A lock is merely a security device used to keep people out or in.Most locks use a key to open but some actually require the user to remember a code or combination in order to use them.Since locksmiths were origianally also black smiths the term stuck.These locksmiths can regarded as the very 1st security engineers, as they were charged with not only making proficient locks but also defeating them.Locks have been around for a very long time, some of the earliest were made from wood and required no more than a pull string to open.When you were inside the building & didn’t want anyone to enter with out your consent you merely pulled in the latch string.

In Roman times the 1st locks to made of metal appeared, they were designed with different shapes and even the keys used were made with designs.However they were rather easily picked by thieves at the time.In order to be accepted into the locksmith guild you had to provide a working lock & key.However due to the rampant level of corruption in the guilds locks were merely displayed and not used.Needless to say there was very little advancement made as to security.

During the 1940′s with the onset of World War 2 a locksmith specialist became priceless.Many were drafted into military service, while the few who weren’t continued to work as usual.Of course they were focused primarily on the war effort.Today’s modern locksmiths have to have skills in mechanics,electronics,&metal work.They sell, install, repair & maintain locks.They are also in the business of making copies of keys, replacing a lost key,opening a lock when needed and rekeying a lock that has lost its key.As society moves ahead in the 21st century it will be interesting to see how locksmithing evolves to continue to keep people & property safe.