Locks and Bolts

Security has become very important to the majority of people, especially as the value of household items has increased greatly. Large amounts of personal goods and expensive items are stored in homes, shops and often cars. Due to this, there has been the demand for different kinds of security available; this has led to a variety of different locks and bolts being invented. There is now a different type of lock for each requirement, available in different size and also costing different prices.
The lock is either a mechanical or electronic fastening device, it is usually secured and then released through the use of a physical object such as a key, key card, finer print or security pass.
A traditional lock which is a dynamic one which can be used in many different situations is the padlock. Padlocks are usually secured by pushing the metal bolt in to the holding of the lock; they are then unsecured using a key. These are applied to different situations and are used within businesses and homes. They are available in a variety of sizes, the larger the padlock usually dictates how strong the padlock will be. These locks are often used as a deterrent and are not recommended to be used to protect high value goods or belongings.
A combination lock works in the similar way to the padlock, although rather than being released using a key, the lock is released using a code which the owner has usually set. For example the code is usually a four number combination, such as 1234. These locks are used in similar situations to padlocks although are more convenient as a key does not have to be carried around, although must ensure that the combination remains a secret.
The pin tumbler lock is one of the most common locks within the UK, these hold are a large amount of history and date back to the Egyptians. Such locks are still present on some properties today.
A wafer tumbler lock is a lock which is also used on some properties; it is usually made of die cast zinc alloy. The lock originates from the US in 1868 and is still used on properties today.
Lever locks are popular locks today as they are used on many safes. Safes are used within places such as banks, shops and some people have them at home. They are built of heavy and strong materials; the locks are also now used on doors. Some of these locks are also double locking locks.
The most common lock which is used on todays properties is the Yale lock; these are now used on the majority of doors within the UK. Such locks often lock twice, meaning the door is extra secure. As well as the main lock being present, there are usually many other locks located within the door.
Modern day safes especially in banks now include a variety of different locks, often with extreme high security in place such as eye scanners and finger print recognition.