mechanical smart locks entirely.

Why This Matters for Nuki

Which Nuki Do You Need?

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    WHERE ARE YOU?                        │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                           │
         ┌─────────────────┼─────────────────┐
         ▼                 ▼                 ▼
    ┌─────────┐      ┌───────────┐    ┌────────────┐
    │   USA   │      │  EUROPE   │    │ SCANDINAVIA│
    │ Canada  │      │   (most)  │    │  (Nordic)  │
    │ Mexico  │      │           │    │            │
    └────┬────┘      └─────┬─────┘    └──────┬─────┘
         │                 │                  │
         ▼                 ▼                  ▼
  ┌──────────────┐  ┌──────────────┐  ┌──────────────┐
  │ Smart Lock   │  │ Smart Lock   │  │ Smart Lock   │
  │    (US)      │  │    Pro       │  │Ultra Nordics │
  │              │  │              │  │              │
  │ 3 adapters   │  │ 8 adapters   │  │ Oval/round   │
  │ included     │  │ (buy extra)  │  │ cylinders    │
  └──────────────┘  └──────────────┘  └──────────────┘

Countries Where Nuki Won’t Work (Without Major Changes)

Adapter Sourcing by Region

Official Nuki Adapters

3D Printable Adapters (Fill the Gaps)

Regional Adapter Strategy

North America

• Status: ✅ Covered
• Included: 3 adapters in box (square, D-shape, slotted)
• Fits: Schlage, Kwikset, Baldwin, Defiant, Weiser
• Gaps: Rare tailpiece shapes only

Western Europe

• Status: ✅ Covered
• Official: 8 color-coded adapters from Nuki
• Fits: All major euro cylinder brands
• Gaps: Obscure local brands

Scandinavia

• Status: ✅ Covered
• Model: Smart Lock Ultra Nordics
• Fits: ASSA, Abloy, Ruko, Trioving
• Gaps: None significant

Australia/New Zealand

• Status: ⚠️ Gaps exist
• Works: Euro cylinder doors (Smart Lock Pro)
• Problem: Lockwood 001 (most common) is rim lock
• Needed:
  • Lockwood oval cylinder adapter
  • Or: Replace Lockwood 001 with euro mortise lock
• 3D print opportunity: Oval cylinder adapters

Southeast Asia

• Status: ⚠️ Mostly covered
• Works: Euro cylinder doors (very common)
• Check: Cylinder brand against Nuki adapter chart
• Potential gaps: Local/regional cylinder brands
• Recommendation: Test fit before bulk deployment

Japan

• Status: ❌ Not compatible
• Problem: MIWA LA-type mortise standard
• Solution: Use local smart locks (Qrio, Sesame)
• Future: Adapter would require significant engineering

South Korea

• Status: ❌ Not applicable
• Why: Digital locks are already standard
• Market: Already post-smart-lock adoption

Adapter Design Priorities

If you’re deploying Nuki in new markets, here are the gaps to fill:

How to Design a Custom Adapter

1. Measure the cylinder

   • Inner diameter (where key goes)
   • Outer diameter (body of cylinder)
   • Knob dimensions (if applicable)

2. Get the Nuki adapter interface dimensions

   • The part that connects to the Nuki
   • Match existing adapter as template

3. Model in CAD

   • OpenSCAD for parametric (adjustable)
   • Fusion 360 for precise modeling
   • TinkerCAD for simple shapes

4. Print and test

   • PLA for prototyping
   • PETG for durability
   • 0.2mm layer height
   • 40% infill minimum

5. Share on Printables/Cults3D

   • Help the community
   • Get feedback

See 3D Models for existing designs.

Resources

• Nuki US Compatibility Guide
• Nuki EU Adapters
• Nuki Nordics
• Level Lock Tailpiece Guide
• IPVM Lock Profiles Guide

See Also

• Adapters Guide - Official adapters and how they work
• 3D Printable Adapters - Community solutions when stock adapters don’t fit
• Nuki API - Technical integration options