Facts You Didn't Know About Locks & Keys

Here are facts you probably didn't know about locks and keys.

• The key was invented by Theodorus of Samos"”a Greek sculptor

Theodorus of Samos -a Greek sculptor and architect is credited with the invention of the key in the 6th century BC. The key was made out of wood and was about 30 inches long.

• The largest padlock measures 144.3 cm tall, 105 cm wide, and 26 cm deep

Students and teachers from Pavlovo Arts College in Russia created the world's largest padlock. The padlock and its key weigh 916 lb (415.5 kg). The padlock holds the Guinness World Record to date.

• Locksmithing has been around for over 4,00 years

Locksmithing is believed to have originated in Ancient Egypt and Babylon. The oldest known lock is roughly 4,000 years old. The first locksmiths in Ancient Egypt used their locksmith skills to protect the tombs of rulers.

• Keys were a symbol of wealth in Egyptian society

It's only a few people who could afford locks and keys in Ancient Egyptian society. Having a lock and key was considered a symbol of wealth. Affluent Egyptians used to put keys around their finger to reflect power.

• Mass production of locks in the U.S started in 1840

Before 1840, locksmiths used to make locks and keys by hand.

• Master keys have key serialization

Master keys have a unique serial number that allows one to track keys to their individual holders using tracking software. Key serialization allows for effective key control in businesses and protected areas.

• The oldest known lock was found in ruins near Ninevah

Egyptian archeologists found the oldest known lock in ruins near Ninevah 4,000 years ago. However, archeologists believe that there could be locks older than this artifact. The lock was primitive in nature as it used a wooden bolt and pegs to secure a door.  

• Nearly 30 percent of burglaries are attributed to unlocked windows or doors

Not all burglaries occur as a result of picking locks or tampering with the lock mechanism. A considerable proportion of burglaries happen because people leave their windows and doors unlocked.   

• James Sargent invented the earliest combination lock in 1857

James Sargent (1824-1910) created the world's first key-changeable combination lock. Sargent's lock mechanism became instrumental in making safes. He later established a company that specialized in manufacturing a wide range of high-security products.  

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At Smart Locksmith, we offer a wide array of locksmith services, including key cutting, key duplication, lockout services, key replacement, key fob programming, emergency locksmith services, and many more. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to serve you.