5 Fascinating Facts About Locks

5 Fascinating Facts About Locks

Facts About Locks - At Locksmith Salisbury, we work with locks every single day—installing, repairing, and upgrading them for homes and businesses across Salisbury and nearby villages. But behind every lock is a story, and some of them are genuinely surprising.

Whether you’ve just moved into a new place or you’re curious about security in general, here are five fascinating facts about locks that you probably didn’t know.


1. Locks Have Been Around for Over 4,000 Years

The oldest known lock was discovered in ancient Nineveh (now modern-day Iraq) and dates back more than 4,000 years. It was made of wood and operated using a pin tumbler mechanism—an early concept still found in many modern locks today.

This is one of those facts about locks that really highlights how clever our ancestors were when it came to keeping things safe.


2. The Romans Were the First to Use Combination Locks

Way back in Roman times, people used rudimentary combination locks to secure their belongings. They might not look like the ones we have now, but they laid the groundwork for many modern security devices.


3. Master Keys Date Back to the Middle Ages

Think master key systems are a new idea? Think again. Medieval locksmiths designed them to give castle caretakers access to multiple rooms without juggling dozens of keys—much like today’s landlords in Salisbury managing multiple lets.


4. Modern Locks Are Built to Endure

Locks today are far more durable than ever before. Whether it’s a frosty morning on the Salisbury Plain or a damp and windy afternoon in Downton, the right lock will keep working under pressure. Choosing quality hardware pays off in the long run.


5. Smart Locks Are Becoming a New Norm

More homeowners and businesses in Salisbury are turning to smart locks. These high-tech options let you lock and unlock your door from your phone, issue temporary codes to visitors, and monitor who’s coming and going—all remotely.

They’re perfect for Airbnb hosts, landlords, or just anyone who wants a little extra peace of mind.


Why This Matters for Salisbury

These facts about locks show how far home security has come—from ancient wooden bolts to advanced, app-controlled systems. But no matter how sophisticated locks become, their purpose stays the same: keeping your property secure.

If you’re thinking about upgrading your locks or you’d just like some honest, local advice, get in touch with Locksmith Salisbury. We serve all areas across Salisbury and beyond—from Laverstock and Harnham to Wilton and Amesbury.

Call us on 01722 730034
Visit: www.locksmithsalisbury.co.uk