The Amazing History of Locksmithing
Locksmithing is the art of producing locks and other hardware that can be used for securing buildings, objects, storage facilities, cabinet rooms, and any other place. In the modern day if you lose your house keys or need a replica of the key it’s locating a nearby locksmith is easy but Locksmithing is a traditional trade and in most countries, a locksmith is required to have a certification. The certification required varies from country to country and it can be a simple certificate or a diploma.
History of Locksmithing
A lock is a mechanism for securing building, cabinets and any other storage facilities. Locksmithing is one of the oldest profession and it began in Egypt and Babylon 4000 years ago. The Smith used wood to make devices that would secure the door using the tin tumbler principle. Most of the locks made during that time were huge and had pins which were moved using a large, cumbersome key. The key looked like a toothbrush and it was inserted into the lock and pushed upwards and unlocked the doors. One of the oldest locks was discovered in the Assyrian empire in Khorsababd city near Nineveh. It’s thought to have been created around 704 and looked like the wooden blocks that were being made around that time. The lock and key culture spread to ancient Greece, Rome and other countries like China.
The Romans kept their valuables under lock and key. They would be seen holding the keys on their ring fingers to ensure that the key didn’t get lost and it was also a sign of wealth.
The Metal Revolution
The change in locks began between 870-900 AD when the first metal locks appeared. They were simple metal locks that are thought to have been made by the English craftsmen. After that, there were locks made of iron and Brass in Europe and in China. The locks could be opened by turning, skewing and pushing the key. Between 14-17th century there were immense improvements in the design of the locks. The noble class would ask the smiths to create unique and beautiful designs that were inspired by royal crest and symbols.
By the 18th century, advanced metallurgy was adopted in Europe more durable locks and keys were created. During that period the locksmith improved the lock mechanism to create more secure locks and keys. The revolution in the industry sector resulted in more complicated designs of locks, with locksmithing experiencing drastic changes. In 1817 there was a burglary in Portsmouth Dockyard and the British government created a competition to get a superior lock. The competition winner Jeremiah Chubb developed a lock and called it Chubb detector. The lock was difficult to pick and would give a sign when tampered with. After the competition Jeremiah and his brothers made huge improvements to the lock and keys systems. They added six levels to the lock system and a disc that would allow the key to passing through but made it impossible for anyone to pick the lock. The advent of sophisticated lock design made it impossible for the smiths to sell cheap industrial locks and that forced most of the smith to become repairmen of industrial locks or replicates of broken part for locks that were used in large security companies. The smith had to contend with replicating keys and repair damaged locks. They were also contracted by banks or government to design and make safes
Evolution of Locksmith Today
The design and how the locks worked remained the same for long periods but in the 18th century, there was an increase in complexity and advancement of locks and keys. Modern locksmith is sophisticated and that has made the work of a smith more complicated. They are an array of services that are offered including lock change and repairs, Bulgary emergency entry repairs among others. Most of the locksmiths work from their shops but work closely with door related hardware, security institution, investigational institutions, and security consultant to ensure top-notch security devices. The locksmiths specialized in one area such as designing and creating several locks to prevent intrusion. Deadbolt locks are one of the best locks in the market and they are a variety that you can choose from including single cylinder, double cylinder, grade 1 and beveled deadbolts. The locksmith will advise you on the best one for your house, cabinet or any other storage facility.
