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Lock (device)

 
Lock (device)

 
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Lock (device)
 
 
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A lock is a mechanical fastening device which may be used on a door
Door

A door is a moveable barrier used to cover an opening. Doors are used widely and are found in walls or partitions of a building or space, furniture such as cupboards, cage s, vehicles, and containers....
, vehicle
Vehicle

Vehicles, derived from the Latin word, vehiculum, are non-living means of transport. Most often they are manufactured , although some other means of transport which are not made by humans also may be called vehicles; examples include icebergs and floating tree trunks....
, or container, restricting access to the area or property
Property

Property is any physical or virtual entity that is ownership by an individual or jointly by a group of individuals. An owner of property has the right to consumption, sell, Renting, mortgage, transfer and exchange his or her property....
 enclosed. Commonly, it can be released by using a key
Key (lock)

A key is a device which is used to open a Lock . A typical key consist of two parts: the blade, which slides into the keyway of the lock and distinguishes between different keys, and the bow, which is left protruding so that torque can be applied by the user....
 or combination
Combination

In combinatorics, a combination is an un-ordered collection of distinct elements, usually of a prescribed size and taken from a given set. Given such a Set S, a combination of elements of S is just a subset of S, where as always for sets the order of the elements is not taken into account ....
.

lass="link1" onMouseover='showByLink("m1920011",this)' onMouseout='hide("m1920011")'href="http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Security">Securing
Security

Security is the degree of protection against danger, loss, and criminals. Individuals or actions that encroach upon the condition of protection are responsible for a "breach of security."...
 one's property has long been a concern of people throughout the world.






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Locking Mechanism On Box Recovered From the Vasa
A lock is a mechanical fastening device which may be used on a door
Door

A door is a moveable barrier used to cover an opening. Doors are used widely and are found in walls or partitions of a building or space, furniture such as cupboards, cage s, vehicles, and containers....
, vehicle
Vehicle

Vehicles, derived from the Latin word, vehiculum, are non-living means of transport. Most often they are manufactured , although some other means of transport which are not made by humans also may be called vehicles; examples include icebergs and floating tree trunks....
, or container, restricting access to the area or property
Property

Property is any physical or virtual entity that is ownership by an individual or jointly by a group of individuals. An owner of property has the right to consumption, sell, Renting, mortgage, transfer and exchange his or her property....
 enclosed. Commonly, it can be released by using a key
Key (lock)

A key is a device which is used to open a Lock . A typical key consist of two parts: the blade, which slides into the keyway of the lock and distinguishes between different keys, and the bow, which is left protruding so that torque can be applied by the user....
 or combination
Combination

In combinatorics, a combination is an un-ordered collection of distinct elements, usually of a prescribed size and taken from a given set. Given such a Set S, a combination of elements of S is just a subset of S, where as always for sets the order of the elements is not taken into account ....
.

History of locks

Securing
Security

Security is the degree of protection against danger, loss, and criminals. Individuals or actions that encroach upon the condition of protection are responsible for a "breach of security."...
 one's property has long been a concern of people throughout the world. Beyond hiding the objects or constantly guarding them the most frequently used option is to secure them with a device. Early solutions included knot
Knot

A knot is a method for fastening or securing linear material such as rope by tying or interweaving. It may consist of a length of one or more segments of rope, string, webbing, twine, strap, or even chain interwoven such that the line can bind to itself or to some other object?the "load"....
s to either detect, like the Thief knot
Thief knot

The Thief knot resembles the reef knot except that the free, or working, ends are on opposite sides. It is said that sailors would secure their belongings in a ditty bag using the thief knot, often with the ends hidden....
, or hamper, like the Gordian knot
Gordian Knot

The Gordian Knot is a legend associated with Alexander the Great. It is often used as a metaphor for an intractable problem, solved by a bold stroke :...
.

Wooden locks and keys were in use as early as 4,000 years ago in Assyria . The first known lock with a key is a pin lock. The lock is strung on a rope hanging out of a hole in a door. A cylinder of wood with a hole drilled through its axis is the key, the length of the cylinder being the critical factor. Then the key is inserted into the hole and the bolt is pushed the correct distance. To lock the door,they just pulled on the rope to extract the key cylinder and simultaneously pulling the bolt closed. This type of lock is still in use in certain parts of the world. A danger of this lock is a vandal can push the rope into the hole — an ancient equivalent of putting glue into a lock.

Early improvements in pin locks included increasing the number of pins to increase security, and changing the orientation of the pins to allow the key to provide the unlocking force instead of a rope. Thus establishing the principles of the modern pin tumbler lock
Pin tumbler lock

The pin tumbler lock is a locksmithing mechanism that uses pins of varying lengths to prevent the lock from opening without the correct Key . Pin tumblers are most commonly employed in cylinder locks, but may also be found in tubular locks ....
.

Next was developed a warded lock
Warded lock

A warded lock is a type of Lock that uses a set of obstructions, or wards, to prevent the lock from opening unless the correct key is inserted....
 that is still used in modern times when the security required is not high and cost is a significant factor. It is the first lock design to have a key recognizable to a modern western person. Lock puzzle
Lock puzzle

A lock puzzle is a type of mechanical puzzle. It consists of a Lock with unusual or hidden mechanics. Such locks are sometimes called trick locks, because opening them is like performing a Magic ....
s were used to obscure the locking mechanism or even provide a nonfunctioning lock for the thief to waste time on.

Famous locksmiths

  • Al-Jazari
    Al-Jazari

    Abu al-'Iz Ibn Isma'il ibn al-Razaz al-Jazari was an important Arab Ulema, Inventions in the Muslim world, Timeline of Muslim scientists and engineers, Artisan, Islamic art and Islamic astronomy from Al-Jazira, Mesopotamia who lived during the Islamic Golden Age ....
     described the first combination lock
    Combination lock

    A combination lock is a type of lock in which a sequence of numbers or symbols is used to open the lock. The sequence may be entered using a single rotating dial which interacts with several discs or cams, by using a set of several rotating discs with inscribed numerals which directly interact with the locking mechanism, or through an e...
     in 1309
  • Robert Barrion patented a double-acting tumbler lock in 1778, the first reasonable improvement in lock security.
  • Joseph Bramah
    Joseph Bramah

    Joseph Bramah , born Stainborough Lane Farm, Wentworth, South Yorkshire, Yorkshire, England. He was an inventor and locksmith. He is best known for having invented the hydraulic press....
     patented the safety lock in 1784. It was considered unpickable for 67 years until A.C. Hobbs picked it, taking over 50 hours.
  • Jeremiah Chubb patented his detector lock
    Chubb detector lock

    A Chubb detector lock is a type of lever tumbler lock with an integral security feature which frustrates unauthorised access attempts and indicates to the lock's owner that it has been interfered with....
     in 1818. It won him the reward offered by the Government for a lock which could not be opened by any but its own key.
  • James Sargent described the first successful key-changeable combination lock
    Combination lock

    A combination lock is a type of lock in which a sequence of numbers or symbols is used to open the lock. The sequence may be entered using a single rotating dial which interacts with several discs or cams, by using a set of several rotating discs with inscribed numerals which directly interact with the locking mechanism, or through an e...
     in 1857. His lock became popular with safe manufacturers and the United States Treasury Department. In 1873, he patented a time lock
    Time Lock

    Time Lock is a 1957 in film British thriller film directed by Gerald Thomas. The plot is about a six-year old boy who is accidentally locked in a bank vault....
     mechanism, the prototype for those used in contemporary bank vaults.
  • Samuel Segal invented the first jimmy proof locks in 1916.
  • Harry Soref founded the Master Lock
    Master Lock

    Master Lock is the world's largest importer of padlocks, combination locks and related security products for automotive and outdoor needs including home and yard, contractors, power sports, campus and bike needs....
     Company in 1921 and patented an improved padlock
    Padlock

    Padlocks are portable Lock used to protect against theft, vandalism, sabotage, espionage, unauthorized use, and harm. They are designed to protect against some degree of forced and surreptitious entry....
     in 1924 with a patent lock casing constructed out of laminated steel.
  • Linus Yale, Sr.
    Linus Yale, Sr.

    Linus Yale, Sr. was an United States inventor and manufacturer of locks.He was born in Middletown, Connecticut, and later moved with his parents to Salisbury, New York....
     invented a pin tumbler lock
    Pin tumbler lock

    The pin tumbler lock is a locksmithing mechanism that uses pins of varying lengths to prevent the lock from opening without the correct Key . Pin tumblers are most commonly employed in cylinder locks, but may also be found in tubular locks ....
     in 1848.
  • Linus Yale, Jr.
    Linus Yale, Jr.

    Linus Yale, Jr. was an United States mechanical engineer and manufacturer, best known for his inventions of Locksmithing, especially the cylinder lock....
     improved upon his father's lock in 1861, using a smaller, flat key with serrated edges that is the basis of modern pin-tumbler locks. Yale developed the modern combination lock
    Combination lock

    A combination lock is a type of lock in which a sequence of numbers or symbols is used to open the lock. The sequence may be entered using a single rotating dial which interacts with several discs or cams, by using a set of several rotating discs with inscribed numerals which directly interact with the locking mechanism, or through an e...
     in 1862.


Types of locks

Padlock
Two Holes No Waiting
Locks may be entirely mechanical
Mechanical

* Mechanical engineering, a branch of engineering concerned with the application of physical mechanics* HVAC , the mechanical systems of a building* Mechanical , one of several characters in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream...
, or electromechanical. They may be operated by turning some form of removable key
Key (lock)

A key is a device which is used to open a Lock . A typical key consist of two parts: the blade, which slides into the keyway of the lock and distinguishes between different keys, and the bow, which is left protruding so that torque can be applied by the user....
, by keying or dialing in a combination which directly or via electromechanical means operates the lock, with some form of magnetic or other card reader
Card reader

A memory card reader is a device used for communication with a smart card or a flash memory card.A business card reader is a scanning device used to scan and electronically save business cards....
, or by moving a part on a safety lock intended to prevent accidental operation rather than to prevent unauthorised access.
  • 5 Lever Lock
    5 Lever Lock

    The 5 lever lock is a type of Lock often required for home insurance and are generally recommended by the police for home security. There are various 'grades' but the current British Standard is usually required for insurance purposes....
  • Bicycle lock
    Bicycle lock

    File:Antivolv?lo6.jpgA bicycle lock is a physical security device used on a bicycle to prevent theft. It is generally used to fasten the bicycle to a bicycle stand or other immovable object....
  • Cam lock
  • Child safety lock
    Child safety lock

    A child safety lock is a special-purpose lock for cabinets, drawers, bottles, etc. that is designed to help prevent children from getting at any dangerous contents....
  • Combination lock
    Combination lock

    A combination lock is a type of lock in which a sequence of numbers or symbols is used to open the lock. The sequence may be entered using a single rotating dial which interacts with several discs or cams, by using a set of several rotating discs with inscribed numerals which directly interact with the locking mechanism, or through an e...
  • Cruciform (or Zeiss) lock
  • Cylinder lock
    Cylinder lock

    A cylinder lock is a Lock in constructed with a cylinder that a locksmith can easily unscrew to facilitate rekeying. The cylinder may contain any of a variety of locking mechanisms, including the pin tumbler lock, the wafer tumbler lock and the disc tumbler lock....
  • Deadbolt
    Deadbolt

    A deadbolt or deadlock, is a Lock distinct from a spring-bolt lock because a deadbolt cannot be moved to the open position except by rotating the lock cylinder....
  • Disc tumbler lock
    Disc tumbler lock

    The Abloy Disklock or Disc tumbler lock is a lock composed of slotted rotating detainer discs. A specially cut key rotates these discs like the tumblers of a safe to align the slots, allowing the sidebar to drop into the slots, thus opening the lock....
  • Electronic lock
    Electronic lock

    An electronic lock is a Lock which operates by means of electric current. Electric locks are sometimes stand-alone with an electronic control assembly mounted directly to the lock....
    • Electric strike
      Electric strike

      An electric strike is an access control device used for doors. It replaces the strike plate often used with a latchbar . Like a fixed strike, it normally presents a ramped surface to the locking latch allowing the door to close and latch just like a fixed strike would....
    • Magnetic lock
      Magnetic lock

      A magnetic lock is a simple lock that consists of an electromagnet and armature plate. By attaching the electromagnet to the door frame and the armature plate to the door, a Electric current passing through the electromagnet attracts the armature plate holding the door shut....
  • Keycard lock
    Keycard lock

    A keycard lock is a lock operated by a keycard with identical dimensions to that of a credit card or drivers license. Keycard systems operate either by physically moving detainers in the locking mechanism with the insertion of the card or by reading digital data encoded on the card's magnetic strip....
  • Lever tumbler lock
    Lever tumbler lock

    A lever tumbler lock is a type of lock that uses a set of levers to prevent the bolt from moving in the lock. In the simplest of these, lifting the tumbler above a certain height will allow the bolt to slide past....
    • Chubb detector lock
      Chubb detector lock

      A Chubb detector lock is a type of lever tumbler lock with an integral security feature which frustrates unauthorised access attempts and indicates to the lock's owner that it has been interfered with....
    • Protector lock
      Protector lock

      The Protector lock was an early 1850s Lock design by renowned American locksmith Alfred Charles Hobbs, the first man to be able to pick the six-levered Chubb detector lock at the Crystal Palace Exhibition in the year 1851, which was created with the intent of being a lock that could not be picked....
  • Magnetic keyed lock
    Magnetic keyed lock

    A Magnetic Keyed Lock is a locking mechanism whereby the key utilizes magnets as part of the locking and unlocking mechanism.A magnetic key would use from one to many small magnets oriented so that the North / South Poles would equate to a combination to push or pull the lock's internal tumblers thus releasing the lock....
  • Padlock
    Padlock

    Padlocks are portable Lock used to protect against theft, vandalism, sabotage, espionage, unauthorized use, and harm. They are designed to protect against some degree of forced and surreptitious entry....
  • Pin tumbler lock
    Pin tumbler lock

    The pin tumbler lock is a locksmithing mechanism that uses pins of varying lengths to prevent the lock from opening without the correct Key . Pin tumblers are most commonly employed in cylinder locks, but may also be found in tubular locks ....
  • Police Lock
  • Rim lock
    Rim lock

    A rim lock is a locking device that attaches to the surface of a door.The original type of lock_ used in England and Ireland it is of a basic design originally of a very stiff lever and a bolt with wards being the block....
  • Tubular pin tumbler lock
    Tubular pin tumbler lock

    A tubular pin tumbler lock, also known as Ace lock or "axial pin tumbler lock" or "radial lock", is a variety of pin tumbler lock in which 6-8 pins are arranged in a circular pattern, and the corresponding key is tubular or cylindrical in shape....
  • Time lock
    Time Lock

    Time Lock is a 1957 in film British thriller film directed by Gerald Thomas. The plot is about a six-year old boy who is accidentally locked in a bank vault....
  • Turner lock
  • Wafer tumbler lock
    Wafer tumbler lock

    A wafer tumbler lock is a type of locksmithing that utilizes a set of flat wafers to prevent the lock from opening unless the correct key is inserted....
  • Warded lock
    Warded lock

    A warded lock is a type of Lock that uses a set of obstructions, or wards, to prevent the lock from opening unless the correct key is inserted....
  • Security door locks


See also

  • Key relevance
    Key relevance

    In master locksmithing, key relevance is the measurable difference between an original key and a copy made of that key, either from a wax impression or directly from the original, and how similar the two keys are in size and shape." It can also refer to the measurable difference between a key and the size required to fit and operate the keyw...
  • Lock picking
    Lock picking

    Lock picking is the art of unlocking a lock by analyzing and manipulating the components of the lock device, without the original key. Although lock picking can be associated with criminal intent, it is an essential skill for a locksmithing....
  • Locksmithing
    Locksmithing

    Locksmithing began as the science and art of making and wikt:defeating locks. A lock is a mechanism that secures buildings, rooms, cabinets, objects, or other storage facilities....
  • Physical security
    Physical security

    Physical security describes both measures that prevent or deter attackers from accessing a facility, resource, or information stored on physical media and guidance on how to design structures to resist various hostile acts....
  • Bored cylindrical lock
    Bored cylindrical lock

    A bored cylindrical Lock is one in which two holes are bored, perpendicular to one another, into the door. A large hole is bored into the door face and a smaller crossbore hole is bored into the door edge, as opposed to a mortise lock prep cut into the edge of the door....
     and Mortice lock, two different approaches to locking mechanisms


External links

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/2147881/how_to_pick_locks/


Further reading

  • Phillips, Bill. (2005). The Complete Book of Locks and Locksmithing. McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0071448292.