Old door lock - the door lock needs to be replaced after 10 years

The history of the lock

For there to be locksmiths , there must be locks. It goes without saying. But how long have locks actually existed, and what different forms have locks taken throughout history?

Today we cherish our homes, because home is our base. The place where we keep our personal belongings and valuables. We therefore do everything we can to keep out uninvited guests, and here the lock is our best security measure.

However, there have not always been locks to prevent thieves from stealing our material things.

The first locks

The first archaeological evidence of locking systems is approximately 4000 years old and originates 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 the gate.

The next stage of development of the lock was a mechanical lock with associated wooden keys. A series of pins of different lengths were dropped into drill holes, and in this way only the key with the right teeth could lift them up again. The locks were wooden blocks, which had a length of 30 up 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 that we know today was invented. The mastermind 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 lower and upper pins of different lengths. When the correct key is inserted into the cylinder, the key cutout will lift the pins up so that they are level with the top of the cylinder barrel, after which the cylinder barrel can be turned and the lock is 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 – are becoming more and more common.

The modern electronic lock

Little has happened since ancient Egypt, Assyria and Persia developed the first locks. The latest development in the world of locks is that the lock has become electronic. With the enormous technological development of the lock, it is now possible to replace the mechanical lock and classic key with a digital lock and its associated code, key card, smartphone app or chip. With the new electronic lock, it has become possible to wave goodbye to keys completely. You can therefore avoid ever having to fumble for the key out of your pocket or from the bottom of your bag when you come home with an armful of groceries. With the new locks, you can open the door with a code, key tag or even your smartphone.

The development has also meant that you never have to worry again because you haven't locked the door and your home is 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 associated app.

Lost a key?

If a key tag is lost, you can always delete it from the system. This way, 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 do not have to exchange keys or be present at the address when the person has the opportunity to do so. The electronic lock makes it possible to assign guests, tenants or craftsmen a temporary code for their use. In this way, modern electronic locks ensure more flexibility in our hectic everyday lives.

When should the lock be changed?

If your lock looks like something from ancient Egypt, it's probably time to have it replaced. Joking aside. Your front door lock doesn't have to be electronic to secure your home and your valuables. But a new mechanical lock secures your home much better than old door locks. Do you have any questions about how long it takes to change 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 the lock should be changed at least every ten years, to maintain the security of the household. The same applies if you have moved to a new home, have lost several keys, the lock has become worn out or has a low security level. Then it is time to contact a professional locksmith and have your lock replaced or rekeyed.

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 locksmith . This 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.

Maybe you're not ready to jump on the latest technological trend and have an electronic lock installed in your home. So don't worry. KEYPARTNER's locksmith can quickly and easily install a secure and new mechanical lock in your home. One thing is for sure. A new mechanical lock gives you much better security than older door locks!