Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
lock
Table of Contents
References & Edit History Related Topics
Images
Figure 1: Ancient Egyptian lock Figure 2: Contemporary version of the Yale lock (Left) All pins lifted to proper height by correct key, which can be turned to open lock, and (right) pins lifted to incorrect height by wrong key, lock will not open Figure 3: Warded lock and key Figure 4: Barron tumbler lock, 1778 Figure 5: Bramah lock, 1784 Figure 6: Combination safe lock The lock cannot be opened until the slots on the three wheels are in line; movement of the dial is transmitted to each wheel by a system of pins (in practice much shorter than shown), arms, and studs cylinder lock
For Students
lock summary
Discover
Panama Canal infographic
Timeline and Map of the Panama Canal
King Cobra snake in Malaysia. (reptile)
9 of the World’s Deadliest Snakes
Colorful winter sunset
What's the Difference Between a Solstice and an Equinox?
Stylish light blue jeans on wooden background, closeup of inset pocket
Why Do Jeans Have That Tiny Pocket?
The impeachment trial of Pres. Andrew Johnson, illustration from Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, March 28, 1868.
What If the President Is Impeached?
Srinivasa Ramanujan, Indian mathematician and autodidact.
6 Interesting Facts about Srinivasa Ramanujan
Orange basketball on black background and with low key lighting. Homepage 2010, arts and entertainment, history and society
The 10 Greatest Basketball Players of All Time
Figure 1: Ancient Egyptian lock
Figure 1: Ancient Egyptian lock

lock

security device
Share
Share to social media
URL
https://mainten.top/technology/lock-security
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites
Britannica Websites
Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.
Written and fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Article History
Key People:
Charles Chubb

lock, mechanical device for securing a door or receptacle so that it cannot be opened except by a key or by a series of manipulations that can be carried out only by a person knowing the secret or code. The lock originated in the Near East; the oldest known example was found in the ruins of the palace of Khorsabad near Nineveh. Possibly 4,000 years old, it is of the type known as a pin tumbler or, from its widespread use in Egypt, an Egyptian lock. It consists of a large wooden bolt, which secures the door, through which is ...(100 of 2226 words)

Access the full article
Help support true facts by becoming a member.