Have you ever wondered about the mechanisms that protect you, your home, and all your possessions? Are you curious about how door locks were invented and how they evolved? This fascinating history spans from ancient Egypt to industrial London and beyond, into the modern age where we depend on them more than ever. Here are some highlights.

The Evolution of Door Locks

The Ancient World

The first locks were simple inventions that used wooden pins to hold the device closed. The pins were of varying length so that only the proper key, also made of wood in early civilizations, like Egypt, could open it. Although the same principle is used today, this rudimentary device wouldn’t be difficult to circumnavigate.

The Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages, lock technology was improved by craftsmen who created them out of metal. These were called warded locks and used metal plates to block improper keys from turning. This design is the reason for the distinctive block shape of antique keys.

Although warded locks were a vast improvement over older models, they had their faults. Anyone who knew what the basic key looked like could file down a piece of metal to fit the appropriate grooves. This led to the production of skeleton keys, which could be made to suit a variety of different keyholes and ward arrangements.

The Industrial Age

Several new iterations of the lock were created through the 1700s and 1800s. Joseph Bramah created the first high-security lock, which is still in use today. It utilized cylindrical keys made to push back wafers of varying heights. He famously offered a reward equivalent to $200,000 to anyone who could crack his design. The prize remained unclaimed for 50 years.

In America in 1843, a man invented a lock designed after the wooden-pin model of the ancient Egyptians. He named his creation the Yale® lock, and it continues to be one of the most popular modern brands.

Security is just as important now as it was when the innovators listed above crafted their inventions. In New Jersey’s Morris, Sussex, and Warren counties, Able Security Locksmiths helps clients keep their homes and possessions safe with state-of-the-art door locks. You’ll be able to rest easy at night knowing your home is secured by a locksmith company with over 24 years of experience in everything from door repairs to lock installation. Learn more today by visiting them online or calling (973) 584-3033.