Locks have been around for thousands of years. Probably as long as there have been valuables that people wanted to protect, locks — in some form — have been there to keep things secure.

Today there are many different kinds of locks. Some are very simple locks that open with a key or a combination of numbers.

Others are extremely complicated locks that open with fingerprints or special electronic keycards. Today’s locks feature many different types of mechanical and technological systems to increase security.

To get a basic understanding of how locks work, let’s take a look at two common types of locks: combination locks and pin-and-tumbler locks. These common locks are the ones you’re most likely to see on a day-to-day basis.

Combination locks can be found in all sorts of places. From gym lockers to shed doors to secret diaries, combination locks allow their contents to be accessed only by those who know the secret combination of numbers that will open the lock.

A typical combination padlock, for example, contains a wheel pack. The wheel pack contains one wheel for each number in the combination.

Each wheel in the wheel pack has a small tab — called a “wheel fly” — on each of its sides. As you turn the combination dial, a spindle that extends through the wheel pack turns a drive cam.

As the drive cam turns, an attached drive pin makes contact with the wheel fly on the nearest wheel. As you continue to dial in the correct combination, the wheel fly on each subsequent wheel makes contact until all the wheels are spinning.

When you get to the last digit of the combination, all wheels will be lined up perfectly. Notches cut into each wheel will also be aligned. These notches form a gap that will allow the lock to release and open.

Pin-and-tumbler locks are different because they require a key to unlock them. Basic pin-and-tumbler locks have several spring-loaded pins inside a series of small cylinders.

When the right key slides into a pin-and-tumbler lock, the pointed teeth and notches on the blade of the key allow the spring-loaded pins to move up and down until they line up with a track called the “shear line.” When the pins align with the shear line, the cylinder can turn, and the lock will open.

If you don’t have the right key, one or more of the pins will remain in the way of the shear line. This will prevent the cylinder from turning, and the lock will remain closed.

What does a locksmith do? It’s a little surprising but this question gets asked regularly. Locksmiths have a massive wealth of knowledge when it comes to security products etc. Think about it a moment – every car lock, every door lock, every key, every safe lock….is different. Technology is constantly evolving & we need to keep learning.

A common call we get is to gain access to a clients home or business when their keys are lost or stolen. Their locks may then need to be rekeyed – this involves keeping the same lock but changing the ‘code’ – so that the old key no longer works if the thief attempts to use it. This is very important as thieves can & do return.

Of course locksmiths do a multitude of other jobs, installing new locks, installing safes, removing broken keys in ignitions, etc.

An important note – 1 in 5 home burglaries occur while someone is home – as alarming as this is the cause is most often because of unlocked doors and windows. Your security products can only work if you use them. Please…stay safe.

Why Advanced Lock & Key? We are part of the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia. This gives the reassurance of knowing our work is of the highest standard & fully guaranteed. There are many locksmith businesses in Perth. They are not all the same! The advantage to clients who choose a well established business that employs several locksmiths is that clients have the peace of mind in knowing that there is a wealth of experience, cost effective prices & we plan on being here a very long time into the future. Forever if possible J You’re also supporting a business that invests in our young people as we take on apprentices & teach them the trade. We invest in the latest equipment & locksmithing software to ensure that we can securely, safely, quickly & as cost effectively as possible assist our clients. Our locksmiths are experienced & if they come across a challenge we have the support staff employed to help. We have also always had a 24 hour emergency service on a rotating roster with our senior locksmiths.

Our first ever blog post – About us – we opened Advanced Lock & Key in 1999 with Aaron in a single locksmith van, just over 10 years experience in locksmithing & lots of ambition! From humble beginnings we have grown to currently have 3 qualified locksmiths, 2 locksmith apprentices & our admin manager in the retail store/workshop, a marketing manager, as well as 3 on road locksmiths to service clients at their home or business.