Locks are a crucial part of human civilisation. We all know how possessive we are about our safety, and so are we for the things and assets we have. And this habit of keeping our possessions uptight gave birth to locks. Let’s explore the history, the evolution of our locking systems, & everything that fell in between to make the perfect lock types that we have today.

In addition, we shall see how the mechanics of it help with tight security and the application locks in various setups like organisations, homes, offices and so on.

The Historical Evolution of Locks

Locks have a rich history that has evolved since thousands of years. The very first locking system dates back to the Egyptian civilisation where wooden pin tumbler locks were used. It was in the early 2000 BC. After a great head start from ancient Egypt, various other cultures gave their fair share in the development, innovation & advancement of the locks, including advanced key mechanisms.

Modern times saw that Europe played a pivotal role in the evolution of locks. Joseph Bramah and Jeremiah Chubb were the innovators who introduced cylinder locks & detector locks in the early 18th century. Their brainchildren, the locks mentioned above, have been integral enhancers of security & performance.

Roughly after the industrial revolution, the production & availability of locks got a boost and they were now available for the broader audience.

Lock Types: The Basics

You know the history. Now, let’s know the basic lock types.

1. Deadbolts

Known for their robust & easy-to-comprehend design, Deadbolts are the lock types that consist of a solid metal bolt that extends into the door frame when they are locked. They are commonly used in residential & commercial setups. These lock types deliver better security than the standard latch locks & suit the residential and business needs.

2. Padlocks

Every layman must know this lock as it is one of the most common lock types. Remember the U-shaped shackle that gets locked into a metal & plastic body? This is that lock type. Padlocks are applicable to various setups as they come in different sizes & materials. For a suitcase, a garden shed or a home, they are versatile & have key-operated mechanisms and combination locks.

3. Pin Tumbler Locks

Pin Tumbler Lock is one such lock type that is omnipresent. There are several pins of varying lengths inside them, making them suitable for various security levels. They work best for residential purposes and have a smooth functioning mechanism. The keys have a specific pattern of teeth that align with the pins and when inserted, they allow the lock to turn & open. This is one such efficient, reliable & cost-effective one from the lock types that they are a standard choice for many applications.

4. Wafer Tumbler Locks

One of the similar lock types to Pin Tumbler Locks are the Wafer Tumbler Locks. Great for automobiles & cabinets, these locks use flat wafers in place of pins; this is the only difference. For low-security applications & basic safety levels, wafer tumbler locks are a great option. They have this precise level of safety & applying them helps you save your money.

Lock Types: The Advanced

The basic lock types are more or less known by all. Now, unlock the advanced lock types.

1. Smart Locks

Thanks to IoT (Internet of Things) for the popularity of smart locks. Their smartness allows you to lock & unlock them remotely through smartphone apps. They have a keyless entry, temporary access codes and activity locks that make them a convenient & secure option for modern homes. The advanced features like these make them desirable where safety is of utmost priority.

2. Cylinder Locks

Originating from European culture, Cylinder locks are also known as Euro Locks. While they are widely popular in Europe, they are getting their due recognition worldwide as well. Their mechanism is captivating. There is a cylinder plug that turns within the housing when the right key is inserted. They come in various types like single-cylinder, double-cylinder & thumb-turn cylinder locks. For residential & commercial settings, there are quite no other lock types that are as secure as cylinder locks.

3. Magnetic Locks

Magnetic locks use electromagnetic force to keep doors securely locked. Also known as Electromagnetic Locks or Maglocks, these locks have a high holding force & reliability. Due to such efficient functioning, they are commonly used in commercial and industrial settings.

To make magnetic locks more secure, they can also be integrated with access control systems.

4. Biometric Locks

Here comes the buzzing area of lock types, the Biometric locks. With fingerprints, retinas, facial recognitions & more such high level security features for granting access, they are supremely secure & play a crucial role in the security of sensitive environments like government buildings & research facilities. Biometric locks eliminate the requirement of keys & codes, further barring the risk of unauthorised access.

5. Tubular Locks

Tubular locks are in the shape of a cylinder & use a series of pins that are arranged in a circular pattern. Their unique tubular shape matches the patterns of the pins. They provide moderate levels of safety & are suitable for the setups that require low to medium security. Similarly, we can use tubular locks for vending machines, bicycle locks & some padlocks.

So, How to Choose the Best Lock Types?

Various types of factors play their role when it comes to choosing a lock for your living space. Following are a few tips to choose the best lock.

1. Know your Security Needs

Before choosing a lock, confirm the level of security that you require. If you need less security considering the value of your belongings, a pin tumbler lock is the best. On the other hand, biometric & electronic locks are some of the only great choices when it comes to high security levels.

2. Is it Convenient?

Based on your convenience, whatever you choose will be the best for you. For instance, you need something from reliable lock types which suffice the security part. In such a case, traditional locks are best.

But if you need a lock that has advanced features & maintenance and providing a power source is fine, then smart locks are suitable for you, as per your convenience.

3. Define your Budget

Along with the levels of security & features that these lock types offer, their prices also vary, depending upon the additions in them. So, before jumping to a conclusion, always set a budget & subsequently, explore your options. Always know that a good quality lock will provide better long-term security.

4. Is it Fine if a Professional Installs it?

Mostly, the basic locks require no installation but the advanced ones do need a professional aid which includes their visiting cost and the installation charges. So if you’re ready to bear that price, only then go for that lock type.

End Note

We should be immensely grateful to the wide range of lock types. Along with security, they bring peace of mind with them. A reliable locking system provides a comprehensive security strategy that protects our assets & secures our hard work of acquiring them.

A right locking system will keep you safe for years to come, without any alterations.