Most people don’t give locksmiths a second thought until they are locked out of their home or need an extra set of keys for a property. Yet, many locksmiths provide additional services that can keep a residential or commercial space safe and secure throughout the year.
What’s more, the essential trade is steeped in history and interesting facts. Here are seven facts you might not know about locksmiths.
It’s an Ancient Profession
It might be surprising to learn that locksmithing is one of the oldest professions in history. It is believed the first locksmiths developed their skills more than 4,000 years ago in Babylon and Egypt.
Thanks to the innovative Middle Eastern civilisations, the lock and key technology spread north to Greece, Rome and then east to China. It is now a sought-after skill in almost every nation across the globe.
The Historic Origin of the Locksmith
Ever wondered how locksmiths earned their name? The word relates to the profession’s history. A smith of locks, which originates from the term blacksmith, was a reference to someone who worked with steel or varieties of metal.
Blacksmiths commonly forged weapons and armour for knights and kings, but the demand for metal locks led to the development of a new, specialist skill, and so the locksmith was born.
Harry Houdini Was a Locksmith
It turns out Harry Houdini might not have been so magical after all, as he more than likely knew his way around a lock or two!
He started his working life as a locksmith, gaining an in-depth understanding of locks and how they worked, which helped him to create many jaw-dropping illusions for audiences. In fact, he was most notable for his incredible escape acts.
It is quite likely the Hungarian-born illusionist and stunt performer would never have enjoyed his level of fame without the much-needed trade.
The Oldest Lock is More than 4,000 Years Old
The oldest lock in history to have been discovered is believed to date back 4,000 years and was found in the ruins of the Khorsabad Palace in Nineveh. However, the oldest lock with a key dates back to approximately 704 BC in the ruins of the Palace of Sargon, also in Khorsabad.
A Locksmith Possesses More Than One Skill
A talented locksmith encompasses more than one profession to complete a task to the highest standard for customers. He or she will need to do the work of a security expert, mechanic, carpenter and engineer to successfully resolve your locking challenges in a smooth, hassle-free manner.
Locksmithing Services Have Evolved
While locksmiths still help property owners to change or upgrade their locks, open locked doors and provide key cutting services, the trade has evolved throughout the years.
Nowadays, many modern, forward-thinking locksmiths, such as us here at LockRite, provide various reliable home security services, including:
- HD CCTV installation
- Yale digital smart locks- such as the Conexis L1
- Alarm installation
- Burglary repairs
The above can ultimately make property owners feel relaxed and secure either at home or at work.
All Our Locksmiths are DBS Checked
At Lockrite, we understand that security and safety are of paramount importance to our customers. For this reason, every single locksmith is DBS checked. You can, therefore, enjoy peace of mind that your property and keys are in safe hands when you turn to us.
If you have been locked out of your home, need new locks, or want to install innovative, reliable home security devices in your residential or commercial property, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here or call us now on 0800 0612 677.
