A Quick History of Door Locks

The essence of using door locks is to prevent unauthorized access to front doors, desks, file cabinets, or boxes storing valuables. It has been in existence from the earliest days of human civilization.

From the basics to the sophisticated technologies of the modern world, door locks have always served a vital purpose in safeguarding our property and our privacy over the centuries.

At Diego’s Locksmith, we pride ourselves on offering quality door lock installation services. Now, let us turn our attention to the history of door locks.

Ancient Origins

Door locks have been around for about 4000 years and are viewed to have originated from the ancient civilizations of Egypt alongside Mesopotamia. These early locks were rustic and simple devices, made of mainly wood or metal that required manual operation. For instance, the door in the Egyptian home was locked with wooden pins, and unlocking required wooden keys with pegs of various lengths that would fit the pins.

Medieval Developments

Locksmithing became a trade profession during the medieval ages in Europe and this made it possible for enhanced lock development to happen. Metalworking proved to be helpful in the improved construction of better-handled locks made from iron and bronze. A major invention was the warded lock, which had obstructs within it (wards) that only allowed a specially shaped key to turn the lock open.

The Era of Mechanization

The production of locks was affected by the Industrial Revolution which began in the 18th and continued throughout the 19th century. Production methods improved and developed with the help of technology; these changes made locks cheaper and widely used. Other progressive improvements included the locking mechanism that was developed by Robert Barron in 1778 and known as the lever tumbler lock. It made use of a sequence of levers that prevented the bolt from moving if the key was not used appropriately.

Modern Security Solutions

Huge advancements in the fields of mechanisms and materials resulted in changes in door lock technology in the 20th century. Rotating cylinder locks that are used to lock doors emerged and were common in use. This design brought about the pin tumbler lock which is still in use today in its different forms, by Linus Yale Jr. in 1848.

Digital Age Innovations

Smart locks, including digital keypads, have become widely adopted and used in place of mechanical keys and deadbolts.

They are programmable through smartphone applications, can interface with home automation systems, and can operate by examining people’s behavior. They incorporate biometric options, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi technology to give the homeowner unparalleled control and comfort. Biometrics, particularly fingerprints, face, and voice command have become standard in most smart locks and their ease of use is exceptional. If you want locks with such innovative features, contact the experts at Diego's Locksmith for smart lock installation.

Conclusion

From simple to complex key technology, from wooden pins to the complicated pin tumbler system, door locks have evolved. As technology advances, one thing remains certain: The locks on our doors will keep on improving, providing more solid security propositions as time goes on.

If you need professional locksmiths for all your security, lock installation, repair, and replacement needs, get in touch with us!

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