The earliest record of a locksmith was found on a bas-relief at an Egyptian temple in Kamak dating back to 2,000 B.C. The use of raising pins to allow movement of the lock was primitive then, but refined by Linus Yale Senior and Junior in the mid-1800s. Gravity was and still is used to allow moveable pins to drop into cavities on a crossbar in order to lock a door. As the key was inserted into the lock and turned, it would move these hidden pins out of the way of the movable crossbar. The invention of the keyhole by the Greeks circa 1,300 B.C. used a slight rotary motion. The Romans designed pins of various shapes with keyholes and keys. The concept of locks was further developed in Europe, with the development of the lockcase (a wood or metal box housing the lock) and a series of sliders in a circular pattern, providing improved security.

Members of a Guild

In the 14th century, one had to be a member of a guild before becoming a recognized locksmith. In fact, in order to become a locksmith, one had to design and submit the working lock and key to the guild for approval and membership. The guilds regulated techniques and prices and soon gained control over locksmithing.

A "Smith"

The term "smith" is one who shapes metal pieces into practical objects or parts of more complex objects, often using either a forge or mould.

A locksmith historically designed, manufactured the lock's parts and assembled the lock from start to finish. He would hand cut screws and file the parts, often working for hours. Today this is no longer the case since most lock parts are mass-produced. Repairs usually are done by swapping out broken parts with new ones. However, there are some expert locksmiths that are also engineers and are capable of high-level repairs and renovations.

Modern Era

Today a locksmith not only repairs locks, but also the door frames and hinges as well. He can re-key or re-pin a lock, change the tumblers inside the lock or even "pick" a lock. Picking a lock requires opening a lock without the key by using a device that mimics the key's cutout pattern. Sometimes he may have to open a car door. This requires using a "slim Jim", which is a flat rod that slides down the car window and catches and releases the locking mechanism. Finally, a locksmith today may be called upon to install and maintain sophisticated electronic security systems.