50 Surprising Facts About Locks And Locksmiths You Had No Idea

Did you know that locks and locksmiths have a surprisingly long and fascinating history?

From the earliest lock-and-key systems of Ancient Egypt to the modern biometric security solutions used today, there is an incredible array of stories, facts, and tidbits about this centuries-old profession. Read on to discover 50 surprising facts about locks and locksmiths you had no idea! You’ll be amazed at how much technology has changed (or stayed the same) over the years. From ancient myths to cutting-edge security techniques, these interesting facts will give you a newfound appreciation for locksmithing. So without further ado, here are 50 surprising facts about locks and locksmiths you had no idea about! Enjoy!

50 Surprising Facts About Locks And Locksmiths

1. The first recorded locksmith was an Egyptian named Chub, who lived in 2000 BC.

2. The oldest lock and key system dates back to 2000 BC and was discovered in Egypt.

3. In Ancient Rome, lock-and-key systems were used as early as 1000 BC.

4. The Chinese invented the first padlocks in 870 AD, which were believed to ward off evil spirits.

5. In the Middle Ages, some wealthy families had separate rooms to store their keys! This was called a “key closet.”

6. By the 16th century, locksmiths started to specialize in certain types of locks and techniques, such as making bank vaults or even safes for ships.

7. In 1778, American inventor Robert Barron granted the first patent for a double-acting tumbler lock.

8. The modern key as we know it today was invented in 1848 by Linus Yale Sr.

9. Today, there are more than 40 different types of locks available on the market!

10. The most secure lock is the deadbolt lock, which can only be opened with a key from one side, not the other.

11. Biometric locks use fingerprints or retinal scans to identify authorized individuals and provide access to restricted areas or items.

12. Locksmiths don’t just make keys – they also specialize in making and repairing locks.

13. The average locksmith job takes about 5 minutes to complete, but some jobs can take up to an hour or more!

14. Locksmiths are required by law to be licensed and insured in the United States.

15. In the 19th century, locks were made from wood, iron, and brass – but today’s modern locks are usually made from steel and other metals for added security.

16. High-security grade-1 locks are considered nearly impossible to pick due to their complex internal mechanisms.

17. Many ancient cultures believed that a lock had magical properties that would protect them against evil forces at night.

18. Master keys are special keys that can open multiple locks, usually within a building or complex.

19. A keyed-alike lock is one where all the keys are identical and interchangeable between locks.

20. Key-cutting machines use computer-controlled lasers to make perfect copies of existing keys – professional locksmiths and DIY enthusiasts use these.

21. Smart locks allow homeowners to control access from their smartphones, tablets, computers, and other electronic devices with WiFi capabilities.

22. Magnetic strip cards are commonly used in hotel doors and have a magnetic strip embedded with a coded sequence read by the lock when inserted.

23. Mechanical combination locks require users to enter a secret sequence of numbers or letters in order to open them.

24. Keyless entry locks rely on PIN codes, keycards, biometrics, or other forms of identification to gain access.

25. Electronic locks are popular for their convenience and security – they use an electronic circuit board to control the locking mechanisms.

26. Smart key systems allow homeowners to program multiple user profiles and access levels into one device – making it easy to manage who has access and when.

27. Passwords are often used as part of a security system and must be entered correctly for the lock to open.

28. The world’s most secure lock is the Medeco Maxum deadbolt, which uses ten pins instead of the usual five – making it nearly impossible to pick.

29. Automotive locksmiths specialize in making and repairing car keys and unlocking car doors when you’ve lost or misplaced your keys.

30. Locksmiths can also help you rekey a lock if you’ve lost the key or need to reset the combination.

31. A bump key is a specially designed tool that has been cut to fit into any traditional pin and tumbler lock, allowing it to be easily opened without the correct key.

32. Smart doorbells are becoming increasingly popular, using facial recognition technology and two-way audio so homeowners can see who is at their door before granting access.

33. Key manipulation is a locksmithing skill that involves decoding a lock by listening to each internal pin’s sound as it moves.

34. Magnetic locks use an electromagnet to hold the door closed and release when triggered by an authorized user or input.

35. The Yale lock was invented in 1843 by Linus Yale Sr., who also designed the modern key as we know it today.

36. Keyless entry systems are becoming increasingly popular with businesses – they allow users to unlock doors using card readers, keypads, biometrics, and other forms of identification.

37. Lock bumping is a technique used to pick mechanical locks without the original key – all that’s required is a bump key that has been cut to fit the lock.

38. Professional locksmiths can also help you rekey a deadbolt or change the combination on a safe if needed.

39. Key control systems are used to monitor and manage who has access to certain areas, as well as track when they come and go.

40. Padlocks are one of the oldest types of locks – the ancient Egyptians invented them around 2000 BC!

41. Most modern padlocks use a disc-tumbler mechanism, which is highly resistant to picking due to its complex internal design.

42. Smart locks are becoming increasingly popular for their convenience and security features – users can control access remotely from their smartphones or tablets.

43. Key duplication is an important part of locksmithing – professional locksmiths use advanced technology, such as lasers, to make perfect copies of existing keys.

44. Master key systems are commonly used in large buildings and complexes, allowing a single key to open multiple doors while still providing individual access control for each one.

45. Door closers are devices that automatically close the door after it has been opened, making them useful for security and convenience.

46. Cipher locks are a modern form of mechanical lock which requires users to enter a combination code known only to them for the lock to open correctly.

47. Automotive locksmiths specialize in repairing and replacing car locks and making duplicate keys for cars.

48. High-security locks use complex mechanisms and multiple layers of security to ensure they remain impenetrable, even against experienced lock pickers.

49. Keyless entry systems are becoming increasingly popular – they allow users to unlock doors without needing a traditional key.

50. With the right tools and training, professional locksmiths can easily open almost any lock – something that makes them invaluable in an emergency!

Locks and locksmiths have come a long way from their humble beginnings. Today’s modern security systems are highly sophisticated, offering an impressive array of features to keep your property safe and secure.