Locks and Latches: Best Security and Safety Options

Since time immemorial, people have wanted to secure their properties and valuables from unwanted intruders like burglars, thieves, and trespassers. Aside from hiding valuables or constantly guarding them, their best option is to lock them.

Locks are mechanical devices that fasten shut and prevent the opening of doors, windows, lids and other objects. The oldest lock discovered dates back to circa 2000 B.C. and was traced in the ruins of the Khorsabad palace, near Nineveh. Archeologists estimated the lock was more than 4000 years old. It is a common Egyptian lock that operated by using a large wooden bolt in securing a door.

The early lock had a slot with holes in its upper surface which were filled with wooden pegs that prevented bolt opening. The level of security was improved by increasing the number and changing the orientation of the pins.

The first serious attempt to improve lock security was made by Englishman Robert Barron with the double-acting tumbler lock in 1978. Then, Joseph Bramah came up with the safety lock in 1784. Afterwards, Linus Yale, Sr. invented the pin tumbler lock in 1848. His son, Linus Yale, Jr. improved this lock with the cylinder pin-tumbler lock in 1861. Linus Yale, Jr. also came up with his own lock, the modern combination lock, in 1862. James Sargent, on the other hand, produced the time lock in 1873, and Samuel Segal made prick-proof locks in 1916.

Latches, on the other hand, are devices used to secure cabinet drawers and doors. Although latches do not have locking mechanisms, it is a great way of safeguarding children from accidentally opening cabinet doors and drawers and have access to hazardous household implements.