Since the invention of door locks, lock repairs have been a requirement for homes, offices, and buildings of all kinds. So when did the locksmith first appear? Traced back to its original roots, the first locksmith can be connected to an ancient pin tumbler in Babylon and near Egypt around 2000 B.C. Since then, mechanical and technological innovations have completely changed the way we use locks, shifting the required maintenance tactics as well. 

An All-Inclusive Guide to the History of Locksmiths

Ancient Times

The oldest lock that has been unearthed dates back as far as 704 B.C. and simply consisted of a wooden bar used to keep a door shut. While the mechanism itself was quite simple, it still required an educated professional to repair, install, or maintain. The earliest presence of the locksmith was an individual who knew how to prevent the movement of the wooden bar. Ancient locksmiths designed a lock and key system that was made entirely out of wood, allowing people to monitor their entryway at all times.

Medieval Times

Fast forward to the 13th Century. The Medieval locksmith evolved from the blacksmith trade and included trained experts who were responsible for fabricating tools and weapons out of bronze or brass. During this time, locksmiths used heat and heavy equipment to create a lock that could only be opened with a specially cut key. Throughout this dark stretch in the Middle Ages, locksmiths were more concerned with creating mechanisms that would keep thieves at bay, sometimes installing as many as ten locks to a single door.

Modern Day

At the start of the Industrial Revolution, what we know as the modern locksmith came to fruition. In the 19th century, locks became a necessary addition for every property large or small. Eventually, locks were mass-produced by larger companies, sold in retail to consumers, and fitted by trained technicians. Instead of creating customized keys, locksmiths were now only summoned to install, repair, and maintain these industrial locks and keys.

Having access to a reliable commercial or residential locksmith can make all the difference in your security. In Kenvil, NJ, Able Security Locksmiths has served Morris, Sussex, and Warren counties for more than 25 years and earned a sterling reputation for attentive service and unmatched customer care. Offering 24-hour lockout assistance in addition to their regular installation and repair services, Able Security Locksmiths goes the extra mile to ensure your safety and peace of mind. Go online or call at (973)-584-3033 to discuss your needs today.