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5 Important Locks in History: Key Innovations Explained

Before the invention of locks, there was no other way to protect valuables and property than to hire a guard. Since then, we have made great strides. We thought that as our company celebrates some major milestones in its history, it would be appropriate to look back at the fascinating history of locks.

Five types of locks have evolved over the centuries. They are the sliding bolt lock (also known as a pin tumbler), the safety lock (also called a combination lock), the warded lock (also known as a ward lock), and the pin tumbler.

Pin Tumbler Lock

Archaeologists discovered the oldest lock mechanism that could be used in 4000 B.C. The artifact was discovered in the ruins at Khorsabad Palace, where the Assyrian king Sargon II ruled. The simple lock and key mechanism is made of wood. This was the original version of what we know today as a pin-tumbler lock. The lock is made up of pins that are different in length. They prevent the door from being opened. The key would push the pins upwards so that the wooden bolt could slide over the pins and unlock the lock.

Linus Yale Sr., an American inventor, patented the pin tumbler locks in 1843. In 1843. Linus Yale Jr., his son in 1861, used his mechanical engineering skills to improve the design of the key. He designed it with lateral grooves, a notched edge, and a flat surface. The house keys of today look a lot like this.

They produced a Yale pin tumbler cylinder lock that was secured by a series of pins of different lengths. The key’s notches would force the pins to rise. Once they are aligned properly, the cylindrical plug can be rotated. The key turned the plug, and the bolt was opened. Schlage later invented a cylindrical lock with a locking push button. Both of these brands continue to dominate the lock industry.

Sliding Bolt Locks

Around 1000 B.C., the Greeks began using sliding bolt locks. The Romans then further developed this technology. A metal key with 2 notches would fit into the door, and two holes in a wooden bolt. The key could be used to unlock the door and slide the bolt. The sliding lock is an early precursor to the deadbolt lock.

door lock with vintage design

Warded Lock

The ancient Chinese, Romans, and Egyptians developed the locking mechanism in the centuries that followed. They developed metal-warded locks and bronze and iron keys. The only way to unlock this type was with a lock that had internal projections. The Egyptians, who were masters of lock-making, added brass pins to their locks and the Romans created smaller versions that could be used for chests and containers.

Some of the warded locks that were made by English artisans in the Middle Ages were very intricate. The locks were made with obstructions that sometimes looked like circular plates. These kept the lock mechanism in place. The bolt would be unlocked by inserting a key that had matching notches into the keyhole. The advent of warded locks was a significant event in the history of locksmithing, as they required a high level of metalworking and mechanical skill. Locksmiths were tasked with creating and building increasingly complex and secure locks.

The warded key was also developed from the warded lock. Understanding the basic shape of a lock allowed someone to create a key that had short notches and could be used to open multiple locks. This idea of a single key that could open all the locks in a palace is the precursor to our modern master keys system.

Safety Lock

Joseph Bramah, an English locksmith from 1784, invented the safety lock. The safety lock was designed to have a cylindrical key with a keyhole. The tip of the key had a series notches with different lengths. It was similar to the pin tumbler locks in that it rotated and opened the bolt when all the notches were lined up correctly. Bramah’s original lock featured 18 wafers, which allowed for an incredible 494,000,000 different combinations.

His safety lock, which was supposedly “unpickable”, became the star of a British legend. He challenged anyone to pick the lock and offered prize money. Alfred C. Hobbs, an American locksmith from the Great Exhibition of 1851 worked on the lock day after day until he was able to pick it. Hobbs invented the American lock, the protector lock with its complex design that transfers pressure from an inner bolt and tumbler onto a fixed pin.

Combination Lock

Keyless Locks have a surprising history. They are found in nearly all parts of the globe. Ancient Roman, Greek, and Arab ruins date back to around 1000 A.D. when locks that require a code consisting of letters, symbols, or numbers to open were found. Artifacts from Europe include puzzles, roller, and wheel locks.

Two important locksmiths in history developed rotary combination locks similar to those found on modern safes. Linus Yale Jr. developed a rotary combination lock that was secure in the 1870s. Joseph Loch then improved his design and made locks for Tiffany’s Jewelers, located in New York City. Modern rotary combination locks use three round discs which must be lined up correctly for the lock to open. This type of lock does not require a key to unlock. Instead, it is opened by aligning the disks on the dial. The majority of combinations use a code to align the disks by first turning the dial to the right and then to the left.

Modernize Your Residential and Commercial Security

Are you prepared for modern security? It’s time to update or upgrade. Locksmiths can provide a variety of hardware for your home or business that will help you achieve the highest level of security. To learn more about Keypad Locksmith services, or to schedule a security assessment, contact us today. Call (240) 205-9039, or request an estimation online.

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