Concept in Definition ABC

The job associated with the devices for opening and closing doors and windows is the locksmith and the establishment dedicated to this activity is known as locksmith. Obviously, it is an activity oriented towards a very specific purpose: maintaining the safety in homes and establishments.

Other related services

A locksmith can offer a wide range of services: enclosures and glazing, assembly of automation and awnings, repair and installation of sheet metal, work with metalwork structures, opening systems for automobiles, manufacturing of master keys, opening safes or advising clients on security issues.

All this is projected in four main sectors: residential, automotive, industrial and commercial. Likewise, the activities of the locksmith are integrated into a discipline, safety engineering.

Keys and locks have their history too

Historians cannot agree when it comes to the invention of bolts, since some claim that it was the ancient Egyptians while others consider that it was an invention of the Chinese. In any case, the first lock and key systems are over 4,000 years old.

Like many other inventions, this one was initially conceived for the wealthiest, but over time it spread to the entire population. population.

For centuries the main material for the manufacture of locks and keys was wood, although metal was sometimes used. Over the centuries, a number of technical advances were introduced, such as the use of deadbolt bolts, toggle bolts, and those that did not require a key.

During the Middle Ages the first trade union ordinances appeared in which the locksmith trade was regulated. The first combination lock appeared in the 19th century. In the 20th century, a new revolutionary advance emerged: digitally encoded locks.

Keys have a symbolic value

Whoever holds the keys to a place is someone with a certain "power." This is what happens with the professionals who guard the keys of the great enclosures, with the jailers or with the guardians of the castles in ancient times.

In the sphere of the Christian religion the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven were entrusted to the Apostle Saint Peter. On the other hand, in television contests where apartments or vehicles are given away, these prizes are awarded through their corresponding keys. Finally, let us not forget that a child begins to be autonomous when he has his own keys.

In short, a simple utensil used to open and close a lock becomes something full of symbolism.

Fotolia photos: ungvar / auremar