A History of Locksmithing 1939-2004

Electronics are growing in acceptance in commercial and institutional applications. Electronic locks provide an efficient alternative for controlling access and eliminating "lost and misplaced key" problems. Electronic locks can provide audit trail, enabling companies to know who went where and when.

Most hotels are now equipped with card access lock mechanisms. Locks and security are moving towards cards instead of keys. Several companies are producing electronic locks for residential applications.

Locksmiths began installing lever handle locks and low power operators to accommodate building codes and ADA.
Delayed egress devices were introduced in the 1990s, but did not play a role in locksmith installations until 2000 or later.

With electronic access control being used for commercial, industrial, and institution operations, American Security Products (AMSEC) developed the SafeWizard®, an access control system designed around a safe. The SafeWizard controls access for up to 40 users, and maintains a log of the over 8,000 audit entries.

The Mas Hamilton Power Lever, a self-powered stand alone, electronic door lock, was introduced in the 1990s. Securitron began offering its MagnaCare Lifetime warranty.

This decade will be remembered having the capability to surf the internet 24 hours a day. Locksmith can visit many lock hardware manufacturers' websites to obtain technical information as well as templates and installation instructions after business hours. Beginning around 2000, the cost of a basic computer was less than $400. As a result, more and more locksmiths are computer literate and have access to computers. Some locksmith service vehicles are now equipped with a laptop computer, GPS and a cell phone.

1865
Sargent & Greenleaf
First Changeable Combination Lock

1865
Linus Yale
Mortise Pin Tumbler Lock (Flat Key)

1883
Blount
1st Liquid-based Door Closer

1891
Warren Taylor
Paracentric Key Inventor

1900
Corbin Master Ring Invented

1904
Yale
"Cylinder" First Used to Describe Lock

1909
Henry Gussman
Key Duplicating Machine

1911
Hugh Clark Russwin Von Duprin
First Exit Device (1904-1911)

1916
Samuel Segal
Invents Jimmyproof Rim Lock

1921
Frank Best
IC Core Invented

1921
Harry Soref
Master Laminated Padlocks

1927
Ilco Universal Code Machine Invented

1928
W.R. Schlage
Cylindrical Lock Patent

1933
W.C. Shinn
Introduced Chicago Ace Lock

1934
Briggs & Stratton
Sidebar Auto Lock

1947
Kwikset
Begins Production

1949
Harry Miller
Invents Manipulation-proof Safe Lock

1954
ALOA is Started

1955
Lockmaster
Starts Safe School

1956
Adams Rite
Introduces 1850 Deadbolt

1962
Falcon Lock Company Started

1962
Tom Hennessy
Key Coding System

1965
Sargent
Keso Locks Introduced

1968
Oliver
Medeco High Security Invented

1969
GM
Introduces Locking Steering Wheel

1972
Frank Agius
Framon Code Machine

1974
Robt Labbe
Lab Introduces Pin Kits

1975
Lagard
1200 CM Code Machine

1983
Abloy
Introduces Locks in USA

1986
Briggs & Stratton
VATS Introduced

1995
Briggs & Stratton
Transponders Introduced