In order for there to be locksmiths, there must be locks. That goes without saying. But how long have they actually existed? lock, and what different forms have locks taken throughout history?
Today, we cherish our homes because they are our base. The place where we keep our personal belongings and valuables. We therefore do everything we can to keep unwanted guests away, and locks are our best security measure.
However, locks have not always been available to prevent thieves from stealing our material possessions.
READ ALSO: Door lock
The first locks
The first archaeological evidence of locking systems are approximately 4,000 years old and originate from Egypt, Assyria, and Persia. These locks worked by placing a beam across the inside of the gate so that unauthorized persons could not open it.
The next stage in the development of the lock was a mechanical lock with accompanying keys. A series of pins of varying lengths fell into drill holes, and only the key with the correct notches could lift them up again. The locks were wooden blocks ranging in length from 30 to 60 cm.
The lock is being modernized
In the later locks that were developed, the key became a central element. It was in the 1860s that the cylinder lock, as we know it today, was invented. The man behind it was an American named Linus Yale.
Today, the most commonly used type of lock is the cylinder lock. This consists of a cylinder with a number of drilled channels, typically five or six, in which small coil springs are placed, as well as pins of varying lengths. When the correct key is inserted into the cylinder, the key's cutouts lift the pins so that they are level with the top of the cylinder drum, after which the cylinder drum can be turned and the lock opened.
There are also many other types of locks based on principles other than the cylinder lock. For example, electronic locks – based on entering a code – increasingly common.
The modern electronic lock
A lot has happened since ancient Egypt, Assyria, and Persia developed the first locks. The latest development in the world of locks is that they have become electronic. With the enormous technological development of locks, it is now possible to replace mechanical locks and classic keys with digital locks and associated codes, key cards, smartphone apps, or chips. With the new electronic lock, it has become possible to say goodbye to keys altogether. This means you can avoid ever having to fumble for your keys in your pocket or at the bottom of your bag when you come home with your arms full of groceries. With the new locks, you can open the door with a code, key fob, or even your smartphone.
This development also means that you never have to worry about leaving your door unlocked and your home open to potential burglars. With the latest technology, you can always check whether you have remembered to lock the door. This is done via the lock's accompanying app.
Lost a key?
If a key fob happens to go missing, you can always delete it from the system. This ensures that your home or business is always optimally secured. At the same time, you avoid having to change all locks or keys if a key is lost.
The same applies if you need to give a craftsman, a new tenant, or others access to your home. You don't have to exchange keys or be present at the address when the person needs access. Electronic locks make it possible to assign guests, tenants, or tradespeople a temporary code for their use. In this way, modern electronic locks provide more flexibility in our hectic everyday lives.
READ ALSO: Electronic lock
When should the lock bechanged?
If your lock resembles something from ancient Egypt, it may be time to replace it. All joking aside, your front door lock does not need to be electronic to secure your home and valuables. However, a new mechanical lock will secure your home much better than old door locks. Do you have questions about how long it takes to replace your lock? How the process works and what a new lock can help with? Then you are more than welcome to contact us or call us at 82 82 82 09
Therefore, it is wise to consider whether it is time to replace your lock. As a rule of thumb, locksmiths recommend that locks should be replaced at least every ten years to maintain household security. The same applies if you have moved into a new home, lost several keys, the lock has become worn, or has a low security level. So it's time to contact a professional locksmith and have your lock replaced or reset.
Locksmiths recommend:
Replace the lock if it is more than 10 years old.
Replace the lock if you have moved to a new home.
Replace the lock if you have lost one or more keys.
Replace the lock if it has never been written!
Replace the lock if it has a low security level.
Replace the lock if it is worn.
Are you unsure how secure your current lock is? Check your lock's security level with the video above.
KEYPARTNER your modern locksmith
Unless you use one of the prehistoric types of locks to protect your home, we at KEYPARTNER can help you when you need a locksmithThis applies regardless of whether you have locked yourself out and need access to your home, or if you want help installing a locking system in your home.
Perhaps you are not ready to jump on the latest technological bandwagon and have an electronic lock installed in your home. Don't worry. KEYPARTNER's locksmith can quickly and easily install a secure new mechanical lock in your home. One thing is certain. A new mechanical lock provides you with much better security than older door locks!
