The trade associated with opening and closing devices for doors and windows is that of a locksmith and the establishment dedicated to this activity is known as locksmith. Obviously, it is an activity oriented towards a very specific purpose: maintaining security 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 sheets, work with metal carpentry structures, opening systems for automobiles, manufacture of master keys, opening of safes or advising clients on security matters.
All this is projected in four main sectors: residential, automotive, industrial and commercial. Likewise, locksmith activities are integrated into a discipline, security engineering.
Keys and locks have their history too
Historians cannot agree when it comes to specifying the invention of the locks, as 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.
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 tool used to open and close a lock becomes something full of symbolism.
Fotolia photos: ungvar / auremar
