Mortise cylinders include the housing and core and have threaded bodies that screw into compatible housings mounted within a cavity in the door. These heavy-duty cylinders secure doors commonly used in high-traffic areas.

Rim cylinders include the housing and core and mount directly onto a door's surface. They use a bolt and stem system to position them within the housing. Unlike mortise locks, the stem makes them protrude slightly from the door’s surface. These cylinders are often used in panic and exit doors.

Conventional cores are the part of the cylinder where the key is inserted to lock and unlock the door. Unlike interchangeable cores, the entire lockset must be disassembled with the cylinder removed to replace the core and re-key the lockset.