Page | 1

April 5, 2017

Image 1: There are Different Types of Locks to Match your Personal Safety Needs

To say that security is a fundamental aspect of our lives is an understatement. The need to feel safe in our homes and place of business is everyone's top priority.

One way to ensure your safety is to set up a security system on your property. It doesn't have to be a complicated system, either, because often all it takes is the most basic of all security systems–the humble yet effective lock.

A Locksmith Guides You to the Right Locks for Meeting Your

Security Needs

Page | 2

History of the Lock

The lock is the granddaddy of all security systems, with the oldest known lock dating as far back as 4,000 years ago in Ancient Egypt. The wooden locks back then shared the basic functions of today's modern locks, using pins and a skeleton-key-like device to release the lock. They were just clunkier and much bigger contraptions in King Tut's day.

As the 18th century rolled around, locksmiths were able to create more durable locks by using metal. Although they maintained the same functionality as the wooden locks, these metal locks were fitted with a more sophisticated locking mechanism, which made it more difficult for lockpickers to pick.

Today, locks are continuously made to be more complex than the ones invented before them. While some lock companies, in pursuit of foiling pickers, improve their mechanisms by using several layers of locking mechanisms within a broader locking mechanism, others focus their attention on making locks with stronger, more indestructible materials.

Different Types of Locks

There are a variety of locks available on the market, so it's best to understand the pros and cons of each one to make full use of its security features.

Padlocks are the most ubiquitous and easily recognizable of all locks. These locks are portable and freestanding, meaning they don't need to be attached to an object, like a door frame, in order for it to work. It's a no-fuss form of lock: the lock and the key are all you need to be good to go.

Some locks, such as knob locks and lever-handle locks–where the lock cylinder is inside the knob itself–are only 50 percent effective on their own, especially when it's used in doors found on the exterior of a house or building. For these types of locks, it's advisable to pair them with a deadbolt lock to maximize their security capabilities. Use the rim or mortise lock (a combination of both is now also available) if you're using it for an external door in your home or for commercial doors.

Page | 3

If you're still not sure whether you have the right lock for your security needs, it's best to consult with your local locksmith to be safe rather than sorry.

About Coastal Contact Hardware:

We have two strong decades of professional locksmith experience under our tool belts, servicing the residents of the Myrtle Beach community for all their locksmith, door installation, and security needs. Our highly-qualified technicians offer specialized locksmith services ranging from simple lock repair to providing security solutions for both residential and commercial purposes.

Sources:

An Ancient Profession: The History OfLocksmithing, Historycooperative.org

The Many Different Types of Locks, Thesecurityblogger.com