From the very beginning of modern civilization, we as humans have always had the need to keep possessions we hold to value safe. Therefore for just as long we have been developing ways to protect our valuables. In the earliest of days this was done by intricately tying ropes into knots to keep things hidden away. But as time went on new technologies were developed, true locks made from wood and metal started being used across the world.
History of mechanical locks started over 6 thousand years ago in Ancient Egypt, where locksmith first managed to create simple but secure effective pin tumbler lock that were made entirely from wood. Specially designed large and heavy wooden keys were shaped like modern toothbrushes with pegs that corresponded to the holes and pins in the lock. This key could be inserted into opening and lifted, which would move the pins and allow security bolt to be moved.
The earliest known lock and key device was discovered in the ruins of Nineveh, the capital of ancient Assyria in what is now the modern-day city of Mosul in northern Iraq. Locks such as these were later developed into the Egyptian wooden pin lock, which consisted of a bolt, door fixture or attachment, and key. When the key was inserted, pins within the fixture were lifted out of drilled holes within the bolt, allowing it to move. When the key was removed, the pins fell part-way into the bolt, preventing movement.
The Roman Empire Lock Quality Upgrade
The Roman Empire had a strong focus on the quality of their locks, and this was evidenced in their use of two different types of locks: warded locks and pin tumbler locks. Warded locks were the most common type used by the Romans, and they provided a basic level of security. Pin tumbler locks were developed later on, and they offered improved security over warded locks due to the increased number of pins that needed to be lined up in order for the lock to be opened. The Roman Empire also developed specialized tools such as picks and tension bars that could be used to manipulate both types of locks.
With advances in technology, the Roman Empire was able to upgrade the quality of their locks even further. They began using complex ironwork that consisted of intricate patterns that could be manipulated using special keys which made it much harder for intruders to break into homes or buildings. In addition, some of these ironworks featured multiple locking mechanisms which provided additional security against forced entry.
Overall, the Roman Empire was incredibly successful at developing and improving upon their lock quality over time, ensuring that it remained one of the most secure methods for protecting property during its era.
The 18th Century Unpickable Lock that’s still in use today
The Chubb Detector Lock, invented by Charles and Jeremiah Chubb in 1818, is an unpickable lock that is still in use today. The lock has two main components: a keyhole and a deadbolt. The keyhole is designed to allow the insertion of a specially-shaped key, which then turns the deadbolt to open or close the lock. The design of the lock makes it impossible for any tools – such as picks or keys – to access the internal workings of the lock. As a result, the only way to unlock it is with its unique key.
Linus Yale in1848 who developed the first pin tumbler lock
Linus Yale Jr. was an American inventor and locksmith best known for inventing the pin-tumbler lock in 1848. His patented lock design served as the foundation for modern pin-and-tumbler locks, which are widely used today in homes and businesses around the world. He is also credited with developing the first “cylinder” type lock in 1861, although this design was never patented.
His son then slightly built on this inventing and patented a smaller flat key with serrated edges as well as pins of varying lengths within the lock itself, this design remains the basic principle for pin tumbler locks today. Today, majority of world’s locks are based on the inventions of these engineers, with only a small portion using advanced techniques such as magnetic keys and anti-pick technology included in the pins or levers of locks
The latest improvement to take place in lock technology is all about Smart locks.
History of modern day smart locks
The history of smart locks is a long and interesting one, in 1966, James H. Felt founded the company Latch Co., which was later acquired by Schlage in 1969. After the acquisition, Schlage developed their own line of electronic door locks to compete with other smart locks like Yale’s Senseo that had recently gone on sale internationally in 1968. This led to the development of the first electronic lock that could be controlled from a distance by radio waves, rather than just a physical keypad. This device was called the “Yale Universal Remote” and went on sale for $100 dollars in 1970. Due to its high cost, Yale discontinued selling this device as well as other remote access products at a time where it seemed to have no potential market whatsoever, but nowadays its clear that their demise was more due to high cost and not their usefulness. Today similar products are extremally popular and used by many homeowners and businesses around the world because they make life easier when it comes to home or office security.
Pros and Cons of Smart Locks
There are many pros and cons to smart locks. Some of the benefits of smart locks include their ability to be customized, they can store more information than traditional locks, and they are easier to use. Other benefits include the fact that they don’t require keys and they have better security features. The main disadvantage with smart locks is that they are more expensive than traditional locks. Also, because these devices have a battery life span, there might be a time when you need to replace them. With a battery life span of between six months and two years, this may happen when you need it the most.
Which Type of Smart Lock is Best electronic lock for You?
Modern smart locks are an advancing technology that is used to secure objects from physical access, giving the user full control of the lock. There are four different types of smart locks:
- 1st type of smart lock is a mechanical device with a key operated lock that is adapted to operate on a battery or AC power.
- 2nd type of smart lock is an electromechanical device which operates solely on electricity and uses electro-magnetic waves to unlock it when the right password has been entered.
- 3rd type of smart lock uses (radio frequency identification) chips which communicate with each other through radio waves. It emits a unique code which can be read when brought close enough to the reader, automatically unlocking the door.
- 4th type of smart lock uses NFC (near field communication) technology, where two devices are held together side by side in order for it to be unlocked. It doesn’t require any passwords or codes like the other three types of locks do, it’s just a matter of swiping your phone near one another in order for them to open up.
The ability to choose the best smart lock for your home depends on the door in question and the people who walk through it. Smart locks that can be attached to conventional locks by replacing existing deadbolts. They offer a great improvement to home security. Other modern features include keypad door locks that allow for user codes that can be shared with guests, as well as additional features such as fingerprint scanners, biometric locks, keyless entry and more. Most of these electronic locks can be programmed to auto-lock and unlock and can be used on both exterior or interior doors.
Conclusion
Most of these electronic locks use Bluetooth lock technology, Wi-Fi, RFID, or other electronic means to unlock, control access to, and monitor a door. Smart locks can be used for residential and commercial applications such as front doors, back doors, garage doors, gates, safes and more. They offer enhanced security compared to traditional locks by providing the user with more control and visibility over who has access to their property. Smart locks also provide convenience by allowing users to remotely lock/unlock their doors from anywhere in the world using an app on their smartphone or tablet. Additionally, they can be programmed to automatically lock/unlock at certain times of the day or when certain people enter or exit the property.
