Considering the first recorded padlock, it can be said that the history of locks dates back to 2,700 years ago in ancient Egypt. Since then, though only sometimes, skilful locksmiths have continuously improved until they created the locks we know today. That said, we’d like to introduce you to three of the locksmiths to whom we owe a large part of today’s level of home security.
1. Linus Yale
With the best-known name in the lock industry, Yale started as a locksmith thanks to his father manufacturing high-security bank locks. Building on his father’s legacy, Linus Yale was granted a tumbler pin cylinder lock patent. Then he perfected the combination padlock (a padlock commonly used to secure safes).
His most important contribution to the history of locks was the Yale cylinder lock (patented in 1865). This model works on a simple principle – “an inner cylinder rotates on an axis inside an outer cylinder” – making manufacturing easy. In addition, it requires a small key that is much more convenient to carry than its predecessors. Many of the breakthroughs that Yale achieved include another success:
The founding of the Yale & Towne Company in 1868 rapidly expanded around the world.
2. Harry Soref
In the history of locks, there have been many defining moments involved in creating locks that are reliable, easy to copy, and accessible to more owners. Harry Soref is one of the locksmiths who made this a reality with his laminated locks.
Having worked as a locksmith for a while, he noticed that the average padlock design could have been more prone to failure. Then he came up with the idea of pressing steel layers (a technique used to protect bank safes) instead of stamped metal shells, thus ensuring much more sturdiness for the lock. And when he founded the Master Lock company in 1921, he even started making these locks himself. That marks a significant development, as locks are getting stiffer and more reliable for widespread use.
3. Harry Houdini
He may be a brilliant wizard, but Harry Houdini is included in this list (and in padlock history) because he is also a locksmith magician. And choose, in particular. Born in 1874 as Ehrich Weisz, Hungarian descent immigrated to America and settled in New York in 1882.
From the age of 11, he apprenticed to a local locksmith (where he quickly mastered the craft), then moved on to performing as a circus performer and in vaudeville repertoire. Soon after, Harry began to build a reputation as a reckless wizard. His exhibits involve moving liberating activities from:
- ropes,
- handcuffs,
- shackles,
- confined spaces,
- locked containers.
One of his secrets is his great skill at manipulating locks and selecting any system. His unusual agility is partly explained by his early apprenticeship with a local locksmith. The magician and escapee were constantly advancing the history of locks as locksmiths began designing so-called “unpotable locks” that were supposed to end Houdini’s agility.
One of the challenges was Nathaniel Hart, a master locksmith in Birmingham who spent five years creating an unbreakable lock. Like Hart, there were other locksmiths who, wanting to beat Houdini, went further and tried to design more secure locks.
FAQs
Who is the greatest locksmith in the world?
Harry Houdini
Though he amazed audiences worldwide with his death-defying stunts and illusions, he met his match when presented with a specially designed lock created just for him. This intricate lock, engineered by a team of the world’s best locksmiths, was made unpickable – even for the great Houdini. Though he tried every trick and technique in his arsenal, Houdini could not unlock the custom-built mechanism. This impenetrable lock remains a testament to Houdini’s formidable skills and the ingenuity of the locksmiths who finally stumped the consummate escape artist.
Which magician started as a locksmith?
Harry Houdini’s early training as a locksmith proved invaluable to his later career as an escape artist. As a young boy, Houdini apprenticed with a local locksmith, learning the intricacies of locks, latches, and security mechanisms. This knowledge provided:
- The foundation for his legendary escape acts.
- Allowing him to pick locks and slip free of handcuffs adeptly.
- Straitjackets.
- Other restraints.
Houdini’s mastery of locks enabled his death-defying stunts and cemented his reputation as one of the greatest magicians and escape artists ever. His early education in the precise mechanics of locks and latches was crucial to developing the skills that made him famous.
Why is it called locksmith?
They assemble, install, service, and repair various lockset devices on doors, safes, vaults, and other securing mechanisms. Whether you’ve been locked out of your home, need new copies of your keys made, or want to upgrade home or business security, locksmiths have the expertise to help with any lock-related needs.
Who created the locksmith?
Locksmithing has its origins in ancient history. The profession is believed to have emerged around 4000 years ago in ancient Egypt and Babylon. In those early days, locks were small and portable, used to protect valuables from thieves on ancient trade routes. Locksmithing developed as an essential trade to ensure security by designing and crafting locks and keys.
Conclusion
Across centuries and cultures, ingenuity in locksmithing reflects an essential human pursuit – to keep what is precious safe. We owe thanks to generations of locksmiths tackling a timeless challenge – outthinking those who would work harm. Their collective skill and problem-solving laid the foundation for securing today’s homes, businesses, vehicles, and valuables. Wherever locks protect, their legacy lives on.
For more insights and expert tips on locksmith services and security solutions, explore our comprehensive guides on residential locksmith, commercial locksmith, and emergency locksmith services at FixItMatey. Learn more about our mission and team on our About Us page. For any inquiries or assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out via our Contact page. Stay informed and secure with our step-by-step tutorials and professional advice. Visit FixItMatey for all your locksmith needs!
