Modern Locksmithing

Although we sometimes think of locksmiths as simply a key-cutter on the high street, the trade has an incredibly long history. As far back as things have been conceived as valuable, people have sought to keep them out of the hands of thieves and unscrupulous visitors. This goes for people’s homes, possessions, and families.

The oldest lock currently known is over 4000 years old, and was Egyptian. The first lock using a key arrived around 700 BC. Fascinatingly, it used the same type of pin tumbler system we still use in our modern locks to these days. In those days and for many centuries locksmiths would have to make the entire lock and base a key around it. It was a fantastically intricate trade, and many locksmiths pitted themselves against each other to see who could make the most impenetrable lock.

This, the pursuit of the impenetrable lock, a good locksmith will tell you, is a never-ending one. A lock is made to be opened, and can only hold out a thief for a period of time. Locks are really there to slow down the thief, hopefully to the point of him deciding it’s not worth the trouble and moving on to another victim. Of course the point of the lock and key system is to continue to make entry into the box, room or house simple for the true owner, so he doesn’t have to jump through too many steps to access his belongings.

The modern locksmith is a changed trade; they may not work with such intricate locks but they do work with a wider range of locks. Locks of many different types have emerged – locks for cars, electronic locks, voice-activated locks, computer-controlled locked, time-sensitive locks, all of these have their own methods of entry. They all require a different skillset, and it is only the master locksmith who could say he can master them all.

Becoming a locksmith is still a highly regarded trade, and locksmiths tend to hold status with a community. This is because they have to be highly trustworthy, and have to pass a number of steps before they can hold the keys to the kingdom. Locksmiths have very powerful tools that allow them to get into virtually any home, so their tools must be well secured. Their careers can be long and they are never out of work, as everyone needs their use every once in a while.

By: Louisa Coan

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Louisa Coan is writing on behalf of KJ Locksmiths, who are specialised Locksmiths in Bristol. They also offer locksmiths Bristol and Bristol locksmiths