History of locks and door locks
The history of the door lock goes back to over six thousand years ago in ancient Egypt where a simple wooden pin lock was created. This lock featured a wooden bar attached to the door and a bolt that slotted into it. The bolt contained several wooden pins that could be lifted with a specially made large wooden key. The key itself resembled a modern day toothbrush and as the teeth hit the pins it released them enabling the door to be opened. While this lock may appear to be basic by today's standards it is the forebearer of the modern door lock that provides security to properties worldwide.
During the roman times, the same type of lock system was employed using metals such as silver, copper and gold. Locks could only be afforded by the rich and a gold key was seen as a way to display your status and wealth. By the 19th century, the age of the industrial period was well under way and the production of metal and metal parts fuelled the growth of more secure locks. In the last 100 years, locks have taken on many new styles and adaptations in the locking mechanisms allowing pin locks to be replaced with strong and durable tumbler mechanisms made from stainless steel and titanium.
In the past, most locks were created and made by locksmiths, a profession that has now been replaced by factories and machinery. Locksmiths now tend to be more focused on repairs and the unlocking of broken or faulty locks instead of the production of them. Door locks can be found in every country in the world and have helped provide a safe environment inside of properties and modern technological advances now enable a door to be locked with a fingerprint scan, or opened with a voice command. How reliable these new techniques are compared to the old lock and key type locks is yet to be seen as computer software malfunctions and virus attacks could leave a door vulnerable to a cyber-attack.
It may be hard to imagine the world without the door lock. For many, it brings security and peace of mind knowing that they are safe behind locked doors. There are 21 types of lock used in everyday life ranging from the padlock to the deadbolt and each serves a very useful purpose. Six thousand years is a long time for an item to evolve and while the basic principles of the door lock remain today, the materials and designs are much more streamlined and improved.
For more information about MJ SecuritySystem or the services and products we provide, please get in touch by calling 01582 655022.
