Locks and keys are an important part of our daily lives. Used so regularly that we often take them for granted, they are integral for security and safety.
As locking systems continue to evolve, with more and moreemphasis on smart systems, it’s also interesting to take a look back on the history of locks, as well as some interesting facts about them.
In this article, we’re going to do just that. So read on for some fascinating facts about the history of locks, perhaps you’ll learn something new?
The Oldest Known Lock
The oldest known lock was created 4,000 years ago and originated in Iraq, but was found to be commonly used in Ancient Egypt too.
Archaeologists exploring the ruins of an ancient palacediscovered a wooden pin lock with a wooden key that used a basic mechanism involving matching pins with the corresponding holes.
Though simple compared to what we use today, this lock and key is the first steps towards the use of locks and modern locks. The ancient key used the same basic idea that is still seen thousands of years later, very similar to the modern daypin tumbler lock, and may have been the blueprint that started the popular usage of locks to protect belongings and secure homes.
The Romans Upgraded Locks
The Romans were known for their advanced engineering, and as they were closely tied with Ancient Egypt it makes sense that they would further develop and improve the concept of locking mechanisms…
The Romans took the wood locks and keys and upgraded them to metal. This made them much more durable, which means they were much more secure and harder to break, improving their intended purpose.
Roman keys were made even smaller and more portable, sometimes worn as rings. This dual design was both practical and also used as a status symbol by the wealthy, as if to imply that they had a lot of possessions – literally under lock and key.
Fortunately, in modern times people don’t have to go all the way to Ancient Rome or Egypt asking for a locksmith near me in order to upgrade their locks…
The Locksmith’s Master Tool
Speaking of locksmiths, in the past (specifically the 18th and 19th centuries) when people were having trouble with their locks and needed an emergency locksmith – the go to tool for the job was a skeleton key.
This was the master key that could open almost any lock, as it was designed to bypass the pins of various different lock systems.
Don’t worry though, due to advances in lock technology, things are a bit more complicated, so it’s highly unlikely you could fall victim to someone abusing a skeleton key today.
Places such as hotels, offices and apartment buildings may still use a master key that can open every room in case of emergency, however individual house locks are more complicated.
With the wide variety of ever evolving locks in homes, only an expert locksmith has the tools and know-how to gain entry if someone has been locked out of their home. And as locks keep evolving, they become more impenetrable to any lockpicking attempts by thieves.
Padlocks Have Been Around a While
Not only did the ancient Romans enhance locks and keys, but they were also one of the first to develop padlocks.
Padlocks were then later refined in medieval Europe. In fact, the term padlock most likely originates from the old English word “pad” which used to refer to a gate or other similar enclosure (and is also now used as a slang term for a home) – with lock being self-explanatory.
So padlocks have been around for over 1,000 years. And theywere used back then just how they are today – securing gates, storage boxes, and livestock enclosures. Probably no gym lockers back then though…
Final Thoughts
Locksmithing is one of the oldest professions in civilisation, people will always want to protect their belongings.
These are just a few interesting facts about the history and origins of locks, showing how locking systems and security have evolved over time. From wooden locks and metal keysto the smart devices we have now, we are currently living in a new age of security.
What do you think the future of locking technology will look like?
