When Were Yale Locks Invented?

Yale locks are one of the most popular and reliable security solutions on the market. They are used in both residential and commercial spaces and have been around for over a century. In this article, we will explore the history of Yale locks and answer the question, “When were Yale locks invented?”

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History of Yale Locks

Yale locks were first invented in the late 19th century by Linus Yale Sr., a locksmith from Newport, New York. Linus Yale Sr. developed a series of pin tumbler locks that relied on the use of a small, flat key with pins of varying lengths. These locks were considered to be much more secure than the common lever locks of the time, and they quickly gained popularity.

Linus Yale Jr. and the Invention of Yale Locks

Linus Yale Jr. is credited with the invention of the modern Yale lock. He improved on his father’s design by making the key and the lock interchangeable, allowing for the same key to work with multiple locks. He patented his design in 1851, and it is still in use to this day.

Evolution of Yale Locks

Since their invention in the 19th century, Yale locks have continued to evolve. In the early 20th century, Yale developed the first pin tumbler lock with a double locking mechanism, known as the Yale Dual Lock. This was followed by the introduction of the Yale Rim Lock, which was designed to be installed on the outside of doors. This was followed by the introduction of the Yale Combination Lock, which used a combination of numbers and letters to open the lock.

In the late 20th century, Yale developed the first electronic locks, which used a keypad to access the lock. This was followed by the development of the Yale Smart Lock, which allowed users to control the lock using a smartphone or other connected device.

Conclusion

Yale locks have been around for over a century, and they continue to evolve. The first Yale locks were invented by Linus Yale Jr. in 1851, and they quickly gained popularity due to their improved security. Since then, Yale has continued to innovate, introducing the first electronic lock in the late 20th century, and the first smart lock in the early 21st century.